Living Faithfully in an unruly world

Work Worthy of the Calling

Bible Passage: 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13

Summary: In this passage, Paul instructs the Thessalonian church about the importance of personal responsibility and diligence, emphasizing that believers should work to eat and not rely on others for their sustenance while maintaining their Christian witness.

Application: This sermon reminds Christians to uphold their responsibilities and contribute positively to the community. It helps believers understand the value of hard work, not just for personal benefit but as a reflection of their faith and testimony to others.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the necessity of balancing faith with action. It stresses that faith should be accompanied by diligence and responsibility, highlighting that laziness is contrary to Christian living.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ embodies the ultimate example of working diligently and selflessly, as He came not to be served but to serve others. His work on the cross underscores the importance of effort in achieving the good purposes God has for us.

Big Idea: Faith manifests through diligence; Christians are called to work responsibly as an extension of their faith, living out their calling with integrity and commitment.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of Thessalonica regarding work ethics and social expectations. Look into any exegetical challenges related to the specific terms Paul uses in the passage, especially concerning 'idle' and 'disorderly.' You might also want to utilize Logos for insights into commentaries on 2 Thessalonians that highlight early church responses to work-related issues.

1. Set Apart from Idleness

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7

Perhaps you can emphasize how Paul sets a standard by commanding the Thessalonian believers to distance themselves from those living idly. By doing so, this serves as a practical approach of aligning themselves with the example set by Paul, who lived and worked among them. This can encourage believers to assess how they influence others with their work ethic, demonstrating that genuine faith manifests in proactive responsibility, following Christ's example of diligent service.

2. Serve as Examples

2 Thessalonians 3:8-9

You could highlight that Paul and his companions lived in a way that was consistent with their teaching, working hard to not be a burden and offering themselves as models. This reinforces the need for Christians to practice what they preach, allowing their actions to bear witness to their faith. By emulating this practice, believers can showcase Christ's selfless service, challenging the audience to live in a way that both demonstrates and strengthens their faith.

3. Standards for Sustenance

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11

Perhaps this point could emphasize the clear directive that those unwilling to work should not eat, illustrating the principle of accountability within the community. By addressing disorderly behavior, Paul encourages the community to maintain standards of responsibility, echoing the moral and communal responsibility that Christ Himself called His followers to. This can inspire believers to examine their own habits and refocus on contributing positively to their community.

4. Sustain the Pursuit

2 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Maybe you can conclude with Paul's exhortation to live orderly lives, continually doing good without becoming weary. This final encouragement ties the practical teaching of the passage to a spiritual perseverance, urging believers to faithfully fulfill their call to diligence as a reflection of Christ's enduring work. It can serve as a rallying call for Christians to persist in good deeds, remaining steadfast despite challenges, with a focus on eternal reward.

“Living Faithfully in an Unruly World”

Preacher: Rev. Jim Johnson

Paul writes to a church struggling with distraction and disorder. Some had stopped working, waiting idly for Christ’s return. But faith, Paul reminds them, is active—it shapes our choices, our character, and our community.

Key Points:

Faith Is Not Idle: God calls us to live with purpose. Our faith takes form through action.

Work as Worship: Every act done in love—whether at home, at church, or in the world—is sacred.

Community Matters: The Christian life is shared; we hold each other accountable with love.

Perseverance in Grace: “Do not grow weary in doing good.” Faithful endurance honors God and blesses others.

Application: In a world that often celebrates self over service, Paul calls us back to community-centered living—working, serving, and encouraging one another as reflections of Christ’s faithfulness.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction: Faith in a Fractured World

We live in a world that often feels unruly—pulled apart by distraction, division, and disorder. Our calendars overflow, our minds race, and our souls grow weary from noise and confusion. And in the midst of it all, faith can feel like one more thing to manage rather than the grounding center of our lives.

Paul wrote to a church facing a similar struggle. The Thessalonian believers were waiting for the return of Christ—but some had stopped working altogether, convinced that the end was near. They thought waiting meant sitting still. But Paul reminds them that faith is never idle. Faith moves, works, serves, and perseveres.

Reflect on the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. Only five were prepared when the bridegroom came; the others were left unready. This serves as a reminder: it’s not about predicting the Rapture, but rather about maintaining our spiritual readiness each day. Christ called us to live vigilantly and boldly, to be engaged in the world around us, rather than paralyzed by predictions of fear and uncertainty. Let’s focus on our daily walk with Him.

Today, Paul’s words speak just as clearly: “Do not grow weary in doing good.” In other words, keep living faithfully—even when the world seems to have lost its way.

1. Set Apart from Idleness (vv. 6–7)

Paul begins with a strong word: “Keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive.” He’s not being unkind—he’s calling for spiritual alignment.

Idleness, in Paul’s view, isn’t just laziness; it’s disengagement from the mission of God. To live idly is to disconnect from the rhythm of grace that gives purpose to our days. Paul himself modeled something different. He worked with his own hands as a tentmaker while preaching the gospel. He didn’t separate work from faith—he saw work as faith in motion.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:36 that no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return. This uncertainty can lead to rampant speculation and fear. Time after time, prophets emerge declaring imminent Rapture, only to have their predictions falter. Instead of focusing on the 'when', let us dedicate ourselves to being 'ready' in our hearts and actions, living each day in service and love—a promise that stands firm regardless of what tomorrow holds.

As Christians, we are set apart not by how loudly we speak our faith, but by how faithfully we live it. Our diligence, integrity, and commitment quietly preach the gospel every day.

So Paul challenges us: Don’t let distraction or discouragement make you idle. In a world that tempts us to sit back and scroll, the call of faith is to stand up and serve.

2. Serve as Examples (vv. 8–9)

Paul and his companions practiced what they preached. They worked hard, not to earn salvation, but to show salvation—to make faith visible. He writes, “We did this... to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.”

In the early church, Paul set an example by tent-making. By providing for his own needs, he showcased the value of hard work and the importance of not being a burden. His actions mirrored his teachings, teaching the church that faith involves effort and responsibility. We inspire others when our actions align with our words, a powerful reminder of our faith in action.

That’s a humbling call, isn’t it? To live in such a way that others could follow your example and find Jesus there.

The world doesn’t need perfect Christians—it needs consistent ones. People who show up, who keep their promises, who do what is right even when no one’s watching. That kind of faithfulness is contagious.

There was a young person who always took the backseat in school projects, letting others shine while they quietly did the work. One day, they discovered that their contributions had been crucial to their team’s success. Though they were not recognized, they felt an overwhelming joy knowing their humility and faithfulness made an impact. Just like Jacob, we may not be in the spotlight, but God sees and values our service to others. Remember that even the smallest act of faithfulness can bring about greatness in God’s kingdom.

When you teach a child to pray before bed, when you forgive a neighbor, when you serve quietly behind the scenes—you’re modeling the life of Christ. You’re showing the world that grace works—that love works—that faith works.

3. Standards for Sustenance (vv. 10–11)

Then Paul says something that sounds harsh at first: “If anyone is not willing to work, let them not eat.”

But he’s not talking about those who can’t work—he’s addressing those who won’t. His concern is community health. The early church was built on mutual care, but mutual care requires mutual responsibility.

Think about a basketball team; if a few players refuse to practice or give their all, it not only affects their chances of winning but also demoralizes teammates who train hard. I was living in a small farming community in Southern Minnesota. We had enough players to start the game but had to bring Junior Varsity players along to make it look like we had a larger team. With our small, outsized, out classed team, we were able to compete and thrive, because we played together as a cohesive team. In Paul's message, we see that everyone playing their part is essential. Just as each player relies on one another, the church community thrives when each member is committed to working together. When we contribute our talents, skills, and energy; it’s not just for ourselves but for the whole team.

When one person decides to withdraw and take advantage of others, it strains the body. The community of faith thrives when everyone contributes—when gifts are shared, hands are joined, and hearts are aligned.

Paul’s teaching reminds us that faith has a work ethic. It’s not about earning God’s favor—it’s about living responsibly in gratitude for the grace we’ve received. Christ Himself worked tirelessly in ministry, teaching, healing, feeding, and forgiving. He didn’t come to be served but to serve.

So Paul’s challenge is this: Do your part, however small it may seem. Your work matters to God because it’s part of the kingdom’s fabric.

4. Sustain the Pursuit (vv. 12–13)

Finally, Paul closes with an encouragement: “Never tire of doing what is good.”

Imagine a teacher who dedicates evenings to preparing lessons, grading papers, and cheering on her students. At times, she feels overlooked and underappreciated. Yet, one grateful student, years later, returns to express how her encouragement changed his life. Similarly, when we strive to do good despite feeling weary, we may never know how our actions influence others profoundly, echoing Paul’s message to remain steadfast in goodness. In my last church, I had been working with the youth. It seemed that all my efforts were in vain. Parents, teachers, I think you understand how I was feeling sometimes. There didn’t seem to be any engagement, any success with the kids. I worked in the elementary schools and in the high school and my efforts seemed to be in vain. I encouraged the kids. I supported their efforts. Nothing. I had one rebellious youth who went and joined the Marine Corps, and his girlfriend at the time the Army. He just made it through after a couple of attempts, and she ended up going through air born school, and special ops. Became an officer. But it wasn’t me. I felt that I was more the problem then a council. It wasn’t until I was at my going away party for that church for coming here that I found out something that changed my life forever. The entire firehall was filled with well wishers. At a certain point, the person in charge gathered everyone together and asked if there was anyone who would like to say a few words. Cloe Henkel was the first to get up and speak...she was in middle school. The one sentence that remains with me is her saying, “ You may never know what impact you have made in my life.” I didn’t think that I had really done anything, especially for her, but she seemed to believe that I had. It wasn’t until just a few years ago did I find out what that means. I didn’t know that she had been fighting a disease in silence, but my encouragement had pressed her forward. She published her first book while she was still in high school, and since has written a couple more books. She has a syndicated podcast, speaking to some of the leading medical experts addressing her situation. I don’t feel responsible for her success, but I do feel relieved that I was able to give her encouragement. She never asked for sympathy, and I don’t ask for recognition. I am grateful that she is alive and thriving and living in God’s Grace.

That’s easier said than done, isn’t it? We grow weary—especially when our efforts go unnoticed, when change comes slowly, when the world feels too broken to mend.

But Paul knew that perseverance is itself an act of faith. To keep doing good in a world that doesn’t always reward goodness is to trust that God is still at work behind the scenes.

When you keep serving even when you’re tired, praying even when you doubt, or loving even when you’ve been hurt—you are living the gospel. You’re showing that Christ’s love has taken root deep enough to outlast discouragement.

So Paul urges us: Stay faithful. Don’t give up on doing good. The world may be unruly, but God is unwavering.

Application: Faithful Living in a Self-Centered Age

In our culture, success often looks like self-promotion—getting ahead, standing out, securing more. But Paul reminds us that true success is found in service, not status.

Faithful living is countercultural. It means:

Working with purpose, not just for a paycheck.

Seeing your daily tasks—no matter how small—as acts of worship.

Holding one another accountable in love, not judgment.

Encouraging the weary, not criticizing the weak.

When we live this way, our faith becomes a testimony. The unruly world sees order. The restless see peace. The weary see hope.

Conclusion: The Work That Honors God

Paul’s message is simple yet profound: Faith is not idle. It moves. It works. It loves.

When we take up our callings—whether in a classroom, a kitchen, a hospital, or a field—we participate in God’s creative work. Every honest effort, every act of kindness, every word of encouragement becomes a hymn of praise.

So let us live faithfully in this unruly world—not withdrawing from it, but shining within it. Let our work reflect His grace. Let our diligence declare His goodness. And let our perseverance point to the One who never grew weary of doing good for us.

Because in the end, it’s not just about what we do, but why we do it:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Amen.