A Purpose Driven Congregation

2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3 HCSB

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us. For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: We were not irresponsible among you; we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and struggled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others. Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ that quietly working, they may eat their own food. Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet don’t treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand —Paul. This is a sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Message of the Church

Spread

Honor

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary 1988

13 Definitions for Honor: Here are a few

Good Name

Merited Respect

Privilege

Superior Standing

Symbol of Distinction

Purity

When used as a verb to treat, live up to or fulfill the terms of, to bow.

Deliverance

Reality

Confidence

Rejection by the Church

Self-Proclamation/Hypocrisy

Undisciplined

Laziness

Concise Oxford English Dictionary Lazy

lazy

■ adjective (lazier, laziest)

1 unwilling to work or use energy.

2 showing a lack of effort or care.

3 (of a river) slow-moving.

Irresponsible

Interfering

Concise Oxford English Dictionary Interfere

verb

1 (interfere with) prevent from continuing or being carried out properly.

▶ get in the way of.

▶ handle or adjust without permission.

▶ Law attempt to bribe or intimidate (a witness).

2 intervene without invitation or necessity.

3 (interfere with) Brit. euphemistic sexually molest.

4 Physics interact to produce interference.

5 (of a horse) knock one foot against the fetlock of another leg.

Burn Out/Grow Weary

Limitations

Brothers

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Brother

broth•er \ˈbrə-ṯẖər\ noun

plural brothers also breth•ren \ˈbreṯẖ-rən; ˈbre-ṯẖə-rən, -ṯẖərn\ [Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan] before 12th century

1: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another

2: one related to another by common ties or interests

3: a fellow member—used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations

4: one of a type similar to another

5 a: KINSMAN

b: one who shares with another a common national or racial origin especially: SOUL BROTHER

6 a capitalized: a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work

b: a member of a men’s religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders 〈a lay brother〉

Enemies

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Enemy

en•e•my \ˈe-nə-mē\ noun

plural -mies [Middle English enemi, from Anglo-French, from Latin inimicus, from in-1in- + amicus friend—more at AMIABLE] 13th century

1: one that is antagonistic to another especially: one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent

2: something harmful or deadly 〈alcohol was his greatest enemy〉

3 a: a military adversary

b: a hostile unit or force

Evidence of

Paul’s Writing

Understanding

Guidance for a purpose driven Congregation

Grace/Peace/Assurance

Communion