2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 / Warning Against Idleness

Idleness in the church is detrimental to the health and function of the body and should be taken seriously.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 ESV

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

The Command Regarding Idleness in the Body

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

We command you, brothers ...

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...

“Keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”

Are there really Christians we are supposed to avoid?!!!!

Well this commands up to do so...

Obviously the answer is yes.

Who is this Christian we are supposed to avoid?

1 Corinthians 5:11 ESV

11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

bear the name brother...

sexual immorality or greed

idolator, reveler, drunkard, swindler

NOT EVEN EAT WITH SUCH A ONE.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

walking in IDLENESS???

(Maybe we are missing something.)

Greek word: (ataktos) “not submitting to discipline or order.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6 KJV 1900

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

so like a rebelrouser

or maybe a maverick

2 Thessalonians 3:7–10 ESV

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

How do you join those things together?

Bible interpretation 101

What does it say.

What does it mean?

Understand what it means in the ORIGINAL CONTEXT

The Church is a BODY

The Church is a COMMUNITY

excommunicated from their family and friends

that is not the same in our culture

but it is still true in many parts of the world.

In this community - your good, talents, wealth was used to support this community of believers.

We are raised in a culture that promotes consumerism.

what job benefits me

what school district

what house

what career

Even in a consumer based culture...

At the heart of every Christian should be a desire to serve.

This describes that kind of christian who is consumer.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 ESV

11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 ESV

14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Even discipline is ultimately about restoration.