Get to Work

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.

Pray.

1. A Warning (vv.6)

Paul uses strong wording. A command AND in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Keep away from anyone who is a Christian that is walking in idleness and not in accord with the teaching Paul had given them

The ESV Study Bible says this:

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 3

In idleness (Gk. ataktōs) means “in an undisciplined, irresponsible, or disorderly manner.

-This punishment of disassociation by the community seems really harsh (most likely they were excommunicated if they would not heed the warnings of the church)

-Some groups have used it quite effectively to control the behavior of its members

-The believers that were being punished were not working, but abusing the generosity of the other believers and depending on them for their expenses

2. An Example (v.7-9)

-Paul put his money where his mouth was

-Paul had a right to receive support from the church and used that right in other places, but he did not in Thessalonica

-Paul knew that there were people that would falsely accuse him of taking advantage of the generosity of the people. We also see that there were those in the congregation that seemed to struggle with their work ethic

-Paul labored among the believers using his skills as a tent maker so that he could set them an example

3. An Encouragement (vv. 10-12)

Paul had a simple motto that he followed whenever he was with the people

“If you don’t work, you don’t eat”

You know, your appetite is a good motivator to get you moving

Paul had heard that many of the people were not hard at work, but busybodies

-The word busybody means to be a meddler

-Word is only used once in the NT and that is here

This is what Paul was concerned about with younger widows in 1 Tim. 5:13

1 Timothy 5:13 ESV

13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.

Peter also warns against this in 1 Peter 4:15-18

1 Peter 4:15–18 ESV

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Conclusion:

Nothing kills our witness for Jesus worse than being lazy and taking advantage of other people.

The Bible says that Jesus came to serve and be an example for us. He left all of the glory of heaven and came down to this earth to save us. All we must do is place our faith in what He did for us and accomplished on the cross.