2 Thessalonians 3
by Pastor Mark Hudson
I would like to concentrate our attention to the section beginning with chapter 3 verse 6. The church in Thessalonica possessed definite opinions about the return of Christ. Some of them were so convinced Christ was returning quickly that they stopped earning a living and fulfilling their financial obligations. In one sense, it makes sense. If a believer really thinks Christ is returning in the next few weeks or months, going to work might be rather low on your list of priorities. So, Paul writes in I Thess. 4:11, “and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
Combining those verses with our section today, it seems that work can be viewed as rather unspiritual. I imagine you can see why. Which is an interesting twist on the topic of work. The Bible begins with God working, creating the world. On the seventh day, He establishes a pattern of work for 6 days, then rest for one. Work is not a curse but a gift from God. Everyone works, from a mother to a president.
Let’s look at what Paul says. First, he claims working is important. Notice the note of authority in v. 1. “We command you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away . . . not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. In v. 10, “. . . we would give you this command . . .” In v. 12, “. . . such persons we command . . .” “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him . . . .”
Paul states that most people, if they do not work, get into trouble. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop so the saying goes. Paul uses the word idleness v. 6 or idle v. 7. Paul and his companions were examples (v. 9) to the Thessalonians. In verse 11, some were not working but they were meddling (another way the word in the original is translated instead of busybody). They were not busy but they were busybodies.
You have probably already witnessed the firm response to those who refuse to work. Paul is calling for church discipline to be continued. First keep away from those who walk in idleness (v. 6). If anyone refuses Paul’s teaching the other believers were to “. . . take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed” (v. 14). The topic of work or not working was serious to Paul. I can imagine that those who refused to work put a more positive spin on their behavior. Not Paul. He told the truth. He called them idle, disobedient (anyone does not obey in v. 14) and the believers were to have nothing to do with them. Harsh? Not if you understand how important providing for one’s family is to God.
Paul reminds them he would tell them this often. First this topic is part of the corpus of material Paul taught. Paul calls it tradition or something one hands over or hands down to someone. In v.7, “For your yourselves know how you ought to imitate us . . .” In v. 10, “Even when we were with you, we would give you this command. . .” Paul is not stating a new teaching but reminding them of topics he normally includes: justification, forgiveness of sins, and WORK. Work has always been and will always be a major part of our lives.
We must add that this “do not work, do not eat” rule is not iron clad. Children were fed, older people were fed, widows were assisted (Acts 6:1ff -though with some prejudice thrown in as well). But the principle remains. One could say this to a group of children in the first century or now to compel children to pick up their toys before dinner: “Those who do not work, do not eat. Work together and pick up.”
Work can be drudgery and boring, but work can also express our creativity, fulfill our calling and provide great benefit to others. Your work benefits others. Fixing a plugged pipe, repair a car, building a bridge that carries millions of people, contributing to the building of a vehicle, all this is for the benefit of others as well as to the work. The simple work that goes unnoticed, preparation and presentation of daily meals, a clean house, children that are taken to and picked up from events are pleasing to God. Yes, our work pleases God.
Paul considered a work a way to express your faith. Look at these few verses: Col. 3:23 :Whatever you do, work heartily, zas for the Lord and not for men. . . .”1Th. 4:11 “. . . and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.”
There is a fine line between working to the best of your ability and trying to get ultimate satisfaction from your work. But this section in 2 Thessalonians may prompt you to reflect on your work (school, home, caring for a parent, etc.). Jesus worked until he was about 30 years old. Paul worked during his ministry. Most of the people in church work outside of the church. But I also remind you that pastors work. It may seem something any Christian would love to do. Ministry is a calling but those who do it well, are not sitting around wasting their time.
Father, thank you for our work: at school, caring for children, or a myriad of paid or unpaid work we have. Forgive my bad attitude about work, my daydreaming about not having to work, my irritations with small interruptions or problems. Help me to do my work as unto the Lord. Many of the people I work with may never read these verses, but they will read my life. You have given me jobs to do. Let me be the one who volunteers to do a bit extra at work and to lift a hand if and when I can at church. I really have nothing better to do. And if I cannot work the way I want, help me not to be idle but to find ways to encourage others. Keep me from complaining about my pain, my lack of __________. Thank you, Father, the very One who worked the first full week. In the name of your Son, once a carpenter and now the King of kings. Amen.