2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 says...
Today's verses are 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, which read,
v.6 - Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
This verse sounds a lot like the Guardrails series we have been watching on Sunday evenings with Andy Stanley. This is not a suggestion from Paul but a command to the Thessalonian Christians with the weight of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is this very heavy handed command? Keep away! Keep away from who? Keep away from those who say they are Christians but their life doesn't show it. I wrote down a quote a couple days ago that I heard that said, "I can't hear your words because your actions are shouting so loud." Paul instruction is to stay away from those who are thumbing their noses at God and what God says.
v.7-9 - For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
The Thessalonian Christians were dealing with false teachers who were doing just the opposite in actions of Paul and his companions. The false teachers were lazy and relying on others for their food. Paul was working night and day so that he was not a burden but was still giving them the message of the gospel. The false teachers wanted to "get" something from the people. Paul wanted to "give" something to the people. The false teachers weren't willing to sacrifice their time and resources. Paul was willing to sacrifice to be able to provide even more resources. The false teachers were saying, "Come wash my feet." Paul was saying, "Let me come and wash your feet like Jesus washed mine."
Sometimes we attached godliness with the wrong things. Sometimes we attach it with how much someone has. "He must be blessed by God, look at all he has." Sometimes we attach it to the outward appearance of a person. Sometimes we attach it to their age or their family name. Sometimes we attach it to the position they hold. Godliness needs to be first attached to the humbleness and brokenness of someone's heart toward God. It will be seen by their sacrificial life to show glory to God by thinking and acting on behalf of others rather than themselves.
v.10 - For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
This sounds very harsh but Paul will add some meat to the bones tomorrow. To keep in context, Paul is talking about people who are taking advantage of others. He is not talking about the poor or those who are disabled. He is talking about those who are able and choosing to live off of others. Paul is showing just the opposite example with his life. Paul's work, even though as a minister of the gospel was to be provided for in the church, showed the Thessalonica Christians how work and how they worked brought out a genuine message of Christ to those around them.
People will always compare. The world will put out its message of a life of comfort while God tells His followers to put the cause of Christ over that comfort. You will be comforted but let that come from God because you put the cause of Christ, His kingdom and righteousness, first in your life. If you are going to compare then look and try to figure out what is their motive. Is it to please self or to please God? Is it to point to themselves or to point to God? Is it to honor God partially with segments of their lives or to honor God wholly with all of their life? Tomorrow will give more instruction on this especially in the area of how we work.
"Lord, the Bible is getting very practical and relevant again. You know where we need a talkin' to. Every aspect of my life is to be a witness of You. Help me to see that so I don't just slide by in a certain area. May I take my sliding and turn it into surrender to You so the sacrifice can turn into service for my King. Amen."
Pastor Adam
v.6 - Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
This verse sounds a lot like the Guardrails series we have been watching on Sunday evenings with Andy Stanley. This is not a suggestion from Paul but a command to the Thessalonian Christians with the weight of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is this very heavy handed command? Keep away! Keep away from who? Keep away from those who say they are Christians but their life doesn't show it. I wrote down a quote a couple days ago that I heard that said, "I can't hear your words because your actions are shouting so loud." Paul instruction is to stay away from those who are thumbing their noses at God and what God says.
v.7-9 - For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
The Thessalonian Christians were dealing with false teachers who were doing just the opposite in actions of Paul and his companions. The false teachers were lazy and relying on others for their food. Paul was working night and day so that he was not a burden but was still giving them the message of the gospel. The false teachers wanted to "get" something from the people. Paul wanted to "give" something to the people. The false teachers weren't willing to sacrifice their time and resources. Paul was willing to sacrifice to be able to provide even more resources. The false teachers were saying, "Come wash my feet." Paul was saying, "Let me come and wash your feet like Jesus washed mine."
Sometimes we attached godliness with the wrong things. Sometimes we attach it with how much someone has. "He must be blessed by God, look at all he has." Sometimes we attach it to the outward appearance of a person. Sometimes we attach it to their age or their family name. Sometimes we attach it to the position they hold. Godliness needs to be first attached to the humbleness and brokenness of someone's heart toward God. It will be seen by their sacrificial life to show glory to God by thinking and acting on behalf of others rather than themselves.
v.10 - For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
This sounds very harsh but Paul will add some meat to the bones tomorrow. To keep in context, Paul is talking about people who are taking advantage of others. He is not talking about the poor or those who are disabled. He is talking about those who are able and choosing to live off of others. Paul is showing just the opposite example with his life. Paul's work, even though as a minister of the gospel was to be provided for in the church, showed the Thessalonica Christians how work and how they worked brought out a genuine message of Christ to those around them.
People will always compare. The world will put out its message of a life of comfort while God tells His followers to put the cause of Christ over that comfort. You will be comforted but let that come from God because you put the cause of Christ, His kingdom and righteousness, first in your life. If you are going to compare then look and try to figure out what is their motive. Is it to please self or to please God? Is it to point to themselves or to point to God? Is it to honor God partially with segments of their lives or to honor God wholly with all of their life? Tomorrow will give more instruction on this especially in the area of how we work.
"Lord, the Bible is getting very practical and relevant again. You know where we need a talkin' to. Every aspect of my life is to be a witness of You. Help me to see that so I don't just slide by in a certain area. May I take my sliding and turn it into surrender to You so the sacrifice can turn into service for my King. Amen."
Pastor Adam
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