Monthly Archive for November, 1999

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2 Thessalonians 3:12

Published on November 20, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread“
 
Now those who are such we command and exhort
 
In the next two verses, Paul will reveal further insights about the “disorderly” by giving four commands to those who walk orderly (vv. 13-15). These commands show the obedient how to deal with the disobedient.
 
The word “command” appeared in verses four, six and ten. This is the fourth time Paul uses this word. Now he adds another word — “exhort.” Christians not only need commands, but they need exhortation. It is not enough to simply command. Christians need encouragement.
through our Lord Jesus Christ
The sphere of authority for the four following commands is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
that they work in quietness
“Quietness” means silence. The idea is that this person should not meddle in the affairs of others. We are not to meddle in other people’s business, but to quietly mind our own business.
and eat their own bread
“Stay out of the business of others and work to provide for your own needs.” “Mind your own business!”
Principle:
Privacy is a Christian value.
Application:
Work is a way of giving a testimony for the Lord. When we mind our own business and not meddle in other people’s business, we show a true Christian testimony.
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2 Thessalonians 3:11

Published on November 19, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies“
 
For we hear that there are some who walk among you
 
Paul receives a report of three problems in the church at Thessalonica:
1) they are out of step with a biblical principle,
2) they quit their jobs and sold their businesses and
3) they are busybodies.
in a disorderly manner,
We already considered the word “disorderly” (vv. 6,7). Someone who is “disorderly” is someone out of step with the church. They do not have a sense of order. They do not accept biblical principles because they have their own set of norms for the Christian life. They feel that it is proper to live like a parasite off fellow Christians and that sponging off other Christians was a good idea. They have the idea that “the world owes me a living.” In the case of the Thessalonian church, some members felt that the other believers owed them a living.
not working at all,
Some people in Thessalonica quit their jobs and others sold their businesses because they mistakenly thought that the immanent return of Christ meant the immediate return of Christ.
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
but are busybodies
“Busybodies” carries the idea of not minding one’s own business. Literally, it means to be working around with the idea of meddling in other people’s business. There is a play on words in the Greek — they are not busy in their own business but busy in the business of others. These people bustle about, trifling needlessly in matters not their own. They are busy all right but not busy in business! They are busy in everyone’s business but their own.
People with too much time on their hands usually become gossips and intrude into the lives of others.
Principle:
Laziness always creates a vacuum, creating the opportunity for idlers to meddle in other people’s business.
Application:
Nature abhors a vacuum. When people have too much time on their hands, they stick their noses in other people’s business.
Being tough on the principle of work prevents the development of a parasite problem.. By insisting that people work for their own food, we correct the problem of busybodies who meddle in other people’s affairs. These people always cause big problems in the church.
“And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15).
Some people assign to themselves the prerogative of religious cops. They love to tell other people how to run their lives. They know how to run every other family better than their own. They know how to run the church better than anyone else does. This is a great problem in many churches today. We need to deal with it like the apostle Paul did.
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2 Thessalonians 3:10

Published on November 18, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 4 Comments
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“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat“
 
For even when we were with you,
 
Paul reminded the Thessalonians of a principle he taught them while he was in Thessalonica: “If any will not work, neither shall he eat.” His gospel team did not receive any gifts without first working for their livelihood.
 
we commanded you this:
The Greek indicates that Paul’s team continually commanded the Thessalonians that working for meals is a biblical principle.
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat
The Greek emphasizes the phrase “will not.” The issue is their obstinate attitude toward the subject of working for food. Laziness goes against many biblical principles. The question here is not refusing to give aid to those who cannot help themselves. He is not talking about people who cannot find a job or people who do not have the physical ability to work. The problem is exclusively living off the graciousness of other people.
The rationale some Thessalonians gave for not working was that Paul taught the imminent return of Christ and that He might come back momentarily. When they ran out of financial resources, they started sponging off their fellow Christians causing relational problems in the church.
Principle:
To be tough about the principle of work is to be kind to individuals and to the church.
Application:
Many people today do not think in terms of principle. They hear an emotional story and respond, unknowingly fostering a parasite mentality in the church.
The problem here regards discernment. It appears that the only criterion for some in determining what we should do is “feeling.” If it feels right, do it.
God provides resources through our work. A principle of God’s creation is to work for our welfare. The only exception are people who cannot work for themselves.
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2 Thessalonians 3:9

Published on November 17, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“…not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us“
 
not because we do not have authority,
 
The gospel team had the right to receive financial support from the new church at Thessalonica (1 Corinthians 9:4-6, 14; Galatians 6:6).
 
but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us
Paul worked as a tent maker and exemplified a positive work ethic for the Thessalonians.
The gospel team was an example of sacrificial giving. The word “example” means type. They had the right to receive financial support from the Thessalonian church (1 Corinthians 9:3-14; 1 Timothy 5:18) but they chose to give up that right for the sake of a new church. The team did this to set an example about work.
Principle:
Christians are to be individual examples of Christianity.
Application:
God expects Christians to view themselves as examples or types to the Christian life. We are to set the pace for others. We are to walk the talk. A reliable walk is of more worth than a barrel of words.
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
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2 Thessalonians 3:8

Published on November 16, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 2 Comments
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“…nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you…“
 
nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge,
 
The gospel team did not live off the new Christians at Thessalonica when they came to establish the church there. The Thessalonians were brand new Christians saved out of paganism with little understanding of Christian values so the gospel team waved their rights of financial support from the church there.
 
but worked with labor and toil night and day,
The team maintained themselves by hard manual labor night and day. They worked hard to bring the gospel to the Thessalonians.
that we might not be a burden to any of you
Paul did not want to be a heavy burden (Greek) to the Thessalonians. He did not want to load them down with an unnecessary financial burden (2 Corinthians 11:9). He was not a parasite on the Thessalonian church although he had the right to receive support from them. Paul waved that right in the light of the situation at that church. Even as Paul wrote this epistle, he worked at tent-making in Corinth (Acts 18:3).
The Philippian church sent money to Paul while he was in Thessalonica (Acts 16:15,34,40). Paul did receive financial help from others but not from the Thessalonians themselves.
Principle:
Christians should wave their rights for the sake of others.
Application:
Are you willing to wave your rights for others? Is the spiritual life of someone else more important to you than your spiritual rights? Mature Christians wave their rights for others. They set the pace for others.
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2 Thessalonians 3:7

Published on November 15, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you…“
 
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us,
 
The gospel team set an example. They practiced what they preached. They were the models for Christianity.
 
Paul expected others to follow him. We get our word “mimic” from the Greek word for “follow.” The idea is that of a model. Paul says, “Use me as your model of conduct.”
The word “ought” is an imperative. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to follow his example since the gospel team was in their obedient attitude and actions towards the Word.
for we were not disorderly among you
“Disorderly” suggests being out of rank, out of one’s place, undisciplined, behaving disorderly. In the military sense, it means to break rank. Paul’s team did not live off or mooch off the new Christians at Thessalonica (v.8). The team worked for their meals and keep.
Principle:
It is not enough simply to believe something; we should strive to exemplify those beliefs.
Application:
As Christians, we should be concerned about our testimony (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6; 2:1f; 2:10). This is an imperative of the Christian life.
Small children mimic their parents. Older children mimic athletes. Children mimic both bad and good examples. When they get older, they watch people cheat on their taxes.
As Christians, we follow those whose lives are in accord with the Bible. It is not enough to simply believe something; we must behave something. Likewise, we must be an example to others. The things we do and say will come back to haunt or bless us. When our lives are in agreement with the Word, others can follow us.
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2 Thessalonians 3:6b

Published on November 14, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us“
 
and not according to the tradition
 
A “tradition” is something handed down. “Tradition” here means the oral and written teaching the gospel team passed down to the Thessalonians (1 Corinthians 11:2).
 
which he received from us
The word “received” carries the idea of receiving from another person. The Thessalonians received both written and oral information from Paul’s team (i.e.1 or 2 Thessalonians).
Principle:
Christians are to reject people who show contempt toward Scripture.
Application:
Some Christians will wound us more than help us. We may be fine on our own, but the moment we are with these people there is trouble.
Church discipline must be handled biblically. This includes having adequate evidence of the fault, and giving the person warning ahead of time. As well, the person should be confronted privately, in accordance with Matthew 18:15. The next step involves public rebuke and banishment from the church.
The purpose of such church discipline is not punishment, but restoration to fellowship. It is an attempt to get the offender’s attention so that he/she will repent and stop rebelling against the Word of God.
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2 Thessalonians 3:6

Published on November 13, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 2 Comments
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“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us“
 
Paul now turns to admonishing the disorderly (vv. 6-15).
 
But we command you, brethren,
The word “command” means to announce beside. This is a “command,” not a suggestion. Paul is not addressing a debatable issue. It is a divine directive.
No one today has the authority of the apostle. The apostle had special rights of authority to found the church and write Scripture. Our only apostolic authority today is in the Word of God.
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Paul’s plea is to the person of Christ, to General Jesus, Commander-in-Chief of the head of the church. The command of the gospel team did not come from their authority but from the authority of Christ.
We do not find authority in pontifical decrees of church leadership or in fail-safe fiats but in the authority of the Bible. Our authority is vested in the Bible.
that you withdraw
Paul commands that the Thessalonians “withdraw” from certain Christians. We are to avoid certain types of Christians. “Withdraw” means literally to furl the sails. In essence, he’s saying, “steer clear of certain types of people.” This is a form of excommunication. In addition to “withdraw,” the additional idea of “have no company with” occurs in verse 14.
from every brother
We are to withdraw ourselves from any brother who walks disorderly. We should not show partiality. There is a temptation in the church to make allowance for the wealthy and the popular. Such partiality weakens the church.
who walks disorderly
Paul isolates the particular predicament — some people are renegades in the church.
The word “walk” means to walk around as a course of life. The issue here is not an occurrence of disobedience, but disobedience as a way of life.
A “disorderly” person is someone who consistently falls out of rank, somewhat like soldiers in a march (3:7,11). This person is out of step with the church. They deviate from the prescribed order for the church. The church will fall into confusion if it does not live by biblical principles.
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints….Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:33,40).
”For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” (Colossians 2:5).
Principle:
We are to break fellowship with those who reject the principles of the Word as a course of life.
Application:
We do not fellowship with those who reject the authority of the Word of God. The Bible is the base for fellowship. We get in step with other Christians when we accept the authority of the Bible in our lives.
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2 Thessalonians 3:5

Published on November 12, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ”
 
Now may the Lord direct your hearts
 
God will “direct” the hearts of the Thessalonians. The word “direct” comes from two words: to make straight and down. The idea is to clear away any obstacle in their hearts toward loving God or steadfastly enduring trial.
 
into the love of God
The “love of God” is our love to God. Paul prays that God would direct the hearts of the Thessalonians to love God.
and into the patience of Christ.
Paul prays that the hearts of the Thessalonians will follow the “patience of Christ.” The word “patience” means endurance. They were to persevere in their persecutions as Christ did in His. They faced political and social pressure from their community. They needed to follow the example of Christ in suffering.
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Principle:
When we pray for others, we can make a difference in their lives.
Application:
Do we pray for the hearts of fellow Christians? We need to pray that 1) fellow believers will direct their hearts into love for God and 2) they will develop a steadfast character like that of Christ.
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2 Thessalonians 3:4

Published on November 11, 1999 in 2 Thessalonians. 0 Comments
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“And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you“
 
A further basis for confidence is that God will enable them to do what Paul commanded them.
 
And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you,
The word “confidence” shows Paul had complete trust in and reliance upon God’s ability to work in their lives. Paul in the previous verse lauded the faithfulness of God; now he demonstrates his trust in God’s faithfulness in working in the lives of the Thessalonians.
Note that Paul does not say, “I have confidence in you Thessalonians.” He has confidence in what God will do through the Thessalonians. Paul did not put his confidence in people. If we do, we will be terribly disillusioned.
“It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9).
both that you do and will do the things we command you
The basis for Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonians is in the previous phrase, “in the Lord.” He described the nature of the Lord in verse three as “faithful.”
The Thessalonians “do,” that is, were in the process of doing, the things that the gospel team taught them about the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 3:11).
“Will do” indicates the confidence of the gospel team that the Thessalonians will continue with their discipleship.
Principle:
We do what we do because of God’s work in our lives.
Application:
The church is God’s church; we can rest in what God is doing with His church. What God begins, He finishes.
“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6).
Our faithlessness does not nullify God’s faithfulness to us. God’s faithfulness does not depend on our faithfulness to Him.
“If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).
God cannot go back on His Word no matter how unfaithful we might be to Him. He cannot change His character. That is why we can place our trust in Him. We cannot place that kind of trust in our doctor or preacher. We need to trust them but not with the kind of trust we place in God.
Sometimes those we love the most let us down. Your loved one will let you down. Key people in your congregation will let you down. Your best friends will let you down. God will never let us down. You will never be disappointed in Him.
Have you been wounded by fellow Christians? You will never live long enough to straighten them out. We think everyone else needs straightening out, except us, of course. If we designate ourselves as experts, we set ourselves up for correction.
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