2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 - 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. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 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; 9 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. 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. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul instructs the church to keep away from believers who live undisciplined lives and refuse to work (v. 6). He reminds them of his own hard work among them to not be a burden, setting an example to follow (vv. 7-9). He reiterates that unwillingness to work should not be tolerated for daily provision (vv. 10-12). Paul urges the church to not lose heart pursuing good in the face of hostility (v. 13). Yet withdrawal and admonishment should occur for the disobedient as a brother to provoke repentance (vv. 14-15). Finally, he prays the Lord would guide their hearts to live responsibly before God and men (vv. 16-18).
How can I apply 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 to my life?
In his closing words to the Thessalonian church, Paul teaches core truths relevant for believers in every generation. Though some had stopped working and become busybodies burdening others, the apostle calls for personal responsibility and living quiet, diligent lives so that outsiders see the gospel attractive. He charges the church not to grow weary doing what is good even when facing hostility, but instead bless persecutors and bear mistreatment with Christlike patience seeking to restore the wayward. Paul’s instructions warn that close ties to those living undisciplined lives can negatively impact our own walk. Rather we must pursue friendships that build up faith and righteousness to finish our race strong.
As modern day followers of Jesus, we too battle weariness and encounters with idleness or hostility. Through the Spirit’s empowerment, we persevere continuing good works and godly encouragement that points others to the Savior. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Don’t Hang Out with Those Living Idle, Undisciplined, Sinful Lives (v. 6): In his letter, Paul teaches believers to keep away from every brother walking idle and not according to apostolic teaching. At times, even Christians fall into patterns of undisciplined living and sin. When we allow close ties with wayward companions, it can lead our own hearts astray from following Christ. Yet the Lord calls us to pursue relationships that build up our faith, not tear it down. Wise and righteous friends refresh our souls. Their godly counsel and Christ-like love steer us towards our heavenly home. The qualities to seek in companions are found throughout Proverbs: integrity, wisdom, kindness, self-control. Prayerfully examine friendships that may be negatively impacting your walk with Jesus. Have you exhausted efforts to gently restore those wavering in faith? Cling to the Savior - the source of grace to walk uprightly. His finished work empowers righteous living in those who believe. May our fellowship bring honor to our Redeemer, who gave His all to free us from sin’s grip (Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24-25).
Food for Thought: What friendships may be hindering my walk with Christ that I need to set biblical boundaries with? What qualities described in Proverbs are most important to me when choosing close companions? Have I been patient and compassionate in trying to gently restore struggling friends, while also guarding my walk?
2. Work Diligently and Do Not Be a Burden to Others (vv. 7-12): The apostle Paul offers his own labors as an example of diligence. Rather than become a burden, he toiled night and day so as not to be dependent on others for provision. Following this model prevents giving opportunity for criticism. Moreover, Scripture exhorts against idleness and upholding those unwilling to work. So, we must not grow weary doing good, but persevere in honorable vocations providing for our own needs and having extra to give to those truly in hardship. Steadfast diligence in our daily responsibilities and care not to exploit generosity demonstrates godly wisdom. Press on enduring hardship as good soldiers of Christ, not entangled in civilian affairs. Bear false accusations with patience and bless those who persecute you. This is the character that Jesus modeled: perfect virtue despised by wicked men. He supplies strength to live uprightly, so we lack no good thing when walking in His commands (2 Thessalonians 1:4, Acts 20:35, Ephesians 6:9).
Food for Thought: Do I diligently devote myself to honorable work and self-provision? Have I cultivated patient endurance in hardship without grumbling?
3. Continue Doing Good Encouraging and Admonishing Each Other in the Lord (vv. 13-18): As Paul concludes this passage, he charges believers not to lose heart in doing what is good. Despite some in the church turning from truth, we follow our Lord's model by reaching out patiently to restore wandering sheep. We steer struggling saints toward righteous living through compassionate encouragement, corrective guidance from Scripture, and comforting passages from God's Word. Seeking to serve others above ourselves, our willingness and upright conduct provide opportunities to share the gospel's transforming message of grace. Press on overcoming evil with good, repenting of angry knee-jerk reactions to difficult people. Instead, pray blessings over those who are hostile toward us. Entrust hardship to our Creator, for He has promised in His Word to supply the strength needed to persevere. His divine grace within us empowers steadfast continuity in doing what is right during times of duress, not repaying evil for evil. Alongside strong spiritual disciplines, encourage fellow believers; demonstrate patience with all, seeing others through Jesus' eyes - reminding the wavering of Christ's loving sacrifice securing the forgiveness of sins (Romans 12:21, Matthew 5:44, 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 4:19).
Food for Thought: Do I demonstrate Christlike patience and compassion in trying to restore struggling believers? Have I prayed for and blessed those mistreating me instead of reacting in anger?
In summary, Paul gave essential instructions for righteous living in his letter to the Thessalonian believers. He addressed growing problems of idleness and selfishness placing unnecessary burdens on others. Some brothers walked undisciplined while interfering in other’s affairs. But the apostle exhorted the church not to grow weary doing what is good. Despite hostility faced, keep blessing persecutors and restore struggling saints with compassion. Deal cautiously with friendships drifting from truth that may lead our hearts astray. Rather, pursue Christlike relationships refreshing our souls to finish strong. Diligently provide for your needs through honorable work, being patient in affliction. Follow our Lord’s model laboring sacrificially to benefit others, not exploiting generosity. By God’s strength, persevere in doing right. Let us encourage the wavering and weak in faith through the hope of the gospel. Living quietly with personal responsibility demonstrates this gospel attractive to outsiders.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would fill me with the Holy Spirit to walk uprightly and diligently in all my responsibilities without burdening others. Empower me to keep doing good works with patience and bless those who are hostile toward me, instead of retaliating. Help me to avoid close ties that may hinder my faith, and, instead, nurture Christlike friendships bringing encouragement. Give me discernment to gently restore struggling believers. I pray that You would give strength when I face affliction or persecution for my faith, so that I might respond with grace. Never let me forget that the gospel is open to all who repent and believe. I want my life to demonstrate this good news in an attractive way to nonbelievers. Produce perseverance and godly wisdom in me by Your Word and Spirit to finish this race strong.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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