Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from 2 Th 3:1 and following. Indeed, Paul commends himself to the prayers of the saints (1 Thess 5:23-28). He himself never ceased to pray for them (2 Thess 1:11-12). He relied on the faithful Lord to strengthen them and keep them from the Wicked. He also relied on their obedience, and this includes the simple fulfillment of their daily duties. But some in Thessaloniki had stopped all work. Since the Lord is coming, they felt, what is the point of cultivating His field, and going about the affairs of the present life? And, sadly, they meddled in everything (1 Tim 5:11-16). Paul protests vehemently. Nothing in his teaching could give pretext for such disorder (1 Thess 4:9-12). On the contrary, he had given the example of manual work so as not to be dependent on anyone. And the supreme example is “the patience of Christ” waiting to present himself to his dear assembly.
With the epistles to the Thessalonians, we come to the end of the letters that Paul wrote to seven very different congregations. The various aspects of Christian life and doctrine are dealt with, from the acquisition of salvation in Romans to the coming glory. All these teachings are of the greatest price to us. May the Lord grant us to hold them together in order to stand firm (2 Thess 2:13-15)!
In this same chapter, we find the contrast between the daily conduct of the faithful brothers and that of the brothers who, not wanting to work, walk in disorder. Paul worked so as not to depend on others or to be dependent on them. We too can, in our daily work (not brethren employed in the Lord’s work) serve and glorify the Lord. Those among the Thessalonians who lived in laziness no doubt had, as often happens, all sorts of good reasons to give, such as the imminent coming of the Lord, to fold their arms. But the sad consequence of their lack of occupation was that they “meddled in everything.”
Often, in the Assemblies, disorder is introduced by the unoccupied who, having nothing else to do, feed on scandals, unduly enter into the circumstances of the families, criticize their brothers in secret, instead of approaching them openly or praying for them, divulge such confidential words, lend intentions to the actions of their brothers without knowing the reasons, walk in one word “out of order” to use the words of the apostle. The Thessalonians were urged to withdraw from such people. Write them down and do not trade with them, so that they will be ashamed of them. However, they should not exclude them from the Assembly, but warn them as brothers instead of considering them enemies.
That was the way to protect the Assembly from these disorders. This discipline placed, without entrenching him, the one who “meddled in everything” in isolation and under the judgment of the Assembly. Here we see all the wisdom that the Spirit of God deploys in the conduct of the Church, and in matters of discipline. It is important to God that all in the Assembly set an example of order and daily work for their needs. If we do not find here the highest character of walking, let us not forget that it is this character that strikes the eyes of the world that surrounds and watches god’s children to take them at fault.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
The Lord is trustworthy:
- Faithfulness of Christ
2 Thess 3:3 The Lord is faithful, He will strengthen you and preserve you from the evil one. 2 Tim 2:13 If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. Hb 2:17 Consequently, he had to be made like his brethren in all things, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to atonement for the sins of the people; Rev 19:11 Then I saw the open sky, and behold, a white horse appeared. The one who mounted it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and fights with justice.
- Patience, ordered
Luke 21:19 by your perseverance you will save your souls. Rom 12:12 Rejoice in hope. Be patient in affliction. Persevere in prayer. 2:2 Say that the elderly must be sober, honest, moderate, healthy in faith, in charity, in patience. So Be patient, brethren until the lord comes. Behold, the ploughman awaits the precious fruit of the earth, taking patience with it, until he has received the rains of the first and late seasons.
- Good example
2 Thes 3:9 It is not that we do not have the right, but we wanted to give you in ourselves a model to imitate. 1 Tim 4:12 Let no one despise your youth; but be a model for the faithful, in word, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in purity. Hb 11:4 It was by faith that Abel offered God a sacrifice more excellent than that of Cain; it was through her that he was declared righteous, God approving his offerings; and it is through her that he still speaks, though dead. 1 Pet 2:21 And this is what you have been called to, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you might follow in his footsteps,
- Lazy
Pr 6.6 Go to the ant, lazy; Consider his ways, and become wise. Pr 13:4 The soul of the sloth has desires that he cannot satisfy; But the souls of diligent men will be satiated. Pr 20.4 Because of the cold, the sloth does not plough; At the harvest, he would like to harvest, but there is nothing. Pr 26:16 The sloth believes himself wiser than seven men who respond with common sense.
From all the above, we note that the Apostle adds these words: “Now the Lord of peace himself always gives you peace in every way… The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.” Peace is also one of the characteristics of our life and our daily witness. If we are attached to the Lord, His peace (as well as His patience) will be shown in all our ways and even in our struggles (Eph. 6:15). “Grace and peace,” he says at the beginning of this Epistle (as he has done in all the others). “Peace and grace,” he said as he concluded. May peace reign in our hearts and determine our ways, but let us ultimately rely on the perfect grace that saved us, brought us to God and which we can expect with certainty to follow us, accompany us and lead us to the blessed moment when it will introduce us into glory! Our prayers are with you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterhole to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow “the false doctrines and the gospel of grace.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.