2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

A Christian community that is a hot mess of chaotic lives living in turmoil does not advance the gospel. The church is directed to keep “aloof” or “withdraw” from those Christians who lead an undisciplined life. In our world of tolerance, this seems radically strange. However undisciplined Christians being idle, unfruitful, and disorderly people will infect the church with their habits and lack of direction. In contrast, Paul uses his own life as an example. While he had the right as an apostle, missionary, and evangelist to be supported in his ministry, he took the high road and remained self-supporting. He taught by precept and practice.

The pattern in the church of unproductive members running about with the latest Second Coming rumor while at the same time being busybodies was a real threat to the long-term health of the congregation. Paul’s response was, “Let these individuals do without food”; that will get them to work and will help keep them out of trouble. 

This church had three interrelated struggles from the start, all of which could be helped by productive hard work. First, there was persecution from the first day of the church, as we see in Acts 17:1-9, which led to the second issue. In their persecution they were preoccupied with the return of Christ, which would bring relief. But they became vulnerable to muddle-headed teachers who, for no doubt various reasons, taught many misguided things, with the common theme that time was so short that work was no longer needed. Third, this led to a group of unengaged people running amok in undisciplined lives because they believed that time was all but over.

A hard-working, respectful, and productive life would certainly help with all three problems. It would not make persecution go away, but it will make Christians as useful citizens harder to persecute. It should be that when we look across the panorama of society, Christians are the hardest-working, most productive people to be found.

“Lord, help me to live faithfully in peace and not panicking about the end to come.  AMEN”

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Lest we think the gospel message is a private and esoteric thing, Paul gives us an interesting picture in verse 1. The word translated “spread rapidly” can also be translated “run rapidly.” He puts this in the context of “be glorified.” Paul may be drawing a picture of the games at the stadium. The various religions, philosophies, and worldviews are competing, and it is Christianity that will win. Is it because of the prayers of the church that the Christian faith wins in the arena of the worldviews? Sadly, most Christians are content with insulation and isolation from the world. We are comfortable praying for sick people who are only vaguely known to us or we just hear about, but we are rarely praying for the victory of the Gospel. Perhaps this is the case because of what Paul said next. 

In addition to praying for the gospel to win, Paul is aware that not everyone is a good guy. There is no “live and let live” tolerance in the spiritual realm. The opposition we face is from people who are “perverse and evil.” The word perverse literally means “no place”. It means that these people are unfit to be anywhere. The word evil is the root from which we get the English word porn. The concept is pure and absolute evil. Note that Paul presumes that such people will attack us. It is much easier for Christians to retreat into the safety of their building and gathering places and fellowship and pray for the sick people. But in doing so, they miss the opportunity to run the championship race in the stadium.

Should we choose to enter the arena, we will enjoy the strength and protection of our Savior. Often we don't engage because we are afraid. Fear would be the reasonable emotion if we were doing this alone. But if we live in the protection and strength of the Lord, fear need not be part of our consideration. The word protection is at the root of phalanx, the word used to describe the military battle formation. The reason for the success of the phalanx was the close proximity of the formation. God's protection while we are in battle is not far away; He is close to us in the battle. 

“Lord, may Your presence be the source of my strength. AMEN”