LIVING GODLY IN A WICKED WORLD - THREE PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS
READ 1 Thessalonians 4:11
If our lives are going to stand up for Christ and stand out in the world, we have to be willing to live ''blameless and harmless [innocent]...in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.'' (Philippians 2:15)
Paul provides practical instruction for how we are to live. He doesn't just tell us to ''do better'' or ''be good'' he tells us practically what we are to do.
There are three simple and practical instructions given here in verse 11.
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” (vs. 11)
This advice is not complicated, it's pretty simple. It's not hard to understand, but maybe a bit more difficult to do.
1. Lead a quiet life: ''study to be quiet” (aspire to live quietly).
The emphasis is on the quietness of mind and heart, the inner peace that enables a person to be sufficient through faith in Christ. Paul did not want the saints running around creating problems as they earned their daily bread.
In the phrase “study to be quiet” Paul used the two verb forms in almost a contradictory fashion. ''Study'' means to be zealous and strive eagerly, even to consider it an honor, whereas “be quiet'' means to be silent, not speaking out inappropriately, remaining at rest and tranquil.
In anticipation of the Lord's return, believers are to lead peaceful lives, free of conflict and hostility toward others, which is a witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
This shouldn't be too hard for some of us to understand. Some people - may be not you but someone you know - must work really hard to be quiet! It takes a lot of effort and energy to keep their mouth shut! So, now you get the picture, don't you?
2. Mind your own business: ''do your own business” (mind your own affairs)
“Do your own business” was a common statement in those days. We don't know if Paul is giving general instruction or if he is addressing a particular group within the church.
But we know he issued a follow-up instruction in 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” The people who wouldn't mind their own business were ''busybodies,'' running around meddling in everyone's problems.
3. Work with your hands: ''work with your own hands...''
For the most part, the Greeks despised manual labor. Most of the work was done by slaves. Paul, of course, was a tentmaker; and he was careful in Thessalonica to set the example of hard work. Unfortunately, some of the new believers in the church misunderstood the doctrine of Christ's return and gave up their jobs to wait for His coming. This meant that they were supported by other Christians, some of whom may not have had sufficient funds for their own families. It also meant that these fanatical people could not pay their bills, and therefore they lost their testimony with the unsaved merchants.
There are times when Christians don't act like Christians. They ignore the influence of the Holy Spirit. They revert back to their old pattern of living. They act in accordance with their old nature - not their new one. Paul gives us practical instructions here as to how we are to walk in a way that pleases the Lord and brings Him glory.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How can we study to be quiet? Does your life reflect the quietness referred to here?
2. What would be a good personal rule in your life to guard yourself against being a busybody?
3. Do you know people who are busybodies? What seems to surround them?
4. How does Paul’s admonition concerning work impact your life? Are you consistently a good worker?