READ 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 

Let's look specifically in II Thessalonians 3 and see what God's Word has to say in terms of how a church is to deal with those in their midst who will not work.  

Of course, the theme here is those who will not work, and he gives two very direct commands concerning our relationship to the lazy Christian. The first command Paul gives is to avoid those who are lazy, "...withdraw yourselves from every brother..." (vs. 6). The word, “withdraw” means to avoid them.  That sounds kind of harsh, doesn't it?  This is a strong command.  

Keep in mind that back in I Thessalonians 5:14 he said, “first of all, warn them.”  They have already been warned about it.  It hasn't solved the problem. Now, Paul comes along and says to withdraw yourself from them.   

The truth you must underscore in your mind is that the Bible makes it very clear that you do not help a Christian brother or sister by condoning their sin or allowing them to go unchallenged in their sins.  God's Word is very specific about sin in the life of a believer.  One of the missing notes of today’s church is the failure of the church to deal in love with its members when there are things that ought not to be in their lives.  

So, here he is giving a word that seems to be a bit severe, but the Bible says in Proverbs 27:5, "Open rebuke is better than secret love."  If you really love an individual and you see a course of action that's going to be damaging and detrimental to them, then in Christian love, you have a responsibility to deal with this.  God's Word is very clear.  

The word tradition, in verse six, means teaching that has been passed down.  It means apostolic teaching.  It means the teachings of the Word of God.  Paul is very specific here that he is giving commands in the name of the Lord Jesus.  He is talking about Scripture.  Paul was one of those who wrote Scripture. 

What was the Scripture they were disregarding?  What was the specific command?  He tells you in verse 10. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."  

It is a very simple command.  God's command to lazy Christians is this: if you won't work, you won't eat.  No work, no food.  Keep in mind that he's not talking about those who cannot work.  He's not talking about people who are unable to work because of sickness or other reasons.  He's talking about people who are unwilling to work.  There's a difference between the two.  

One of the great blights on American culture is that there are literally thousands and thousands of people in America who are quite able to work, but they are not willing to work.  

Welfare has become a mammoth problem in this country because there are too many people who have their hands out, wanting somebody to give them something, and they are not willing to work with their hands to earn their own bread and their own keep and their own care.  The government does not owe you a thing.  Don't be brought up thinking that government owes you something!

Paul was an example of what we should be, read verses seven through nine and see how Paul lived his life.

Paul’s first command then is to avoid those who are lazy.  Tomorrow we will see Paul’s second command.

Purpose in your heart to be a good and conscientious worker every day.  It is God’s will for you and me.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why do you think Paul deals with the issue of laziness so severely?

2.  How does laziness impact our society in America?

3.  How does laziness impact our churches today?

4.  What is God’s will for you as it relates to your work ethic?