2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

As we continue our study of this passage, Paul gives a second command, to admonish those who are lazy. He is instructing us to speak to those who are lazy and deal with the problem.  

Young Christians need to be taught how to live the Christian life and they need to be taught a good, solid work ethic.  

He says in verse 12, "...that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."  In verse 13, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in welldoing."  That means with a calm disposition, stick to the job, and finish the task.   

"Eat your own bread," means to earn your own keep.  Pay your own way.  

Again, in verse 13 he says, "And be not weary in well doing."  He is saying -- don't lose heart.  Be a faithful worker. Be an honest worker. 

Be on time, be punctual.  Don’t take anything that doesn't belong to you.  Not a stamp.  Not a gym clip.  Don't walk half the business home with you every day.  Don't haul things off that don't belong to you.  "Be not weary in welldoing."  

They must be instructed, but then they must be confronted.  He says in verse 14, "and if any man obey not..."  If you have a lazy Christian who won't work, note that one.  That means to put a tag on him.  Mark that one and don't associate with him "that he may be ashamed."  That sounds harsh.  Read it all and see what the point of it is.  

Verse 15, "Yet count him not as an enemy..." He is saying that the purpose of dealing with the lazy Christian in this manner is not a vindictive kind of thing.  It's not like that person has become your enemy.  "But admonish him as a brother."  

That word, admonish, literally means to speak to the heart of.  He is saying to speak to the heart of this individual.  Sit down with your brother and talk about the problem as someone who cares.  

The point is to bring this individual to a place where he can be a working, faithful Christian.  Whether Jesus Christ comes today or tomorrow, whether he comes in the morning or not, you ought to work and do your work as if you are going to have 40 more years. That's the way you ought to live as a Christian. 

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How are we to instruct those who are unwilling to work?

2.  How are we to admonish those who are unwilling to work?

3.  Why is it so difficult for us to admonish another?

4.  How does the attitude of your heart come into play when approaching someone else about their sin?