1 &2 THESSALONIANS STUDY 11

Get on with the job 2 Thess. 3:1-18

Introduction

This final chapter, while introducing new thoughts, also echoes concepts which have previously surfaced.

While looking at the new emphases, it would also be good to look back and share the things which God has said to us personally through these two letters. E.g. what made the greatest impact on you? What things would you like to understand more fully? How are the letters an encouragement to us as a church? In what ways do they set us an example or provide a rebuke, etc.?

In Chapter 3 Paul majors on a prayer request and the need to be industrious.

1. Let’s pray for each other (1-5)

That’s Paul’s emphasis here. In Study 8 we looked at Paul’s emphasis on prayer in his first letter. You might like to review that, and compare it with this letter: see 1:3,11,12; 2:13.

In 1 Thess. 5:25 there’s just a general prayer request. Now notice the two specific requests in 2 Thess. 3:1,2. These would have been early days during his stay in Corinth, the city from which he wrote these letters, and they reflect his hopes for that pagan centre of vice and also his fears. See the background in 1 Cor. 2:1-5; Acts 18:1-11. In what ways did God answer these prayer requests in 2 Thess. 3:1,2?

Verses 3-5 probably reflect the way Paul was praying for the Thessalonians. Pick out the details he refers to. Bearing in mind the Thessalonian situation, why were they important issues to pray about?

In our prayer time this evening try to raise specific issues where God’s help is needed in the church and in our personal experiences right now.

2. There’s work to be done (6-15)

a. Why do you think some of the believers were idle, perhaps having given up the work they were previously doing? Could it have been something to do with their misunderstanding about the Second Coming? What could their reaction have been if they heard that Christ had already come or was just about to do so?

b. Obviously, there was work available, Paul’s instructions presuppose this (6,12). We’re fortunate in that as a church we’re not in an area of high unemployment. But what advice would you give to Christians who had been made redundant or were unemployed?

Fortunately, with State benefits, etc. we can still eat without working. Does that mean, however, that a person without paid employment is forced to be idle? What things could Christians with time on their hands be able to do – both in the church and in the community?

c. Think about Paul’s practice of both earning his living and serving the Lord in the church at the same time (7-9); see also 1 Thess. 2:9; Acts 18:1-4). Why was this a good example? Comment on the suggestion: “If you want something done in the church, ask a busy person.”

d. “They are not busy; they’re busybodies” (11). Why is this often the case? Think about it in the light of our own saying that Satan finds plenty for idle hands to do.

Paul’s words about work come as a strong command (6,12), not just a request, and strong action is to be taken concerning those who offend (6,14). Why should he take so firm a line? But note also v.15. What does this suggest about the way we should approach situations in the body of Christ?

POSTSCRIPT: Verses 16 and 18 are of course, prayer in the heart of Paul. Pray these prayers for each other, remembering that peace (shalom) means wholeness and well being, and that grace carries with it the sense of God’s endowment of power and strength for every need and situation.