2 Thessalonians Series - Indolence in the Church

 

Indolence In the Church

2 Thes. 3:6-15

When you're at a park, and you come across a full trash can and someone throws another piece of trash on it and it rolls off onto the ground and he or she just walks away. This is laziness. This idler is the companion to the sluggard, the lukewarm, and the lethargic fool. 

Idleness in the church isn’t just about a lack of energy, some in the Thessalaonian church were lazy and some weren’t following or obeying the teachings from Jesus Christ. Paul was addressing not only the lazy person, but also the busybodies as well that were causing strife that was contrary to the Word of God. There is no place in Christ’s church for those who are lackadaisical in His work or to His Word, for this is God’s Word to the church. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Cor. 15:33) Don’t be a part of it!

This seems like hard and unloving teachings from Paul, but I cannot think of a societal group that succeeds on laziness and disruptive behavior. Our God disciplines us and it is needed in churches today. So let’s look at the first portion of our text, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they receive from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us.” (NLT)

Paul took seriously the Word of God and the work of God. Slothfulness and not listening or obeying the teachings of Jesus to the church were considered by Paul to be a form of apathy. Neither of them had any place in God’s purpose for his church. Paul used the authority of Jesus to chastise and reprimand those who were lazy. For some may have thought well the coming of Jesus was so imminent, they could just wait around, not work, and forget the purpose and will of God to be active in the work of God and listen to instruction until the moment of Christ’s appearance and the gathering of the believers. Paul used his own life as an example, for he didn’t come expecting to be served or be attended to. He came as a servant of Christ Jesus, and as such he would work for his keep and expenses as well as the preaching of the Gospel. He wanted his life’s witness to be of submission to Jesus, not an overlord who was demanding or a huckster who was peddling the gospel. “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” (2 Cor. 2:17) For he was an ambassador for Jesus to a people who were already oppressed by the world and Satanic attacks. 

Application - In our world today, we see a lack of work ethics in our society and cultures. We have been given much without having to work or strive for it. When tough times come, then society demands the continuation of the standard of living that they have been accustomed to. Lackadaisicalness, the lack of drive and determination to work has spilled out into all areas of life, even into the church. People can see the things that need to be done in the church, but have become apathetic to the work of God and the reading and listening to His Word. They have become like the world, demanding our rights, freedoms, and privileges, which lead to becoming disruptive to the work of God by complaining and slandering over the lack of things we believe we deserve. This is an attitude that God dealt with the Israelites, and he will deal with us in the church by disciplining those who are lazy and disruptive by avoidance.

 Jesus told us to continue our tasks until he came. “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” (Luke 12: 42-43) Laziness and apathy are not the attitudes of a Christlike life and they will not be rewarded. We are to be like our Lord and those who imitated his lifestyle. Jesus didn’t demand anything from the world or his rights from the Father, even though he was the Son. He submitted his will to do the work and the will of the Father until his task was finished. Let this be our attitude as well. 

Next Paul continued in his admonishing of those who were slothful. Let’s read the next portion of the text, “We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. (NLT)

Paul was not boasting or bragging about himself, he simply showed the Thessalonians that godly work ethics is what God commanded and applauded and would reward. For God has stated in the Proverbs. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.(6:6-11; 19:15)

Paul worked for his meals, contributed to the manual labor needed to help those who needed help. He had seen his share of those who relied on the provincial governments for their means in the different countries he had ministered in. Many times in Paul's travels, he would encounter similar people who caused disruptions for Paul or impeded the gospel message by their lazy and corruptible lifestyle or the joining in on the accusation against Paul.

Paul left a message for those who refused to work,  “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Paul wasn’t appealing to people’s unprincipled flesh, but to the heart of those who listened and obeyed the Word of God and were at work fulfilling His purpose for their lives. Jesus gave many parables about the kingdom of Heaven being about those who labored until the master came or they finished the task. (Matthew 25:14-30, Mark 13:34-37) Paul made it clear, there was no room for indolence or disruptive behavior in the kingdom of heaven or in the church.

Application - In the governmental system of Rome, it was the custom to supply food and wine to the working class (plebeians), as well as free entertainment in the arenas in order to control the populace by supplying their basic needs. The people became accustomed to these bribery gifts, and when they were not given them, they protested and rioted. 

In our society, today we have created a welfare state mentality that has generations of the poor and working class dependent on the government's benevolence (bribery). But it is the teaching of scripture to work for our sustenance. “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Prov. 13:4; 14:23)

We, as the believers in Jesus Christ, must be diligent in our work, working for the Lord Jesus. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Col. 3:23-24) 

Jesus set the standard that Paul lived by, and so should we. We shouldn’t be looking for a handout from God, but to be a hand at work for God. As the word stated, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Paul stated to the Galatians, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal.6:9-10) 

Last Paul commends those who gave their lives to the work of God. Let’s look at the last portion of the text, “As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.” (NLT)

Paul knew that there was a great reward from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ awaiting those who had believed in Christ and submitted their lives to the Holy Spirit. Paul taught the church is the body of Christ, and they were to conform to and emulate Christ Jesus. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Rom. 8:29) Paul knew that the work of God is what man was created for since creation, but not only work but fellowship with God and eternity in His presence. For God had made a way to restore this through faith in his Son Jesus Christ in whom Paul preached and emulated his life. Paul understood the need to do good and finish the task that he was given to do, so he encouraged others to imitate him.

 And Paul’s last command, if those who will not listen, who disobey, or refuse to work to earn a living, or to help the church or provide for others and themselves, they are to be avoided but not hated. Paul wants their shame to be the factor that the Holy Spirit uses to draw them back. For Paul had taught that all believers in Jesus Christ understand they are to love one another, even if it means loving in truth, tough love.

Application - There are many in the church who are at the tasks that God has equipped them to do. They are working diligently in sharing the Gospel, helping the needy, and leading people to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. They are discipling, equipping, praying for the souls of this lost generation. Jesus said this (the church generation) would see all the signs he said would happen before His return, and we are to continue in the work and watch for his coming to gather the church. It is very near, right at the door. “In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.” (Matt. 24:33-34 NLT) 

 It is also true that we are living in the Laodicean church age (Rev. 3:14-22), a lukewarm church age. Some have bought into and brought into the church the indolent mentality of the world. “There is no hurry, Jesus will take care of bringing in the lost, we just need to rest for we have all that we need to hold the fort.” “The government will assist us if we have needs.” “Besides, aren’t there those who are being paid to do the work in the church?” “I heard that Bible stories as a kid, I don’t need to know anymore.” “We believe Jesus is real, that he is God’s Son and that is good enough.” “Again, why is Jesus waiting so long to come and get us, can’t he see we are waiting?”

We are not to hate those who have these mindsets but as Paul said to avoid them, and not let their influence disrupt the body of Christ doing the work of God. This is not easy but God disciplines those he loves, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?” (Heb. 12:6-9)

I’m again including the ABC’s of salvation (JD Farag). Please, Jesus, God the Son, came to this world to save all who would believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you, He is the Light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him. He will answer you if you will truly believe. If you haven’t asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

 First, A - Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God and there is a change of heart, we change our mind and God changes our hearts and regenerates us from the inside out. Romans 3:10 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners which is why we must be born spiritually in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven). Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death, in other words our sin means that we have been given a death sentence, we have the death penalty hanging over our heads, that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Second,

 B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. This is trusting with all of your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Third, 

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every single person who ever lived since Adam will bend their knee and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." Don't wait until later — do this now. Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son; I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that He was buried and You raised Him to life. I have decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting only in His shed blood as sufficient to save my soul and to take me to heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen."

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows that we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please go to http://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In His Service Mike Davis