2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

Is working hard a biblical directive?  Paul wrote about those that were idle among the believers of Thessalonica.  He states in v 10-12, "Work, being productive, is part of God's plan for Christians." Dr. Charles Stanley makes this observation that “Work is not a curse but a gift from God.  The worker who never shows effort, energy, or enthusiasm is not living the godly life God created him for.” 

Paul was adamant about avoiding those Christians who were lazy so as not to model their bad habits to others. He thought that hunger and loneliness were effective in making the idle person become productive. 

How should we as Christians model work?  Paul explained he worked hard as a tent maker to set a good example and not to be a burden to anyone.  In Colossians 3:23, Paul wrote “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...”

Your job can be a platform God has given you to serve Him. Maintain enthusiasm and be honest in what you do and you will be recognized by others. If you are doing your job for the approval of Jesus, you will also do more than the bare minimum. 

Set your standards high when you are working for the Lord

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

This chapter really came across to me as doom and gloom.  Paul gives a peak into some of the unrest and confusion that comes with the end of times, and is identified in more detail in Revelations.  False prophets will be spreading their messages, the man of lawlessness will do the work of Satan with counterfeit powers and signs and miracles.  This same man of lawlessness will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship.

Paul knew that the Thessalonians would face pressure from persecutions, false teachers, worldliness, and  apathy. Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians because they were currently being subjected to and tested by these assaults on their faith.  

Pretty scary stuff. It seems that it will be pretty easy to be misled by these false and lawless people.  All the more reason to stay in the Word, and appeal repeatedly to the Holy Spirit to help us hold on to the truth of Christ’s teachings.  As Paul pointed out, none of us know when Christ will return, but we do know where our heart should lie when that time becomes reality.   Holy Spirit, stay with us, we firmly need your support and guidance.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1

 Patience and trust seem to be the main message in this passage.  Also Paul shows what a loving teacher he is by first showing the people positive encouragement in hopes, I believe, that this will propel them to keep going in the ways of the Lord.  Paul acknowledges his peoples persecution. He tells them that the Lord will settle the score and punish those who have given them trouble. Have patience, it will be in God's own time.  In the meantime have faith and be at peace.  Keep fighting the good fight.

I was so encouraged when Paul acknowledged that their love for one another was increasing. Love is always the best road traveled.  We become almost instantly transformed when love is put first.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ( 1 Corinthians 13: 7)   May we make this passage be one committed to memory.  Life is ruff and not fair (Rick Warren) so lets arm ourself for battle with this verse and all the Holy Spirit puts at our fingertips in the greatest text ever written. The Bible.