2 Thessalonians 3:10-18

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Leading Disciplined Lives; The Closing of the Epistle

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Laziness has no place in a believer’s lifestyle.

  2. Leeching has no place in a believer’s lifestyle.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Can you say, “I don't have time to gossip?”

QUESTIONS

  1. Why is the benediction of this epistle considered typical of Paul?

  2. What is the common feature of these verses: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2:16-17; 3:5; and 3:16?

  3. Why did some believers stop working?

  4. What was the result of idleness?

  5. How did Paul deal with these problems

  6. What is “leeching”?

ANSWERS

  1. In all of Paul’s epistles he wrote, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

  2. They were all prayers.

  3. They were waiting for the Lord’s return.

  4. They became busybodies, lazy, disorderly, moochers, gossipers.

  5. He warned them that if they don’t work they shouldn’t eat. When they failed to heed the warning, he then commanded them to work. If they did not they were to be separated from fellowship.

  6. It is the same as freeloading, reaping the benefits of someone else’s work.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Laziness has no place in a believer’s lifestyle. A person who can work should work and not be supported by others. Do you know some lazy, freeloading Christians?

  2. Review Paul’s biblical pattern for freeloaders in this section of Scripture: warn them, command them to work, separate them from fellowship, and admonish them. Do you apply these principles in your family as well?

CHALLENGE

  1. Some Thessalonian believers were busybodies and gossipers because they had time on their hands. It’s too easy to slide or drift into gossip when you sit around doing nothing. Gossip is a sin, and should have no place in a believer’s life. Avoid it by working.

KEY VERSES

  • “ If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

  • “ Work in quietness and eat your own bread. ” - 2 Thessalonians 3:12

  • “ Brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. ” - 2 Thessalonians 3:13

  • “ May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. ” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16,18



2 Thessalonians, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms2 Thessalonians 3:10-18