2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ~ Against Idleness
This last chapter of Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians begins with Paul asking for prayer as they suffer persecution from the Jews whilst expressing his confidence in them obeying his command (verses 1-4). This is an intelligent lead-in to verse 6 onwards, which describes this command that Paul expects them to obey. He further explains the authority behind this command in the expression of "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (verse 6).
So, what is this command? From verses 6 to 15, we see Paul asking the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and let him not eat. These idlers are instead encouraged to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Such an idler is to be taken note of that others may have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. The term "brother" used in verses 6 and 15 shows the identity of this idler as a fellow believer. Idleness is defined as walking not in accord with the tradition received (verse 6), not willing to work (verse 10), or not busy at work, but busybodies (verse 11).
Paul's reasoning behind this command is so that the idler may be ashamed (verse 14). This is to help the idler repent. The idea is similar to that of Paul's instruction to the Corinthians to deliver the sexually immoral to Satan for destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5). Such excommunication from the church is actually a form of love to help the idlers (or sexually immoral) understand that they have been sinning and so repent. This also serves other purposes such as not destroying others' good works (e.g. feeding the poor rather than financially supporting an idle brother who is not willing to work), discarding a poor example to the rest of the church, removing bad testimony to outsiders, and deterring others from idling.
That said, we need to first examine ourselves first before examining others. As Matthew 7:1-5 points out, we need to first take the log out of our own eye before we take the speck out of our brother's eye. We need to understand that behind our intentions and actions in rebuking others is the underlying great commandment of love and not self-righteousness...
Ps. If you ever see a speck in my eye, will you please show your love towards me by taking it out? ;)
So, what is this command? From verses 6 to 15, we see Paul asking the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and let him not eat. These idlers are instead encouraged to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Such an idler is to be taken note of that others may have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. The term "brother" used in verses 6 and 15 shows the identity of this idler as a fellow believer. Idleness is defined as walking not in accord with the tradition received (verse 6), not willing to work (verse 10), or not busy at work, but busybodies (verse 11).
Paul's reasoning behind this command is so that the idler may be ashamed (verse 14). This is to help the idler repent. The idea is similar to that of Paul's instruction to the Corinthians to deliver the sexually immoral to Satan for destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5). Such excommunication from the church is actually a form of love to help the idlers (or sexually immoral) understand that they have been sinning and so repent. This also serves other purposes such as not destroying others' good works (e.g. feeding the poor rather than financially supporting an idle brother who is not willing to work), discarding a poor example to the rest of the church, removing bad testimony to outsiders, and deterring others from idling.
That said, we need to first examine ourselves first before examining others. As Matthew 7:1-5 points out, we need to first take the log out of our own eye before we take the speck out of our brother's eye. We need to understand that behind our intentions and actions in rebuking others is the underlying great commandment of love and not self-righteousness...
Ps. If you ever see a speck in my eye, will you please show your love towards me by taking it out? ;)
Labels: 2 Thessalonians, Australia, Christianity
posted by Shih Ying GUN (Jane) @ 3:15 PM
0 comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home