Disorderly Christians (2 Thessalonians 3)

Do we pray for our ministers? Is God faithful? Is Christ steadfast? What should we do about disorderly Christians? Let's discuss this in 2 Thessalonians 3.

Do we pray for faithful ministers of the Gospel, for both their message and their safety?

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 KJV)

Is God faithful? Is Christ steadfast?

But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 LSB)

What should we do with those who call themselves brethren but live in an idle and disruptive manner contrary to Christian teachings?

Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother or sister who leads a disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB)

Were Paul and his companions lazy?

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NIV)

Did Paul work to set an example of hard work? Why? Could he have lived off the Gospel instead?

not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 NKJV)

Is laziness a Christian way of life?

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. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 NLT)

What if some refuse to work for a living?

If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 WEB)

How did the writers bless the church?

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 CEB)

Though the letter was written by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, who was the principal writer?

I always sign my letters as I am now doing: PAUL. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to all of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:17-18 CEV)

Do we pray for faithful ministers? Is God faithful? Is Christ steadfast? What should we do about disorderly Christians? You decide!

Conclusion to 2 Thessalonians

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy wrote of this joyful church’s growing faith despite persecution. Can Christians easily be alarmed by false prophecies? Was apostasy predicted? Does standing on the rock of Jesus’ teachings ensure we are not fooled? Should we tolerate disorderly people in our churches? You decide!