2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Paul now asks the Thessalonians to pray for himself, Silas, and Timothy.

Why?

Paul and these apostles were heavily persecuted. It’s tough to endure persecution, it’s tough to stay motivated when the world closes its ears to God’s Word. Even tougher when Christians do the same. Unfortunately, we see that more and more today.

So Paul was asking for prayer, so the Word of God may have “free course.” Meaning, so God’s Word “runs” free, having free reign in the world. This would glorify our faith, even as the Thessalonians were glorified by Paul.

Unreasonable And Wicked Men

2 Thessalonians 3:2
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

There’s no doubt, Paul was referring to his encounters with the Jews of the synagogue, (Acts 18:5-6, 12-13). They were the persecutors of our Christian faith. Many of them were “unreasonable and wicked men,” evidenced by their desire to crucify our Lord and Savior.

Unfortunately, the persecution didn’t end with Jesus, it continued with the Apostles, then the Thessalonians, and all of the early church. Yet, despite all the hardships of the Apostles, they were successful in converting some of the Jews, even chief rulers, (Acts 18:8).

We should also remember, Paul was a former Pharisee, and he also persecuted the church before his conversion, (Philippians 3:5, Acts 23:6). What a horrible feeling it must have been for Paul, to now be in the opposite role.

When we consider this verse in the modern era, we see a world filled with “unreasonable and wicked men” who do not have any faith at all. In fact, that seems to be the case for most of the world. Never fear it though, Instead, continue to persevere, and do God’s work.

We can even take comfort in the words of Jesus as He spoke them to Paul.

“Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:”

Acts 18:9

Always remember that.

No matter what sort of “unreasonable and wicked men” stand before us, never stop speaking about Jesus Christ. If we do, then our enemy wins.

The Lord Is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Unlike men, God is always faithful to us, as long as we remain faithful to Him.

I do want to make it clear, we’re not being told evil men will never get in our way or cause us trouble. Unfortunately, that happens every single day, even to devout Christians. In fact, in this book, Paul has detailed his own persecutions and those of the Thessalonians.

I simply point this out, so we do not have unreasonable expectations.

We’re simply being told, if we are faithful to God, then He will keep us from the evil one, (1 John 5:18). In fact, the word “evil” can even mean “the Devil.” Therefore, God will keep us from “the wiles of the Devil,” (Ephesians 6:11).

2 Thessalonians 3:4
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Paul had confidence that God would continue to place His hand upon the Thessalonians. Due to that, they would continue to adhere to the Gospel that Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached to them. In fact, this verse ties us right into the last one.

If we are faithful to God, He will help establish us spiritually, and keep the Evil One from us. While God’s power is more than capable of this, it’s our adherence to His Word that makes it possible. God protects, strengthens, and uplifts those who love Him.

Patient Waiting For Christ

2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Hey, always remember God’s never-ending love.

Ask that His love leads and directs your life. If you have hatred and malice in your heart, you are sailing the wrong ship. You cannot help yourself, your family, or strangers through envy and strife.

By the way, did you catch the last part of the verse?

Paul told the Thessalonians to ‘patiently wait for Christ.’

That’s a tough one, isn’t it?

If you recall from 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul went into great lengths to explain, Jesus would not return anytime soon. In fact, he made it very clear that several events must transpire before Christ’s return.

Therefore, we are to patiently wait on Jesus, while we continue to do the good works He instructed us to perform.

Warning Against Idleness

Paul’s now going to change gears and talk about laziness.

Listen up.

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Paul provided the same Godly advice to the Corinthians, (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). In fact, the words of Paul, along with the rest of Scripture show us how unique and complete the Bible is.

Why?

This Book was inspired by God.

As we consider this verse, we should remember, there will always be “Christians” who are “disorderly.” This even means in a moral sense.

There are Christians that refuse to walk after the tradition of this Gospel, (2 Thessalonians 2:15). They are those that become entangled in the world, just like Demas, (Philemon 1:24, 2 Timothy 4:10). If they’re allowed to walk disorderly in the church, they will surely tear it apart, and pull others down with them.

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is very common in the church.

To a large degree, many churches have gone with the ways of the world. We see congregations and denominations embracing the morality of society, in order to become popular with it. These so-called houses of God left Jesus, as they refused to follow this simple advice.

By not staying rooted in Scripture, we take on the tradition of the world, instead of the tradition of God.

Setting A Christian Example

2 Thessalonians 3:7
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

Paul now backs up his words, by reminding the Thessalonians that he, along with Silas and Timothy were well-behaved in their presence, (1 Thessalonians 2:10). In fact, these three provided a great example of how Christian brothers are supposed to act and conduct themselves.

Now, I don’t want you to just read the verse and move on.

I want you to think about it for a moment.

Whether or not you realize it, people are always watching you. If you say you’re Christian, but live unGodly, people will have no respect for you or your faith. On the other hand, if you live according to your faith, it shows that God is an active force in your life.

It displays to the world, what it means to be a Christian.

Never forget it.

2 Thessalonians 3:8
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Paul even reminds the Thessalonians, we didn’t even eat your bread! Instead, they labored for their own food in addition to ministering to them, (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Why did they do that?

Paul, Silas, and Timothy didn’t want the Thessalonians to have any doubts as to their true intention. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to understand, they were not there for monetary gain, but to serve God, and bring His word to them.

Paul’s about to add some more details…

2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

Paul simply explained, they behaved themselves as they wanted to provide a positive example for the Thessalonians.

Why?

So the Thessalonians would know how they should conduct themselves around others. So they would know the apostle’s intentions were pure and true from the heart.

That is our takeaway as well.

Always conduct yourself honestly, this provides a positive example of our faith. Then others who accept Jesus will also know how they should conduct themselves.

We learn from the Bible, and others learn from us.

If You Don’t Work, You Don’t Eat

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Unfortunately, there were disorderly brothers in the church that would not even work, but expected to eat. Notice, this comes right after Paul explains, “Hey, not only did we preach to you, but we provided for ourselves.”

This is a verse society needs to hear more often today.

If you do not work, then you should not eat.

Today, society teaches entitlement, that everyone deserves the wealth someone else earned. That is not Godly, it is not righteous, but the way of a slothful sluggard.

Moreover, never forget, idle hands are the devil’s workshop.

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Not only were there disorderly brothers among the Thessalonians, but they wouldn’t lift a finger. Instead, they spent their time being a “busybody.” That’s a person who invests their time spreading rumors, or being concerned about someone else’s affairs, (Proverbs 16:27-29).

All that does is lead to envy and strife, and it divides our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is why every man must work to earn their own way. As we read, Paul is vehemently against socialist policies.

Mind Your Own Business

2 Thessalonians 3:12
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Paul respectfully calls out idle acts, but also provides instruction and correction. Instead of being idle and a busybody, men should work and eat their own bread. That means exactly what it says, mind your own business and attend to your own affairs.

The more time we spend worrying about someone else, the less time we have to correct our own problems.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

At the same time, Paul is reminding the Thessalonians, there are some people in need. Not every person is able to provide for themselves. So don’t be weary to perform a good deed for someone. You can usually tell who is playing a game with you, and who really needs help.

2 Thessalonians 3:14
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Paul simply repeats what he said in verse 11, that’s how important this message is. If anyone disregards the word of God, we are not to have company with him.

Why?

So that he can be ashamed of his behavior.

If more Christians followed this important rule, Christianity would be in much better shape. Unfortunately, far too often we hear about our brothers in Christ giving place to the world.

Let the world do what the world does, but stand firm and true in our faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:15
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

This is extremely important to remember.

Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to treat disorderly brothers or even those who would not work as enemies. Instead, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to “admonish,” which means to “reprove gently.”

Paul wanted the Thessalonians to correct those who begin to veer from the Gospel, not encourage their bad behavior. You will never get someone to follow God if you turn a blind eye to sin. Neither will you help someone by ignoring them.

Only through correction can we reprove and remain accountable to God.

Benediction

Paul will once again conclude his letter by comforting and uplifting the Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Never forget, it is Jesus Christ that brings peace to us all.

In Christ’s own words,

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Fantastic!

Let’s have the next verse.

2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

This seems to indicate, Paul used a special signature or mark to indicate the letter was from himself, (1 Co 16:21, Col 4:8, Gal 6:11). This is an interesting thought if you recall what we learned in 2 Thessalonians 2:2.

Let’s now conclude the Book.

2 Thessalonians 3:18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

“Grace” means, “gift,” even “divine influence upon the heart.”

We’re being told, the gift of Jesus which is eternal life, and His divine influence are with us all. What a fantastic and comforting way to close this letter.