Called to Work

Normal Christianity in Extreme Times – 2 Thessalonians Series – Part 9

Confronting the Enemy Within

(2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 23, 2014)

[6] Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

God's people face many dangers, toils, and snares and the Lord is well able to carry us through them all. We do not need to make matters worse for ourselves by ignoring His instruction. Every culture has its special challenges. For the church in Thessalonica there was a strong temptation toward idleness. Friends who set a poor example “conspired” with the enemy within, the laziness of the flesh, to create a destructive situation in many Christian lives.

[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, [8] nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. [9] It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Paul had taught against idleness. He also had set a good example for the church through his own hard work. He knew that he had the right to their support, a theme he explains further in another place. Yes, he had the right, but he chose not to take advantage of that right. He knew that idleness was a problem for some, and he wanted to set an example for an important principle for the church: Those who were unwilling to work should not expect other people to support them. The church should not enable others to pursue a sinful lifestyle.

[11] For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. [12] Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

The report that Paul was hearing was not only that idleness was a problem, it was combined with a lifestyle of meddling in the affairs of others. People had time on their hands. They expected the church to support them, and they went from house to house getting in the way of the productive and positive work. Jesus was calling everyone who could to work quietly and productively.

Put the Word to Work: Idleness was the problem then and there. What is the “enemy within” for us and how do we set an example that would help others to see the way of life? Could it be cynicism regarding the blessing of the work that we have been gifted and called to do? How has Christ defeated this enemy? His cross work was accomplished without cynicism. Our solid hope in the life to come reminds us that our labor for the Lord, even in a “secular” job, is not in vain.

Singing Psalm 27:12 from Trinity Psalter

O to my foes' desire / Hand me not over now! / They cunningly conspire / Their charges false to vow. / Their every breath is cruelty; / How hopeless seems my cause to be!

A Second Thessalonians Hymn – Verse 9 (Louisville, SM)

An enemy within

Would like to see us fall.

Why should we follow empty words?

We'll answer when You call—

We'll answer when You call.