Grace for the Weary

Normal Christianity in Extreme Times – 2 Thessalonians Series – Part 10
Perseverance, Tough Love, and Empowering Grace
(2 Thessalonians 3:13-18, Preaching: Pastor Nathan Snyder, March 2, 2014)

[13] As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. [14] If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. [15] Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

There were some in the Thessalonian church who were idle, relying on the help of the church when they could have been working to provide for themselves, and spending their idle time gossiping (3:6-12).  Paul reminds the church that such people should not receive any assistance (3:10), and he commands these idlers to be busy at work, not busybodies (3:10-11).  Paul also knows that when we have been helping people who are taking advantage of us, we might become so frustrated and discouraged that we stop helping anybody, even those with legitimate needs.  Thus he urges the church not to grow weary in doing good (cf. Galatians 6:9-10).  Then Paul gives instructions to the church to discipline those who refuse to repent of their idle lifestyle.  The church is to take note of these people and cut them off from Christian fellowship.  The goal is that they would be ashamed over their behavior and truly repent.  They are not to be considered enemies, but brothers.  Thus love must be the motive and goal.  Sometimes a person needs tough love, or else we are in danger of simply enabling behavior which is destructive to themselves and others.

[16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. [17] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Paul concludes his letter pronouncing blessing upon the church in Thessalonica.  He says “you all” twice.  That includes both those who were responding well to his letter, and those who were refusing to give up their idle life.  Thus Paul reflects Christ’s own love for the whole church and prays for the grace we all need to move forward in faith and obedience.  Note also that this benediction concludes the entire letter.  As we have seen, the church was facing persecution from without, and false teaching and discipline issues within.  Those who were stubborn in their laziness faced the challenge of overcoming their sin.  Whatever the challenge we face, there is only one way forward, and that is through the grace of our Lord Jesus, his presence, and his peace.

Put the Word to Work:  We cannot let the fact that some have taken advantage of our generosity discourage us from continuing to do good to one another.  Sometimes we need to show tough love rather than enabling someone in a destructive lifestyle.  Whatever our situation, the Lord has all the grace we need to serve him.

Singing Psalm 27:13-14 from Trinity Psalter (Tune: St. John, 66.66.88)
O had I not believed / That I would surely see / The goodness of the LORD / With those that living be! / Wait for the LORD! / With strength restored, / Be brave in heart. / Wait for the LORD.

A Second Thessalonians Hymn – Verse 10 (Louisville, S.M.)

Stand firm in Jesus’ name
In every time and place.
Now may the Lord of heav’nly peace
Be with you by His grace – Be with you by His grace