And I must add here that these issues are still in the Church amongst today’s congregations and individual believers! Today’s Church need to deal with these issues as the scriptures teach us!
Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 3 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.
Pray for Us
1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,
In this opening verse of the last chapter of the last epistle to the Thessalonians from Paul, Silas and Timothy, they again ask the Church to pray for them so that God’s Word which they will be preaching to others, would be quickly received, implemented and glorified as it was with the Thessalonian Church. Their focus in true evangelistic fashion is to see people saved and become quickly rooted in the Word and faith in Christ Jesus.
This should be the aim of today’s Church as well in order to be fully compliant with the Great Commission!
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.
In verse 2 Paul and his companions expand their request for prayer for protection against faithless and wicked men. Here the Greek word for “delivered” is “rhuomai” (pronounced HROO-oh-my) and its full definition (Strong’s 4506) is: to rescue, deliver and save. This infers a praying for divine (God’s) intervention in that the Lord is our deliverer.
Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
We all need God’s protection from wicked and faithless men who seek to harm us because we believe in Jesus. In the same vein we should be praying for God’s protection over each other in this respect!
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
In verse 3 we are told that because the Lord is faithful, he will do two special things for us:
a. He will establish us.
Here the word “establish” is a transliteration of the Greek word stérizó (pronounced stay-rid'-zo) and its full meaning besides to establish is to strengthen us and to set us firmly in place so that we will not be moved.
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
b. And he will guard, keep and protect us from the evil one provided we are always in submission to Him.
James 4:7 (AMP)
So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
In verse 4 Paul and his companions encouragingly tell the Thessalonians that they are confident (in the Lord) regarding them, that they would continue to follow through in their faith and commitment to Jesus and be obedient to God’s Word which they have brought to them.
This shows us that God’s work of establishing and guarding us is done, in part, through His appeal to our will in obeying His Word and by being led by the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13-15 (AMP)
13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.
5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
In verse 5 Paul and his two companions encourage the Church by asking the Lord in a simple and short but immensely powerful prayer. They ask the Lord to direct their (the Thessalonian Church and ultimately the Church today and tomorrow’s Church) hearts into the agapé love of God and into the patience of Christ.
This is a simple and short prayer but carries such powerful meaning to every Christian’s Walk in Christ Jesus!
Let’s examine why I say this through the words “direct” and “patience” and see if you agree with me.
The Greek word for “direct” here is “kateuthunó” (pronounced kat-yoo-thoo'-no) and is a verb (an action or doing word).
Its full definition and meaning is to direct, to guide, to make straight and to put in right order.
The verb "kateuthunó" is used in this little prayer to ask the Lord to act in directing or guiding us on in a straight path. It implies a sense of active and purposeful guidance or correction in our lives in a profoundly spiritual and moral context. The term suggests an active involvement in ensuring that a path is made straight or that guidance is provided for us to achieve our sanctification in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
The Greek word for “patience” in this verse is “hupomoné” (pronounced hoo-po-mo-NAY) and its full definition is, endurance, perseverance, patience (as in waiting for something) and steadfastness.
In the New Testament “hupomoné” is used to describe a quality of steadfastness and endurance, particularly in the face of trials and difficulties. It conveys the idea of remaining faithful and patient under pressure, maintaining one's faith and hope in Christ Jesus despite the daily challenges we face and the signs of the times. This term is often associated with the Christian virtue of perseverance and overcoming in Christ Jesus, reflecting a trust in God's promises and a commitment to His will and His Word.
John 16:33 (AMP)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
1 John 4:4 (AMP)
Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].
Warning Against Idleness and unruly brothers
6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
In verse 6 the epistle changes tack quite drastically and addresses a more serious issue that has arisen in the Thessalonian Church, an issue that is still very much prevalent in today’s Church in fact it’s probably worse today!
We know this is a serious issue by the strong language that is used, “we command you in the name of Jesus”. This is not just a simple error correction it is a direct command from the Lord NOT to do something that as Christians we should never be doing! And this command is not to associate with “every brother who walks disorderly……..!”
Now, a word we need to really examine here is “disorderly.”
This word is a transliteration of the Greek word “ataktós” (pronounced ah-TAHK-toce – Strong’s 814). Its full definition and meaning is, in a disorderly manner, unruly, undisciplined and irregular (as in behaviour and actions).
“Ataktós” is an adverb is used to describe behaviour that is unruly, disorderly or not in accordance with established order or discipline. In the New Testament, it often refers to conduct that is disruptive to the community or contrary to the teachings of the Bible and the practices expected of believers as they follow Jesus.
The command by Jesus through Paul, Silas and Timothy is that we should withdraw or stay away from every brother that “walks disorderly”!
From this it is clear that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ, walk a disorderly, ungodly and wordly path and we must withdraw from them. They are talking about people who are saved but still disobedient to the Word!
The verb “walks” is in the present tense, and it shows that people who walk in this “disorderly” fashion do so deliberately and continuously, it’s not a slip just now and again, it is a deliberate, continual and wilful action. Their disorderly conduct is not an occasional lapse but a persistent practice.”
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
In verse 7 we are told that Paul and his companions were excellent examples among the Thessalonians, in that they worked hard to support their own needs and were not disorderly.
Therefore, the Thessalonians should follow them in their example of both hard work and willingness to sacrifice for the furtherance and integrity of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus!
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Philippians 3:17 (NKJV)
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
In verses 8 and 9 we are reminded of the trio’s diligence and commitment to work ethic and setting a Godly example to their brothers and sister in Christ. This is something that the Church should still be doing today!
This wasn’t because they didn’t have the right to request support. Instead, it was because they wanted to set a good example of hard work and prove false any accusation that they preached the Gospel for personal gain.
This is an example for us today of how Christians should be gainfully employed both inside and outside the Church setting. Idleness and laziness are ungodly and will lead a person into sin!
Proverbs 21:25 (NKJV)
The desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
In verse 10 we are given another command from Jesus via Paul and his companions. Simply put if anyone will not work (not or cannot work), neither shall he eat. God’s plan for us is to provide for our needs through our work.
Since God is able to provide through our needs in any manner imaginable, it means something that He has chosen (for the most part) to meet our needs through us working, working is part of God’s provision for us. This is part of God’s character, because He is a busy God and is always at work. God will meet all our needs in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
In verse 11 Paul, Silas and Timothy tell the Thessalonian Church that they have heard that some of them are walking in this ungodly way’ they are not gainfully employed and have become idle busybodies. Not only do they not work but they are people that meddle in things that are no concern of theirs – they are troublemakers within the body of Christ!
The term “busybodies” is a transliteration of the Greek word “periergazomai” (Strong’s 4020) and is pronounced “pe-ree-er-GAD-zom-ahee.” Its full definition and meaning is, to meddle (in things that are not your concern), to be a busybody, to engage in unnecessary or intrusive activity that disrupts others.
The word is a verb and is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is overly involved in matters that do not concern them, often to the detriment of their own responsibilities. It conveys the idea of being a busybody or meddler, someone who is preoccupied with the affairs of others rather than focusing on their own duties.
These people gossip and deliberately pull down and slander others, often blatantly lying about others. Their actions are sinful and are destructive, slanderous and hurtful to others!
Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Romans 1:29 (NIV)
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
In verse 12 Paul and his companions address these “busybodies” directly and command them, through the Lord Jesus, to get work and to provide for themselves (eat their own bread) instead of expecting others in the church to provide for them.
13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
In verse 13 we are encouraged to not grow tired of doing good despite the sinful actions of busybodies and idlers. Few things are more wearying than seeing others take advantage of Christian generosity. But we should never let the manipulations of some discourage us from doing good to those that are genuinely in need.
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but [admonish him as a brother.
In verse 14 the epistle writers finish off the thought they introduced in verse 6. They elaborate on what it means to withdraw from a brother.
To withdraw means to note that person, and to not keep company with him, with the purpose of causing him to be ashamed. Yet, the purpose is not to make him an enemy of the church, but through the severity of the withdrawal from fellowship, to warn and admonish him as an erring brother with the aim of restoring him, in the love of Christ, to full Christian fellowship.
Benediction
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Paul’s blessing of peace (always in every way) was appropriate for this church experiencing both persecution and tribulation. It is the presence of the Lord of peace that will grant them this peace.
John 14:27 (AMP)
Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
This the way in which we (God’s children) should all be blessing each other whenever we are together and when we depart from each other!
17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
As was his custom, Paul himself wrote the final words of the epistle with his own hand. This was both a personal demonstration of affection, and proof that the letter was authentic and from all three of them, Paul, Silas and Timothy!
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
For Paul and his companions, God’s grace was the beginning and the end of the Christian life. It was appropriate that this letter – and most – of his letters began and ended with a mention of grace as it is by grace we have been saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP)
8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
Life application for today’s believers
1. Pray continually for each other.
2. Avoid brothers and sisters in Christ who willfully live in an unrepentant and disorderly manner.
3. Remain faithful to God and each other.
4. Be obedient to all the teachings of the Bible.
5. Serve the Lord in the local body and do not become a busybody!
6. Make a habit of blessing your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian Walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to stand fast in my faith in Christ Jesus. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. Amen
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!
