I hope everyone had a great 4th of July in spite of the storms. We were disappointed when the fireworks were cancelled, but we still had a great time with friends at the river. With vacation and the holiday behind me, I can get back to the Bible study.
1As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
At that time Paul was in trouble in Corinth. His desire is for the Lord’s message to be spread throughout the world. He asks them to pray for his safety from those who want to stop him from teaching the gospel. Then he asks them to pray for themselves, that the Lord will strengthen and protect them from evil.
In Acts 18:9-10, we learn Paul’s prayer was answered. “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Paul continues:
4We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Paul is always attempting to encourage his fellow believers to stand strong and continue to do what is right. For us to do so, we must recognize the fact that there is always a threat of spiritual attack, and we must take it seriously. Satan lies in wait to trip us whenever our guard is down. We must arm ourselves through prayer and through scripture and associate with those who believe as we do and live a spiritual life.
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching (or tradition) you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor 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. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
Paul has no patience for laziness. There were people who were taking advantage of the charitable disposition of the church by using the expectation of the immediate appearance of the Lord an excuse to abandon their jobs and claim their right to be supported by those within the church who had more money than they did.
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
When people become idle with nothing to occupy their minds, they sometimes begin gossiping or sticking their noses into other people’s business. That’s what was happening within the church. Lack of activity leads to sin. These people were becoming a burden to the church and wasting time that could have been used for helping others.
There is nothing wrong with relaxation. There is a time for rest, and a time for work. That is what gives our lives balance. Too much of either one is destructive. Do all you can to provide for yourself and your dependents, then rest.
12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Paul reminds them to keep working hard until Jesus returns and use their time wisely.
14Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.
Although Paul was an advocate for charity toward those who truly were in need and spent a great deal of time gathering offerings for the poor, he spared no words condemning the able-bodied who could work, but would not. Here he forbids the brethren to support such people and commands the church to withdraw fellowship from them.
There is nothing in the Scripture or in the teachings of Christ to encourage charity to able-bodied lazy men whose profession is begging.
15Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
Even when we feel it necessary to disassociate ourselves from someone because of their evil ways, we should still show them love. We can distance ourselves without being rude or ugly. Paul suggests they tell the person why they are withdrawing their fellowship in a loving way. Paul was not advising cruelty or coldness, but the kind of ‘tough love’ we would show a brother or sister. He was being somewhat crafty by advising them to stop supporting these people; hunger and loneliness can be very effective ways to force someone to become productive.
16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Paul ends his letter by reminding them how all his letters will be in his own hand so they may distinguish them from the fake letters that were circulating with his name on them.
If you find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work. You’ll be happier, and so will those around you. Your life will become more complete. God didn’t put us here to waste our time or live a useless life. He had a purpose for you when he created you. Find your purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment