2 Thessalonians 3
April 11, 2022
“We were not idle when we were with you, nor 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. We 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. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’” (v7-10)
Paul has a very high view of “grace,” God’s unmerited favor, received by faith, and not by works (Eph 2:8-9). But he also has a very high view of “work,” as instituted by God (Gen 2:15), and the appropriate response to grace (Eph 2:10). God’s grace is never a license to loaf or an excuse to be “idle” (v6, 7, 11) - which is why Paul comes down so hard on those Thessalonians who are living like parasites off the hard work of others.
Father, I praise You for the gift of salvation, something for which I could never work hard enough to earn. But I also ask for Your forgiveness for not always seeing work as a gift. Sometimes I see work as a by-product of the curse, when it’s really a gift, one that has been tainted by the curse. Remind me today that work is a good gift, something You have called me to do in response to Your grace. And may I do it today with gratitude.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
