II Thess. Chapter 3 - "WORK AND EAT YOUR OWN BREAD"
“WORK AND EAT YOUR OWN BREAD”
JOBS
II Thess. Chapter 3
September 5, 2011
Taught by: Pastor Carolyn Sissom
3:12: “Now then we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread.”
Our nation is in crisis over “jobs” or the presumed lack of jobs. Our jobs are being sent overseas because of “lower priced labor”. I don’t uphold corporations sending jobs and industry overseas. However, it is very sad that many Americans due to an entitlement mentality will not work nor accept jobs they consider menial.
At the time Paul was writing to the Thessalonians, the problem of idleness had become serious. Paul refers to the missionaries’ example (7-9) to reinforce his induction that the work-shy minority be disciplined. I believe the Rhema Word of this scripture today is an exhortation to our government that is not heeding the Way of the Lord regarding jobs.
Kinky Friedman recently wrote- tongue-in-cheek, “No self-respecting Mexican would cross over the border for one of Rick Perry’s low paying jobs.” This speaks volumes to Americans. Because of a prevailing entitlement mentality, many people are pricing themselves out of a job. It is better to have a minimum wage job than no job at all. Many can make more money drawing unemployment or being on welfare than they can by working at a job. This is one of the reasons why our jobs are going overseas. The unions have set the pay-scale and benefits so high, that corporations can’t afford to hire people and expand their business.
Paul as an Apostle was an example to idle persons and busy bodies. (Vs.7-8) “For yourselves know how you ought to follow us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.”
As a Minister of the Gospel, Paul had the right to expect to live by the gospel, but he waived his right that he might be an example for them to follow. He earned his own way by tent-making. He was perhaps one of the most educated men of his time, yet he also had a trade. The Jewish rabbis insisted that even a scholar must learn a trade. In this manner, those who are educated to be leaders can always earn a living with a trade. Not only did Paul’s trade provide for himself, but it gave jobs to the other missionaries.
Paul was coming against the spirit of entitlement of people expecting to get their living from others.
During difficult economic times, carpet baggers often abound to take advantage of those who don’t want to work and feel the church or society owes them a living.
Verse 9-12: (paraphrased) “Why did we work like that? Was it because we didn’t have a right to expect support from you? No---we did it so you would have an example to follow. When we were with you, we established the guiding principle: “if a man won’t work, don’t feed him!” It is important that you apply that principle now. I say this because word has come that some of you are shirking the business of making a living and have gone into the business of meddling in others’ affairs. These we warn---ya, command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to return to the quiet discipline of the Christian life and make your own living.”
Paul makes a play on the Greek word for busy-ness, using it twice to picture the buzzing about of these religious gadflies. They skip work to flit from one brother to another with fantastic ideas, and making extravagant claims. After a day of such meddling, they wouldn’t have money for food and would have to sponge off others or draw on the church’s benevolence fund. We have ‘flitters’ today who chase about to hear some new truth, failing to live the truth they already have. Many are running after prophecy when they haven’t come into obedience to the first prophecy they received.
Paul is not speaking here of those who are going through unfortunate circumstances and are in true hardship. He would quickly deny himself to feed the unfortunate, as will any Christian.
(Vs. 13) “But you brethren be not weary in well doing.” This exhortation to the rest of the church is to never tire of doing what is right refers to keeping a sympathetic attitude to those who are in need. But to keep a firm line with taker’s who try to take advantage.
Chapter 3:1: “Finally brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you;”
The apostle covets the prayers of his friends. He always remembered them in his prayers, and would not have them forget him and his fellow-laborers. This is one way that we can always stay in communion with the saints, not only by praying together, but praying for one another. His prayer request is for the success of the gospel ministry.
He desired that the word of the Lord might go forward “to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We should always pray that the gospel may have free course to the hearts and the consciences of all men, that it may be glorified for the conversion and deliverance of sinners. The Lord will glorify the gospel, and so will glorify his own name. So many today in their own greed, entitlement, and selfish ambitions are seeking that the gospel glorify their name.
3:2: Please pray ‘That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all men have faith.”
He asked for prayers not that they be preferred, but for preservation. Those who are enemies to the preaching of the gospel are unreasonable and wicked men. This has not changed. There is great absurdity in the world as well as impiety. Godly and faithful ministers are as the standard-bearers, who are targets of those who have no conscience or honor.
3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.”
I call this the “keeping power of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
3:4-5”And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
We stand no longer than God holds us up. We have as much need of the grace of God for our perseverance to the end as we did in the beginning. He is faithful to his promises and certain.
The apostle has confidence in them, and this confidence is founded upon his confidence in God; for otherwise there is no confidence in man.
His prayer for them is that their hearts may be brought into the love of God. There is no higher prayer than this for any man/woman. We can only attain this through the grace of God. Our love is apt to go astray after other things. We are to be patient waiting for Christ---not complaining about our circumstances. He came once in flesh and will come again in glory. We have need of patience especially in these days of great tribulation.
3:6: “Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
In the best society of Christians, there will always be faulty persons. This does not mean that we dis-fellowship sinners, but those who have ignored the admonition of the elders. This means intentional and froward rebellion against Godly exhortation. This is strong. Ten verses are devoted to the sin of lazy living.
Names were not posted on the bulletin board, but a mild ostracism occurred. The aim, of course was restoration, not banishment. Were a man to remain persistently stubborn, he would of course have to be excommunicated from the fellowship as a factious individual Even then he was still to be regarded as a brother/sister and not judged as an enemy.
At Little White Church, all of our people are happy, in love with Jesus and each other. Thank you Jesus!!!!
(Vs.) 16-18: “Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
Note the benediction includes them “all”. This is to assure even those whom he rebukes that they too have a place in his big heart.
Taught by: Pastor Carolyn Sissom
Eastgate Ministries, Inc.
Scripture from K.J.V.; Text: Matthew Henry; C. S. Lovett’s Lights on II Thess.; F. F. Bruce Bible Commentary, Peter E. Cousins; Comments and conclusions are my own and not meant to reflect the views of those from whom I have gleaned.