November 17th~Settle Down and Get to Work

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18

Acts 18:4-23

Paul wrote a second letter to the church in Thessalonica, primarily to clear up some questions they had regarding a topic in his first letter. In his first letter, Paul tried to encourage them in regards to what happened to Christians who had died, so “they would not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). However, Paul’s reference to the end times evidently sparked much discussion about how and when these things would take place. Thus, Paul wrote to them again, “Now, let us tell you about the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered together to meet Him” (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

Some false teachers took advantage of Paul’s words and claimed that the “Day of the Lord” had already begun. Paul warned his readers not to be troubled by these people, because they did not know what they were saying. He then went on to describe an indication that the Day of the Lord was approaching — there would be “a great rebellion against God and the man of lawless- ness will be revealed, the one who brings destruction” (2:3). This lawless man is a reference to the prophecy of Daniel (9:27), which describes the Anti-Christ, one who works to undermine the purposes of God globally and who unites the world against God’s people (Jews).

The second half of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians dealt with those people who did little or nothing, because they thought Jesus’ return was imminent (3:6-15). They took advantage of the church’s charity and lived a life of laziness (v.11). Paul warned his readers “to stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn’t follow the tradition of hard work we gave you... We gave you this rule: ‘Whoever does not work should not eat...’ We command such people — settle down and get to work. Earn your own living” (v.6, 10, 12, 13).

Daily Reflection

Idleness, both inside and outside the church, is a sin for several reasons. What are some of them?

Isn’t the rule “Whoever does not work should not eat” cruel and unloving? Why or why not?

Where would you draw the line with one living an idle life and being “needy,” receiving charity?

Christians are notorious for doing much but accomplishing little. Would you agree or disagree? Could that be considered living an idle life?

Settle down and get to work! “Never get tired of doing good” (v.13). Are you avoiding idleness?

BiAY.org | Day 321 — 44 Days to Go