A Study in 2 Thessalonians : Lesson #5 Why is work so important

(2 Thessalonians 3:1-15)

In this lesson we will look at some of what the word of God says in regards to the subject of work. In closing his letter to the Thessalonians Paul discusses the subject of work, and separation from those who will not work.

In verse 6 and verse 14 Paul talks of separation from those who are walking disorderly. While we are told to separate from many things in the word of God, for example the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), in this context the separation is from those who will not work.

This is shown to us in verses 11 where Paul says that those working disorderly are those who will not work. This should make since to use since will use the phrase “out of order” every day for things that  are broken and do not work.

We must clarify we are not talking about people who cannot work, that is a different matter. We are talking about people who will not work. Note the wording in verse 10. “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” Even God had a plan for those who were widows, fatherless, or physically could not work in the Old Testament. In Leviticus and Deuteronomy under the law you were not to reap the corners of your field or pick up anything that you dropped. It was for the widows and the fatherless (Leviticus 19:9,10 ; Deuteronomy 24:19-21)

Why is work so important?

1)  It is commanded (verse 10)

• Paul had already told the Thessalonians this in his first letter to them (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Obliviously they were having problems with this.
• It would be nice if people today would follow this command. But we are becoming a generation that expects everything to be given to us and not worked for. Remember we are not talking about those who cannot work but those who will not work.

2)  It sets a good example (verse 9)

• In 1 Corinthians 9:7-18 Paul had already shown that those who minister the gospel should live of the gospel. So there is nothing wrong with a church paying the preacher.
• Even though Paul did not have to work he did in order to set a good example for the Thessalonians to follow.
• If we are not willing to work today how are we going to show the next generation how to work?

3)  It keeps us out of trouble (verse 11)

• The Thessalonians were having trouble being busybodies in everyone else’s affairs. We have this same problem both in the world and in the church today.
• The solution for this is work. If you are busy working you want have as much time to worry about what someone else is doing or not doing.
• Not to mention if you are a hard worker you will not have as much time to sin or maybe the energy to sin. Remember it is when we are idle that we have most of our problems.

4)  It has rewards (verse 13)

• In verse 13 we are told to not be weary in well doing. When Paul used that phrase in Galatians 6:9 he added for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
• Work has many rewards. There is the pay we receive. There is the satisfaction that is accomplished in a finished project. There can even be joy in working for someone else just because they are in need whether you get paid or not.

Work is extremely important and the earlier you start building good work habits the better off you will be. Get to work and learn to appreciated it.

A Study in 2 Thessalonians : Lesson #5

Why is work so important (2 Thessalonians 3:1-15)

Handout 

1)  What are the two subjects that Paul addresses in closing his second letter to the Thessalonians?

2)  In the context how are these two related?

3)  Why is work so important?