Thy Strong Word – 2 Thessalonians 3: Do not grow weary in doing good; the Lord is faithful

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Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 3. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.

The Christian life is not idle. Paul tells the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness, even going as far as to say that if one is not willing to work they should not eat. Paul challenges us to live an active Christian life centered on the grace of Christ through prayer and service to others. All of this active work is done while standing on the foundation of our Lord who is faithful. “Lord God, we bring to You those who labor in Your vineyard. Bear fruit by Your Word that it may be honored and speed ahead to bring faith around the world. Christ has mercy. Amen”

Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

2 Thessalonians 3

Pray for Us

3 Finally, brothers,[a] pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,[b] as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.[c] 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.[d]

13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Footnotes

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 6, 13

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or glorified

2 Thessalonians 3:3 Or evil

2 Thessalonians 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org