[0:00] So we are in, we're finishing 2 Thessalonians this morning, so if you open your Bibles to 2 Thessalonians, that'll be the last chapter, and we're going to look at from verses 6 to 18, as Paul finishes out that second letter to the church, the young church at Thessalonica. So stand with me, I want to read from verse 6 to 15.

[0:28] Paul writing but we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us for you yourselves know how you ought to follow us for we were not disorderly among you Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day that we might not be a burden to any of you. Not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this, if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner not working at all but are busybodies.

[1:36] Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread but as for you brethren do not grow weary in doing good and if anyone does not obey your word in this epistle note that person and do not keep company with him.

[2:03] Lord, so we want to hear from you. I mean, these are heavy words, Lord, but we know that, Lord, you've given them to us to regulate us in the body of Christ to bring you glory, which is our heart's desire. So I pray that you help us, each one of us, to be in that place you'd have for us, Lord, before you. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. You can all be seated.

[2:40] So, I landed on the title, Warning Against Idleness. Warning Against Idleness. Now, I could have easily come up with titles like, Straight Talk to Lazy Christians. Don't Tiptoe Around the Lazy. The Blunt Truth. Another tell tell them that's the way it is and or pull the soft lambskin skin of carpet from underneath them all appropriate good titles and and yet it's interesting because besides the second coming, the topic of laziness, among believers takes up the most space in this letter.

[3:47] And because Paul addressed them in the first letter, apparently they didn't take heed. It was an issue. You know, apparently things were mentioned again. Again, Paul, just a page back in 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 14, said, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly. That's the word he uses for disorderly in the second letter. It's the same Greek word, unruly, lazy, not willing to get it done, whatever it is that the Lord would show you. And apparently, the problem was ongoing, and Paul, in a sense, turns up the heat with this stern warning that we're looking at.

[4:44] And the Proverbs, the book of God's wisdom, tells us, Proverbs 19.15, that laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. To be slothful the king James puts it we're not to be slothful it means to be lazy, and then to and then where it says there in the proverbs 19 you keep it up there, where it says that there it talks about being cast into a deep sleep it means to fall into to laziness, idleness, slumber, spiritually.

[5:34] Although it works out both in the practical and in the spiritual, into a deep sleep, he says. And notice, Paul describes it as being in disorder in the church. It goes on here to say that an idle person, generally speaking, an idle person will be a deceived person, is the meaning, because their actions reveal that they are. Because there's just no response and so they're deceived to the truth of what the bible says and the results are notice again they shall suffer hunger, an idle person will suffer hunger it means in the practical sense that's typical way no food if you're idle the spiritual application is to be spiritually bankrupt not receiving from the Lord a power outage that's what happens.

[6:42] You just are not tracking with the Lord, so there's a power outage. And that's no fun, you know, how that goes. It's in a simple way. You know, you have a power outage at home, and then, you know, it's like, oh, no. And you make that phone call to Pacific Power, or if you're unfortunate to be using them, or some other one that costs a lot less. But anyway, you know, you call them and you say, hey. hey, I mean, I hate the high prices, but I hate even more not having power. You know, so you call, oh yeah, we're aware of the power outage in your area.

[7:23] About two hours. That's about it. Okay, so I don't have to get my generator and get gas to keep my refrigerators cold. There's just all this complicated stuff that we could avoid because the power's gonna get turned on. Well, hey, connect all that to your spiritual. Life, your spiritual being. You can either live complicated before the Lord, trying to figure out how to get everything done, or you can just yield to the Lord and have the power of his presence in your life. And so wisdom would say, work when it's time to work, rest when it's time to rest. And that will signal your work ethic. How important is a work ethic? You know, how refreshing it is to see somebody that has a good work ethic. Matter of fact, when someone has a good work ethic, they stand out. They're just like, oh my goodness, look at that person. And often attached to a good work ethic is a good attitude. Because some people will get things done with such a bad attitude, you'd rather not help them or participate.

[8:38] Well, the equivalent to that in the New Testament is James chapter 1, verses 22, but be doers of the word, not hearers only deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror. For he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. this one will be blessed in what he does. You have promise. There's an advantage. And so with this subject, Paul is very blunt. That laziness in the church is unacceptable behavior. It couldn't be any more clear. And again, we read there in verse 6, where he speaks about being disorderly. But we command you brethren in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly walks disorderly and it means out of rank think militarily how effective would an army be without order without ranking king and you know you've heard that application too many chiefs not enough indians.

[10:08] But a general can't win a war without the fighting men. You know, it's very simple to understand. Also, the wording disorder means irregular, inordinate, immoderate pleasures.

[10:28] And beware, beware, American church. Just how dangerous that is for the American Christian. because we have so much. And this is a big issue, a problem. James 4.3 says, You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your own pleasures. And so for that person, the ending of their prayer is not.

[11:01] Not my will be done but yours and mean it. So God knows our motive, but God, we might pray, why don't you answer my prayer? You know, why don't you give me this and give me that and give me this? Why don't you, Lord? I want it. I want it. Please give me, give me, we pray. Give me. and that kind of thinking when it's all about me, myself and I and the way you live your life reflects that it's called disorderly, that's the word definition that is it, disorderly for a Christian and so the rest of that meaning in the third level there of a meaning behind disorderly is to deviate from the prescribed order of rule to deviate from it.

[12:03] You know, I think we're pulled, you know, we're pulled in that direction.

[12:10] And it's everywhere. There's a strong tide. And we're to walk against that tide in the world following Jesus, not going with the flow of the world. And it's important to make note again, the context is with the church. And Paul he lets them know that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly i like to footnote that it would have to be some blatant disorder or obvious because really none of us know how any of us would be honoring the lord behind the scenes the things that we're doing, you know what we're doing our part what it what is our part and so this this is this is a blatant and obvious disordering that that you see in a person's life it's not to walk around and be critical and judgmental or any of that because we really don't know but when it's obvious and blatant an attitude taking advantage of other people then they would fit under that category and Paul basically saying if they hold that privileged title of a Christian and if they are your brother call them out if they're disorderly you have to call them out.

[13:37] And if need be, withdraw from them. And he stresses not to reject them as being an enemy. We see that in verse 15. Yet don't count them as an enemy, but admonish them as a brother. So the purpose of your actions will be to set things right.

[13:59] The goal is that they would glorify Jesus in their lives. To withdraw means certainly and a reason for it don't let the lazy brother frustrate you or get under your skin that's why he'll say don't be weary, because there's work to get done and they know it and you know that they know it but they're lazy.

[14:33] They're lazy to do the work. Don't let that frustrate you. Why? Because again, God's book of wisdom gives us insight. Few Proverbs, Proverbs 10.26 says, Vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. How annoying is that? Don't let that lazy person frustrate you just because they don't follow through. The soul, Proverbs 13.4, For the soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. So the diligent understand and enjoy the benefits. The benefits. The diligent. I think of when I wrote that proverb down in 1 Corinthians 15.58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord the Lord keeps track of it all don't be frustrated.

[15:42] In that sense Proverbs 15, 19 the way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns but the way of the upright is a highway, and so the frustration or the aggravation comes against the upright because they see clearly the lazy man's problem. But don't let it get to you. That's the idea. And Proverbs 19.24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. That's the epitome of laziness. Spoon feed me.

[16:28] Spoon. Spoon, feed me. And then one last one. Proverbs 26, 16. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. So you have this lazy man. He will not agree or receive any wise counsel that will disrupt his leisure. I don't want to hear it. His comfort, his zen, his laziness, his reasoning he is so right even if seven wise men explain things to him they couldn't get through to him blinded by laziness blinded by comfort unwilling.

[17:22] And so, I could go on, but I'm sure you get it. And if you do not withdraw from them, they will frustrate you. That's the idea, because you cannot count on them. But how wonderful a blessing when you can count on someone to help you with the work. I mean, think about it in just a micro example of just a home. And let's say you have ten children in that home. And only four do the work. How frustrating is it to those four? And then, you know, two of them hopefully are the parents, you know, plus the ten, and then you have the four, and the others, what are they? Lazy. And what do they cause? Problems. And the parents, of course, have to use disciplinary measures to try and break through the laziness.

[18:27] And actually that's what our Heavenly Father does. He's disciplinarian. He's very patient, but he is. And so that's a snapshot of the workings of a church. You know, you put yourself where you land. So

[18:48] To withdraw from them means it's sending a message I cannot trust you, I cannot depend on you and it will usually be those with the easiest schedules they'll be the laziest ones that's why they have such an easy schedule because they're lazy, they set it up for themselves, if you want to get anything done ask a busy person a busy person will just put sleep aside to get something else done because that's what that's the way they live their life a person who's lazy oh my goodness, they just make it easier how can i eliminate one more thing that i don't have to do so everything of course in their life's automated automated automated yeah something like that And so leisure, easiest schedules. Why? Because the lazy have become accustomed to their leisure, their easy schedule, and the thought of disrupting it is horrifying to them to disrupt their easy schedule. It's horrifying to them. And the word commitment has been stricken from their vocabulary. It's sad. strong words here in this section you might say pastor but you're being too blunt.

[20:18] And I would just say, I don't want to sugarcoat the text. And I don't think you want me to sugarcoat the text. And, you know, I want to be honest before you. I think a pastor needs to be. You can't tiptoe around the issue.

[20:45] And you will not feel that way that I'm tiptoeing around the issue if you serve the Lord. If you don't serve the Lord, you might think I'm rather blunt or insensitive or whatever. But I don't know. I don't know how it is that you serve the Lord, but you need to be serving the Lord. That's for sure. The Bible tells us not just the pastor the Bible tells us to provoke one another unto good works, do you want a validating scripture for that in Hebrews 10 24 and 25 and let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works that word in the King James is provoke it literally means to irritate.

[21:42] It's like one person saying to another you're always trying to get me to help, you're so irritating leave me alone and yet Paul says no, we need to stir one another up not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together how come you haven't been in fellowship you see him in the store oh yeah I've been you know I've been really busy really busy doing what you know oftentimes it's just making their life a little bit more simple that's sad I'm sorry I've seen too much of it now forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching I mean do you realize we're running out of time you know you know what What does the Lord, what would the Lord have you do? And so, now here's one. Some of you are limited physically. But that is no excuse because you are not limited spiritually.

[22:56] The spiritual man should be thriving no matter what your physical condition. The Bible tells us that those that are weakened in the state physically are being made stronger spiritually, hopefully. And all this adds up. You know, in 2 Corinthians 4.16, Paul writes, Therefore, we do not lose heart even though you're aging.

[23:27] Even though your physical bodies are getting weaker, even though you've got ailments of one kind or another, even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. That's what we need to be depending upon. So often we get so distraught over our aging process, says but we should be we should be focusing in on our strengthening of our spiritual man that should be our priority we don't want to get that wrong and let me say prayer, use prayer as an example praying whether you're young or old is probably the most challenging thing to do and probably bears the most fruit of anything that we can do makes the most difference and it's one of the four staples the first church, and you don't you don't have to have any particular physical condition really to be praying physical strength and, But yet prayer makes the biggest difference. A phone call, oh my goodness, or a text nowadays.

[24:55] You know, very, very impacting. Proverbs 25, 11 says, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold and settings of silver. And so do your fingers work, you know? Do you have a phone? Can you write a letter? And then when you do come to church that person that you talk to the kindness that you show others.

[25:24] You're not limited you can give in so many ways and let me point out in god's economy, that's worth the same value and impact as those that you might consider high profile oh you know there's they do so much for the lord you know oh they're such wonderful people, meanwhile the most loving wonderful people are behind the scenes and you don't even know it, god knows it and in his economy you know there's great value and there's no more value on the one that's high profile than the one that's faithful behind the scene and and first in line they're going to be prayer warriors as far as I'm concerned because that's the hardest thing the most challenging thing the most taxing thing to do and the devil hates it so there are no excuses, don't buy into the excuses because that'll bring you down i have read this passage of scripture many times before, and have taught this passage and yet never noticed how Paul is stressing do not let the lazy Christian be lazy.

[26:47] And again, there would have to be some blatant disregard for order, rebellion of sorts. And so, not to be taken lightly. And Paul will use himself and others as an example to follow. Are you an example that others can follow you? And in verse 6, again, he stresses the tradition. That they have witness as an example. Tradition represents a teaching method to follow. The tradition. And in verses 7 through 9, where Paul lets them know in those uncertain terms that they were not looking to be taken care of. They weren't looking for others to be taken care of them. They were not going to be any kind of burden. then they made it clear even as being leaders and they had the authority to do so, they would set the example to follow. And you can see that there in verse 7. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you. Do you see us out of order? harder.

[28:10] Paul would say, you know, he works harder than all the others, he says at another point. You know, I'm not even worthy to be in this position of being an apostle, but you know what? I am what I am, so I work harder than the rest of the apostles, just to let you know. I have authority, but he was a tent maker, and he worked. Jesus said, John 13, 5, he had washed all the disciples' feet just before going to the cross and he says John 13 15 for I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you, oh but I'm so tired that part of my life is over I'm done serving I put in my time you heard that? Please don't be the one that said that because Jesus just before he knew he was done he was washing feet all the way to the end, and then the example of the apostles and leaders the same way to the very end so yeah if you feel like you're close to the end work harder, and that should be the right attitude, Epaphroditus he's commended for his hard work and then God healed and restored him he was at the point of death in his labor.

[29:34] And I think that there's a lot to be said there. I think we can expect the Lord to raise us up when necessary, off our sick beds and to give us the physical ability to do what he's called us to do. It wouldn't make sense otherwise. God makes a lot of sense.

[29:53] He's very logical in the way that he deals with us. And so if he calls us to do something, then he's going to obviously give you the strength to do it. One commentator writes on Aphrodite, how fully and fitting Paul described the commendable character of this kindly man who went as Paul's representative to the Philippian church. He was a brother, a term implying a spiritual relationship. He was a companion in labor. Their hearts beat as one in the cause they both loved. He was a fellow soldier. together they endured all the hardship and discipline of daring and suffering which discipleship involves he was a messenger an apostle as the word really is and he was ever the lord's messenger in the lord's message he was a sacrificial witness what a brief but blessed biography Paul gives us of his dear companion this of his dear companion he ministered to my by wants, longed after you all, caused much heaviness because of his fatal longing for you all, because of his fatal sickness, was mercifully spared.

[31:13] Lest his death should have brought sorrow upon sorrow to Paul. He regarded not his life, literally he gambled his life to assist and blessed the Philippians. How rich was the early church and leaders who were entirely abandoned to God that through their consecrated lives, their fellow saints might be filled with the fullness of God.

[31:41] They literally gambled their lives. So many missionaries, untold numbers, gambled their lives in service to the Lord. But we're tucked away in the safe place in the world. I mean, it's getting less safe, but, you know, as the world scene goes, we're in a very safe place, you know? And so it's easy to, you know, the temperature to be raised and we don't even notice it. Verse 80 says, nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day that we might not be a burden to any of you. So they were productive. They were not freeloaders. And Paul is saying, we've set the standard. This is the standard. Follow us. Labor and toil, intense labor with trouble is what it means. We labored with trouble. It wasn't convenient. The wording means hardship and distress came along with our labor.

[32:50] I mean, when a soldier is on the battlefield, are they shocked that bullets are flying by? If they are, get off the battlefield because you're not a soldier. Do they leave their guns behind? You know what I'm saying. and so we you know as Christians need to be on top of things in the spirit verse 9 not because we do not have authority Paul says but to make ourselves an example a template a pattern of how we should how you should follow us follow us we're giving you an example and this is it verse 10 for even when we were with you we commanded you this if anyone will not work neither shall he eat and so that flies in the face of many receiving free social programs, I mean it's sad but many wouldn't think of getting a job unless they lose their free benefits that's the way the system's designed can't do this because they might get a picture of me doing this knowing that i could work, it's the mentality, so no wonder the numbers are increasing for those that want benefits but that's not us right.

[34:10] Christians we should have a good worth ethic and ready to roll up our sleeves in any and all situations that the Lord's enabled us to be a help, and so we have to be careful another footnote some people are willing to work but unable that was the original purposes for the social programs that are out of control now.

[34:41] For a variety of reasons, and legitimate reasons, they're unable to work. Paul's stern words are for those who are unwilling when they have the ability and they have the opportunity. That's what these words, that's why these words are given. And so from verse 11, For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. And that's where it ends up. Meddlers want somebody else to think like me. Bustling about uselessly, burning energy, and valuable time, by the way, and being needless and useless in matters, busybodies. Now, those who are such, we command and exhort, so this is an instruction to them, through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. And so, but as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. So he slams on the brakes and he says, those of us who are working hard, laboring, night and day if need be, don't let those who do not help cause you to grow weary.

[36:09] Others can bring you down. And beware, because often, if not guarded, the wrong responses of others can cause us to lose our edge. And that happens when we put our eyes on what man isn't doing and we take our eyes off of what God is doing. That's when you get taken down. Weary means don't fade under the pressures. Don't be, if you will, unfilled with God's Spirit. So that you burn out because you're trying now to do things in your own energy. Because now you've taken your eyes off of God who is working, and you've been frustrated by putting your eyes on men who are letting you down left and right. Everyone here will let you down. I will let you down at some point.

[37:07] But God will never let you down. And so as long as our eyes are on him, things are going to be good. So he says, as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him that he may be ashamed. Shame on you. Could care less about the work of the Lord. or can care less about serving Jesus Christ. Shame on you! And you know, you're missing out on so much. You're so, you aggravate me. It's ridiculous. Why are you this way? You know? Is that person that does not obey, that despite what God commands, and regardless of need, they just do their own thing? You know? They have no urgency to do the business of God. Shame on you.

[38:12] So they would be ashamed. You know, he says, not keep company with him. And let me say, to keep company with that individual would involve, you know, smooth talking, not speaking the truth in love, not being honest. Especially when you're being prompted by the Holy Spirit, tell them this, oh, no, I don't want to, you know, we're all trained not to rock the boat. We're all prone to that. We don't want to say the hard thing. We don't want to shake anybody up. Oh, I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.

[38:49] And so I'll just disobey the Lord so I don't hurt someone's feelings. That's being a man pleaser, you know? It's not like it happens every day. It's just something comes up and you realize, man, I got to say this. This person is like not representing the Lord. Word. Weary means not to faint under pressure. So there are pressure situations. And here we go. When we distance ourselves from certain people, that sends a strong message. And also will force truthful conversation. All of a sudden, because you've distanced yourself, bam, the subject's on the table. But if you just go on acting as if nothing.

[39:45] Then nothing changes, and you frustrate the situation. And so, you know, these are tough words. Yet, do not count him as an enemy. You're not talking about somebody who hates God, who's hostile to God, who's hostile to the gospel. We're not talking about that individual. We're talking about a brother who, if the rapture comes, is going up to be with the Lord.

[40:10] Or takes their last breath. We're talking about them. But the fact that they're not serving the Lord, they're missing out on the power, you know, in their lives. And you recognize all the struggles. Just like the Proverbs tell us. Oh, I know why this. Oh, oh, ah. Why don't you just serve the Lord and, you know, stop spending all your energy to try and straighten out your own problems. The Bible's clear. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things will be added unto you. And so the counsel is so clear. But it says admonish, admonish, warn by placing in the mind in gentleness. In other words, now you've just triggered something. You don't have to say something mean. You say something very lovingly. but you know what when truth is transferred then the holy spirit uses it you don't have to try and make a case you don't have to be argumentative you don't have to make point one two and three you just have to say you know this is what I see then leave it at that you've done on your part.

[41:25] You know the bible tells us in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 15 and 16 where it said there, that we should no longer be children.

[41:44] Nope 15 also i like 14 though but 15 but speak the truth in love may grow up in all things into to him who is the head Christ from whom the whole body joined and knit together by what every joint supplies according to the effective working by which every part does its share causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. So there's a healthy body. Part of that is speaking the truth in love. So

[42:20] Be ashamed if you're not doing that. We are family. You're my brother. Let's do this together. That's the idea. That's the attitude that we should have. And yet not to respond is leaving that person or yourself in an unblessed place. Because the blessing follows those who serve the Lord. And lastly, these closing words, verses 16 through 18, could be likened to us each Sunday when we're parting. You know, the words we leave each other with, the blessing and happiness that we desire for one another, could be these words. Because Paul finalizes, he says, It says, now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle, so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Amen.

[43:37] And I can picture him, you know, oh, I hope they take heed. Oh, I hope they take heed. You know, well, there wasn't a third Thessalonians, so that's a good sign. But really, let's consider these, you know, parting, closing words. You might say a prompt for us to realize how important our words are. And, you know, give honor to the Lord. Amen? So let's stand together and in parting, I would like to say to you, may the Lord bless you.

[44:22] May the Lord make us intuitive to the things that he says through his word and that we be an example to those around us in our circle. All of us have small circles.

[44:37] And so we're challenged to follow the commandment of scripture, not to be disorderly, do that kindness. Now, I have to say, and I won't say names because they don't want to be named. There are people here that are overboard on serving the Lord. Overboard. It's like, what? And I've watched it for years and years and years and years. So they're a living example of that. Like I said, I can't say names because I'll be leaving out others. They wouldn't want me to. You know? But I'm tempted to. But service is over. Let's pray. thank you lord for your goodness to us thank you for blessing us like you have and we know.

[45:26] Lord if we ask of your spirit lord you'll give us your spirit because we know that we are incapable of doing these things without your spirit so i pray for all those that are here lord that they would just open up their hearts to receive all that you have for them that they might follow you you. Whatever their conditions in life, Lord, you're faithful. You brought them to the place where they are, and sometimes it's difficult, physically for sure, or relationally, or emotionally, or financially, or you know, on and on. Lord, it's just life. But you've allowed us in the situations we're at, Lord. I pray that you give us your spirit, that we don't let you down, that we would follow you. We can't do it ourselves. Pray for everybody here, Lord, Lord, that's struggling, and I ask, Lord, that you deliver them. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.