Session 13 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

PROVIDE (2 THESS. 3:10-12)

observations about the text in the margin of their book.

10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you:
“If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”
11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.
12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ
to work quietly and provide for themselves.

CLARIFY:

Explain that this passage rebukes people who are able
but unwilling to work,
not those willing but unable to work.

Some within the Thessalonian fellowship were unwilling to work.
The phrase isn’t willing shows a continuous action that was taking place in the present.
Those who were unwilling to work had developed a habit of living in this state.

GUIDE:

Enlist a volunteer to read aloud Hebrews 12:6.

Hebrews 12:6 NASB
FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

Ask:

How is calling out a believer who is disobedient an act of love?
How would you characterize Paul’s response to the idle believers? (p. 111)

DISCUSS:

In verse 12, Paul called the idle to work and provide for themselves
as they knew they should.

Discuss:

How can the way we conduct our business be a tool for sharing the gospel?
How can it become an obstacle?