II Thessalonians Lesson 7: The Standard
Series: II Thessalonians
July 30, 2025
Brett Cooper
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, Paul addresses the issue of idleness within the church, urging believers to follow the example he and his companions set by working diligently and not being a burden to others. He commands the church to distance themselves from those who live in idleness and refuse to work, warning that such behavior is contrary to the traditions taught by the apostles. Paul highlights that idleness not only disrupts individual responsibility but also undermines the integrity and witness of the church community. This passage emphasizes that faithful living includes a commitment to personal responsibility and productive work, which supports a healthy church culture. It also cautions against enabling laziness under the guise of Christian charity, calling instead for gentle correction and restoration of those who stray from godly discipline.
Episode Notes
Opening Scripture
“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.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (ESV)
Paul addresses a problem in the Thessalonian church: some individuals were benefiting from the community without contributing to it. They attended meals but did not bring food, help serve, or assist in cleanup. They desired the benefits of fellowship and provision without engaging in the work that sustains it.
Their behavior led to confusion and complaining. As a result, Paul commands the church to distance themselves from such individuals in order to preserve the cultural standard of godly community.
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1. Example to Imitate
“For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 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. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 (ESV)
Paul uses the Greek word μιμέομαι (mimeomai), which is translated as imitate. From this word, we derive our modern term mimic. The principle here is clear: leaders in the church are to mimic Christ in order to provide a model for others to follow. In doing so, believers learn to mimic Jesus and become examples themselves.
Those who chose idleness were corrupting the identity of the church and distorting its example to outsiders. They were not just being lazy; they were misrepresenting the gospel through their behavior.
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2. The Command
“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 (ESV)
Some individuals in the Thessalonian church were talkers, not walkers. They showed up to occupy a seat rather than to serve or bring joy to others. Paul commands these individuals to quietly do their work and earn their own living.
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3. The Way Forward
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 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.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:13–14 (ESV)
Paul gives a direct instruction: if someone refuses to work and ignores the teachings, they are to be distanced from. This is not punishment for the sake of exclusion, but correction that leads to conviction. It’s a call to protect the health of the church community.
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4. A Loving Warning
“Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:15 (ESV)
Even in discipline, love must remain. Paul reminds the church to warn, not condemn. The goal is restoration, not rejection.
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5. Categories of Non-Servants
Paul’s words speak clearly to several attitudes that damage church culture:
• The Self-Centered: Too focused on themselves to serve others. They have no place among those who follow Christ’s example of servanthood.
• The Fearful: Afraid of serving, so they sit among the self-centered and listen to justifications for inactivity.
• The Critical: More interested in pointing fingers than lending a hand. They may serve occasionally, but only to gather ammunition for later criticism.
• The Slackers: See no responsibility for the life and health of the church. They opt out entirely, expecting others to carry the weight.
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6. The Cultural Consequence
When these attitudes are not confronted, they begin to corrupt the culture of the church. Paul calls for separation from such behavior because these postures do not belong in a healthy body of believers. To preserve unity, love, and mission, idleness and spiritual apathy must be addressed firmly and lovingly.
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Conclusion
Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians remain relevant today. The church is a body, and every part is called to function, to serve, and to love. True Christian community is not built on consumption, but on contribution and Christlike imitation.
Let us each ask:
• Am I imitating Christ?
• Am I contributing to the health of my church?
• Am I encouraging others to work quietly and faithfully in the Lord?
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