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The Theology of Work: Chores in Paradise

This passage from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the value and meaning of human labor. It commands believers to withdraw from those who refuse to work and be an example of disciplined, diligent workers. The passage also warns against idle behavior and encourages believers to continue doing good without growing weary. The duty to withdraw from disorderly believers is explained, emphasizing the importance of discipline and admonishment.

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The Theology of Work: Chores in Paradise

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  1. THE THEOLOGY OF WORK “Chores in Paradise” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 6 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. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 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, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

  3. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 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. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

  4. God places value and meaning on human labor.Holman Bible Dictionary. • Genesis 2:1-3; THE MAKER OF WORK (as well as “rest” or Sabbath) • Genesis 2:8,15 THE MODEL WORKER (terms like, “to tend it”; “to keep it”) 4 Reasons to “Withdraw” from “Disorderly” Believers:

  5. 4 Reasons to “Withdraw” from “Disorderly” Believers: Deliberate Idleness: (3:6) • Paul instruction with the strength of a military command: • Paul is speaking to believers who should have exemplary disciplines: • Paul is explains what “disorderly” means: (idle, slothful, lazy) • Paul’s tradition is the teachings regarding “human responsibility” to “work”

  6. Disciplined Working believers: (3:7-10) "Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids" (Proverbs 6:4). • Called to follow strong work ethic; called away from “disorderly” working: • Calledaway from begging for necessities: • Calledto “labor” and “toil” (not planning on being a “burden”) (vs.8) • Calledto be an “example” (repeatable and reproducible) (vs.9) • Calledto implement strict standards of conduct: “no work, no food” (vs.10) This is an example of the “loss of rights” for being an idle body.

  7. "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Proverbs 10:5). • "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding" (Proverbs 12:11). • "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster" (Proverbs 18:9). • "Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger" (Proverbs 19:15). • "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not" (Proverbs 21:25-26). • "For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags" (Proverbs 23:21).

  8. THE DANGER OF IDLENESS: (vs.11) • The reputation of the idle person: • The repute of “busybody” (busy, working at Gossip) "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters" (1 Peter 4:15). "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the lord" (Leviticus 19:16).

  9. THE DUTY TO WITHDRAW: (vs.12-15) • The strong command to diligent work: (12) • The strong admonition to remain steady: (13) • The process of discipline: (1) note their disobedience to the Word of God; (2) mark the person; (3) distance yourself from their poisonous conduct; (4) let the discipline and withdrawal of fellowship shame them. (5) This process is an admonishment.

  10. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). • "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephes. 4:28). • "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1 Thes. 4:11). • "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (Eccles. 9:10).

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