Chapter 3

A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) That they be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men Paul had his share of such, even in Thessalonica — Ac 17:5-10, 13 Paul asked his brethren to pray in his behalf: For deliverance, if possible - 2Th 3:2 For boldness, - cf. Ep 6:19-20 For not all are believers - 2Th 3:2b Reaction to the gospel is often hostile (cf. Gal. 4:16; 5:11,12). 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 (NKJV) 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) Pray for us — Mat. 9:38; Lu. 10:2. Ro. 15:30. 2 Co. 1:11. Ep. 6:19, 20. 1 Th. 5:25. He. 13:18, 19. That the word of the Lord may: Be Unhindered, that the Lord “open doors” — cf. 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col. 4:3 Glorified— sinners accepting it — (Ac 13:48; Ga 1:23, 24). As it is with you—(Acts 16:9,10; 1 Th 1:5,6; 2:1, 13) 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 (NKJV) 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) In the faithfulness of the Lord - 2Th 3:3; cf. 1Th 5:24 To establish them as Paul prayed previously - 2Th 2:17; cf. 1Pe 5:10 To guard them from the evil one — cf. 1Co 10:13; 2Pe 2:9 As Jesus prayed - Jn 17:15 For which we should diligently pray - cf. Luke 11:4 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) In their faithfulness to the Lord - 2Th 3:4; cf. Php 1:6; Ro. 15:14. 2 Co. 2:3; 7:16; 8:22. Ga. 5:10. Phi. 1:6. Phile. 21. That they do the things he commands them — cf. Phil 2:12; 2Th 1:3, 4 Their past performance gave Paul confidence regarding their future faithfulness - 1 Thes. 4:10; cf. Php 1:6-7; 2:12; Heb 6:9 2 Thessalonians 3:4 (NKJV) 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” A PRAYER REQUESTED — (3:1-2) That the Lord direct their hearts - 2Th 3:5a IF we truly trust the Lord, we will allow Him to govern our thoughts & deeds — 1 Kings 8:58; 1 Chron 29:18; Ps. 119:5; Prov 3:6; Jer. 10:23; James 1:18-21 Into the love of God — Jn 14:23,24; 15:9,10; 1 Jn 5:2,3; Jude 20,21; Rom. 8:28-39 The patience of Christ — He 12:1- 3; 1Pe 2:21-23 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NKJV) 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

“A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” God’s has graciously made His love known to us and offers us an encouraging hope Have you received it? (Acts 2:38) We need to be praying for The spreading of the gospel For those preaching the gospel For those hearing the gospel! Are we allowing God to govern us? Assure us? Strengthen us?

2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 (NKJV) 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,

2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 (NKJV) 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. 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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–18 (NKJV) 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.16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

2Th 3:6 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. I don’t know about you but the way I understand 2 Thessalonians 3:6 is that this is a commandment. Paul is not asking for your consent or your permission. What is coming right now brothers is a commandment from the Lord and we must pay total attention. Who are the “we”? Paul is talking like an Apostle. There were many in Thessalonica walking in a very disorderly manner. Paul was commanding the Thessalonians and is commanding us that we must apply the same rule in discipline! Many wants to obey this commandment but only when is convenient for me, and my family. See, we want to pick and choose only when is ok for me.

2Th 3:6 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. The withdrawal from any brother who is walking disorderly has to be IN THE NAME OF LORD JESUS CHRIST! He is the authority and the King and when Jesus talks we must listen! John 12:48 We need to withdraw when: The person is in sin. The person is mocking. The person is blaspheming The person is spiritually blind. The person says She/he is a Christian? The person is walking disorderly Paul says which is equal; to live in sin. Mt 18:17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Ro 16:17 ¶ Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

2Th 3:6 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. For many this action is not easy when the person involve in any sin is: My daughter. My son. My husband. My wife. Do we have to apply discipline even if the person is someone that I love? If Not, then become accomplices and now we are in sin! To cuddle a child in sin is cruel. Mt 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Lets not contradict the Spirit of Christ for a simple blind love that we are having to any brother or any family member. The Lord punish Samuel, Eli, Aaron by killing their children for the fact that this fathers were practicing a blind LOVE.

Publicly identifying a sinner and his/her sin, 2Th 3:6 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. What is to withdraw? It is Publicly identifying a sinner and his/her sin, Turning him over to God’s judgment by Satan, Putting him out of the church membership, Ending his access to the Lord’s Table, and Ending ordinary socializing with him, by unanimous church action by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ

How Are Excluded Brethren Treated? 2Th 3:6 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. How Are Excluded Brethren Treated? We clearly identify them and their sin… We are to withdraw from them… We avoid them, which means not pursuing them… We are to avoid normal social activity… We are not to keep company with them… We are not to eat meals with them… They are as heathen men and publicans… Our treatment of avoiding them must leave them ashamed…

2Th 3:6 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. It is most fully described in I Corinthians 5:1-13, where Paul instructed the church at Corinth to exclude the incestuous fornicator they were protecting. It is further described by the terms of separation found in several other passages. It is putting a man outside the spiritual body of the church, where God will judge him. It is turning him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh – his carnal lusts, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus – Jesus Christ at His coming.

2Th 3:6 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. Its primary intent is the purity of the Lord’s body at the communion table; it’s secondary intent is the salvation of the sinning brother. It is a punishment inflicted by many – the whole of the congregation (II Cor 2:6). It is not a vote, since the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the church, has already determined what sins are allowed and what sins are not allowed. The preacher cannot exclude anyone, as it is a congregational action. The preacher should direct the congregation to their duty, but it is the church that must exclude. If a church does not do this, then they implicitly condone the sin (II John 1:10-11).

How Are Excluded Brethren Treated? 2Th 3:6 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. How Are Excluded Brethren Treated? Our treatment is a punishment inflicted by the many members… However, our treatment must not be cruel or vindictive… Our treatment must include brotherly admonition for their salvation… Necessary relationships outside the church such as marriage, family, or employment are not made void, Further differences should be shown based on the degree of repentance… Exclusion does not keep a person from attending assemblies or entering a building.

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles 2 Thes 3:7–9 (NKJV) 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, The importance of apostolic example — (ver. 9; 1 Co. 4:16; 11:1; Phi. 3:17; 4:9; 1 Th. 1:6, 7). Paul himself was not idle. They could verify this claim (“you yourselves know,” v. 7; cf. 1 Thess 2:1; 3:3; 4:2; 5:2). He supported himself in spite of much fatigue (“laboring,” v. 8) and many obstacles (“toiling,” v. 8; cf. 1 Thess 2:9) in order to relieve these new Christians of the burden — (Ac. 18:3; 20:34; 2 Co. 11:9; 1 Th. 4:11.)

Jesus: A worker is worthy of his hire — (Mat. 10:19; Luke 10:7) “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles This is NOT to say Paul would have been wrong to expect the brethren to support him — Jesus: A worker is worthy of his hire — (Mat. 10:19; Luke 10:7) Paul: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain” — (1 Cor. 9:4-14; 1 Tim 5:17,18) Paul worked hard to support himself providing an example to follow (not being a burden to others)— (ver. 7; Jno. 13:15; 1 Pe. 2:21; 2 Cor. 11:9). 2 Thes 3:7–9 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. The instruction here is aimed at those who are “unwilling to work.” — (10) Labor was a part of man’s life before sin entered the scene. - (Gen. 2:15). Sin turned labor into almost hopeless toil (Gen. 3:17-19), it must never be thought that the necessity for work is a result of sin. Man needs work for the fulfillment of his own person. God created him to work. - (Prov 10:4; 6:6-11; Eph 4:28)

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. The instruction here is aimed at those who are “unwilling to work.” (10) Not being willing to work is to “walk disorderly” — vs. 6, 11 Much is said in the Bible condemning laziness — (Pr. 13:4; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30–34). An Idle mind is the devils workshop & Idle hands are the devils tools These idle brethren were busy being busybodies — 1 Ti. 5:13; 1 Pe. 4:15;

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles They needed to earn their own bread and not sponge off others. Paul had previously told them to do this (1 Thes. 4:11), but because some disobeyed he gave this sterner command. Paul commanded the Ephesians to do the same thing – “ Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” - Eph 4:28 2 Thes 3:10–12 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.

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles 2 Thessalonians 3:13–15 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. Though one may tire in doing what is right, he should never tire of doing what is right. — (Ro. 2:7; 1 Co. 15:58; Ga. 6:9, 10; Phi. 1:9; 1 Th. 4:1; He. 12:3). Note those who do not obey our epistle — (14; Romans 16:17) That he may be ashamed, that he may repent — (Mat 18:15-17) Must continue to love him as a brother — (Jude 22,23)

The Example of The Apostles “If Anyone Will Not Work” The Example of The Apostles Paul is closing now by telling the brethren in Thessalonica: May the Lord of peace. Yes, God is peace and we are with Him we will have peace. Know God know peace. No God no peace! John 14:27. The salutation or greeting is from my own hand. 1 Co 16:21. Col 4:18. The GRACE or unmerited favor be with you… beautiful desires from Paul. 2 Thes 3:16–18 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.