L 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 Lesson 16 Freeloaders and the Christian Work Ethic 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 October 10, 2010 Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

I.Introduction to Lesson 16 A.Fred Smith: “Calvin would have made a good golfer.” B.Deffy: “Paul would have made a good Puritan.” (Kenneth and William Hopper: The Puritan Gift) C.Dr. Haddon Robinson: “95% of all Christians have never heard a sermon on work.” D.In our text, Paul deals with work, the third of three problems addressed in 2 Thessalonians: 1.Persecution (chapter 1) 2.The Day of the Lord has come (chapter 2) 3.Freeloaders in the church (chapter 3)

II.The Problem as Previously Addressed A.Work is a subject that is frequently addressed by Paul: 1.Acts 17:21; 18:1-3; 20: Romans 16:3, Corinthians 4:11-12; 9:1-23*; 16: Corinthians 6:5; 11:7-9, 27 5.Galatians 6: Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3: Timothy 3:1; 5:9-15, Timothy 2:3-7, 15; Titus 1:12-14; 2:5 B.Paul’s personal example (1 Thes. 2:6-12) C.Paul’s previous instruction about work: 1.1 Thessalonians 4: Thessalonians 5:12-14

III.The Problem as It Currently Stands A.Some: undisciplined, not working (3:6, 10-11) B.They deplete the resources of others (3:8) C.They are busy doing the wrong things (3:11) D.They are hindering the work of others (3:11) E.They are believers (3:6, 15) F.They have been disobedient (3:6b) G.They have disregarded Paul’s example (3:7-9) H.This is Paul’s final warning (3:12-15) I.They are to work quietly & support themselves J.If not heeded, discipline is to follow (3:14-15). K.They are to be publicly identified (3:14). L.They are not to be supported (fed – 3:10). M.Avoid and admonish as a brother (3:14-15)

IV.Paul’s last words: Look to God (3:16-18) A.Remember, Paul has not yet been able to return to the Thessalonians (1 Thes. 2:17-3:5) B.Yet he does not emphasize “his” return, but “HIS” return (over and over). C.Paul does not make himself indispensible; he focuses the Thessalonians’ attention on God, who is completely sufficient to meet all of their needs. Even if Paul never returns, the Thessalonians are safe in God’s hands. D.Paul ends this epistle in a way that underscores the authenticity of this and every other epistle – by calling attention to his personal signature – verse 17.

V.Conclusion A.Don’t confuse “work” with “works.” B.What about Jesus and the apostles? 1.Jesus let others support Him (Luke 8:1-3) 2.So did the apostles (Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-12), including Paul (Acts 18:5; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; Phil. 4:10-18) 3.Preachers, too (Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) C.My response 1.Paul reiterates the right to be supported 2.Marriage is a factor (1 Cor. 9:3-6) 3.Those supported were “worth their salt” (Luke 9:1-2; 10:7-9; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) 4.Paul sets this right aside, for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor. 9; 1 Thes. 1 & 2).

D.The close relationship between one’s work and the gospel. 1.Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah 2.A poor workman detracts from the gospel 3.Good workmen commend the gospel (Proverbs 22:29; Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:23-25; 1 Timothy 6:1- 2) 4.Business as mission (makes economic & strategic sense) E.A lesson in church discipline F.The implications of our text for a New Testament church. G.To the “overworked:” Don’t give up! H.Prophecy is practical! (e.g. Daniel)

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 16 in the series, Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for October 10, Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.