SEPTEMBER 23 READING...2 THESSALONIANS 3
Paul requests that the church pray for him and his companions. For Paul, truly this world was not his home, nor was he welcomed here. Basically, he had those who traveled with him, and the churches that he had started during his missionary travels. The rest deemed him as their enemy…an enemy of the state, and an enemy of the religious elite. He asked the church to remember to pray that he would not fall into the hands of unreasonable and wicked men. Paul affirms the faithfulness of God in all things, and confirms the reality of God working in the church of Thessalonica.
Paul closes the letter by warning the church of parasites in the fellowship that are lazy, and feed off of others. He told the church to have nothing to do with them, and if they refused to work, then they should not eat. He is not talking about those who could not work, but those who would not work. Laziness is a scourge on any society…and it is actually theft by those who won’t get off their backside and contribute when they can. Some may say this sounds harsh…but I would ask you to consider what it would look like if everyone refused to work. Paul says that idleness leads to disorderly conduct and being a busybody. We are to work in quietness and eat our own bread, as we are always willing to share with those who cannot work on their own. We are not to keep company with one who claims to be a believer, yet refuses to take care of their own household. Paul closes as he began this letter…offering both the peace and the grace of God upon the believers.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
MONDAY’S READING…1 TIMOTHY 1
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