2 Thess 3
Read the Instructions • Sermon • Submitted
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Transcript
Big Idea:
Big Idea:
Our worthy mission requires accountability.
Intro:
Intro:
Good morning! Welcome to Church Online.
This is our final week in our “Read the Instructions” series, where we’ve been learning the attributes of a healthy church. This is part of a year-long series we’re doing on “Growing in Christ.” In a few weeks, we’ll start the final series of the year. It will be on how our thinking impacts our ability to be the church and grow in our faith - so keep a look out for that!
We’re going to jump right in this morning. If you have your Bible/app, and would like to follow along, we’re in 2 Thess 3. As always, we will have verses on the screen for you to follow along with.
As Paul closes this letter, there are a lot of themes presented. He discusses mission, obedience, work, idleness (or not working), and accountability. I see the flow of this chapter this way:
God’s got a mission for us (the church).
This mission requires us to work, as we obey Christ.
Our work flourishes when we’re accountable.
The work is difficult, but it’s worth it!
And while we could focus on many things, the characteristic I’d like to discuss is accountability. As we read Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians, we see that a healthy church is an accountable church.
Paul wraps up his letter like this...
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
Paul’s a genius. Most weeks I feel I’m unable to do him justice. Not just because I don’t feel like I can adequately explain everything, but also because I don’t know how to explain everything without taking forever. What Paul says in just a few verses is amazing. It’s so dense, so rich, so strategic. I guess it also highlights what the apostle Peter says...
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The fact that Paul’s writings seem inexhaustible is because it’s supernatural. It’s the Holy Spirit speaking thru Paul.
I see that in this passage. As I’m studying, I’m asking myself, “Where do I start? Will I even have enough time to prepare and preach all that’s here?”
The answer is “no.”
By the way… I’ll never be able to exhaust any passage of Scripture. It’s living and active… it’s infinite in glorious wisdom. It’s an endless gold mine. It’s a well that never runs dry.
I’m not sure where I’m going with this except maybe it’s an opportunity to marvel at, and fall in love with, the Bible.
Anyways, let’s start look at the first 5 verses. I see 3 things. Paul discusses:
God’s mission - Paul’s asking for prayer for His mission to spread the gospel. He also discusses how they are part of this mission. And that mission will face opposition (something both Paul and the Thessalonians personally experienced), but God is faithful. This is first and foremost God’s mission. He will finish His work and guard His workers against the opposition. Therefore, let’s keep working!
Intertwined in these verses is the concept of relationship - something Paul highly values! Paul asks for prayer. In the verse before he prayed for them. Now he’s asking for their partnership. Additionally, he connects with their situation. The Thessalonians were suffering, but not alone. Paul and his squad were suffering too! Furthermore, they were all in a personal relationship with the Lord. God is alive, cares for us, and is faithful to us. The Lord is in the fire with us.
And as we prepare to move onto Paul’s final instruction to the Thessalonians, we should notice that all Paul has discussed so far is preparing the way for his instruction on accountability. Mission and relationship is his springboard to accountability. Actually, accountability requires both mission and relationship; otherwise:
Why are we accountable, if there is no goal or mission?
And, who will we be accountable to, if there is no relationship?
Both of these subjects set the stage for what comes next...
Paul continues in verse 6...
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.
Paul’s now getting into his final instruction. It’s based on something he addressed in the first letter, but also what he’s heard as a continued problem. And so, he begins to describe the problem and give corrective instruction - which includes the necessity for accountability.
If you remember in 1 Thessalonians, one of the problems was some had stopped working, anticipating the return of Jesus. The thinking was, “If Jesus is coming back, why invest in any earthly thing? I’ll just hang out, do whatever I want, and wait for Jesus.” And because the Thessalonians were awesome, the church was caring for these idle people, adding unnecessary burdens to an already suffering church.
And Paul’s like, “That ain’t right. That’s not how a healthy church works.” And it was STILL HAPPENING! So he commands/instructs, “in the name of our Lord Jesus,” that the church keep away from anybody living in this type of laziness, which is opposite of the godly example Paul gave them. There’s a lot in this command, so let’s break it down a little.
First, the word translated “command” is interesting. It’s not the phrase used to describe a military command, but a relational command. It still carries “authority,” but it doesn’t force obedience. But this makes sense based on what we’ve studied in these two letters...
Paul loves this church. They are close to his heart. In his first letter, he mentions his relationship to them as their spiritual parent.
In the first few verses of this chapter, we’ve discussed how he intentionally connected with them - relationally - based on shared mission and circumstances.
Even in this instruction, the people who are guilty of laziness and needing correction, he still calls them “brother.” They still have relationship - we’ll talk about that more later.
He also injects the authority found in Lord Jesus’ name - who does have complete authority - but the sense is still relational. He appeals to their relationship with the Lord Jesus.
All of this is building accountability with the blocks of relationship. It’s not neglecting authority (which Paul will mention he has a right to appeal to in verse 9) but building an accountable community of believers, willing to take responsibility based on relationship and not legalistic force.
And I believe this can powerfully speak to us today...
Let’s be real, none of us naturally like accountability, especially in America. It goes against our sinful and selfish nature. Furthermore, no matter your political affiliation, one thing we collectively love in the US is our individual rights.
Individual rights aren’t bad, they just don’t play well with accountability, especially when combined with our flesh (sinful nature). We aren’t naturally drawn to being accountable to God and one another in the church.
But it’s this type of relational accountability that is found in healthy churches. People who are:
In relationship and accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ.
In relationship and accountable to spiritual leadership in the church.
In relationship and accountable to one another.
And I kinda feel like today, that last one is the toughest. Let me ask a question: Do we allow ourselves to be in a situation where we are relationally accountable to others?
Does anyone truly know us?
Do people have permission to speak things - even hard things - into our lives?
Would we listen to them and allow them to hold us accountable?
I think that concept is foreign to us today. But it’s what a healthy church strives for. Paul told the Corinthians...
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
God structured His church to operate this way. He designed it to be accountable, while united to one another. I love what worship leader Brooke Ligertwood said the other week on her YouVersion Story..
Jesus is not returning for pieces; He’s returning for a body.
Healthy churches need accountability.
Verse 7 continues to emphasize this:
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
Two big ideas here:
When Paul says, “you ought to imitate us,” he’s saying, “God designed us for relational accountability.”
Paul mentions, not just his example, but the fact that they were “with” them. Accountability is for leaders too. Pastors are accountable to their people. Pastors need to be with people, otherwise relational accountability in the church doesn’t work.
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. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
To combat this idea of idleness/laziness, Paul reminds them of both the instruction and example he gave them in person. Paul was never lazy. Furthermore, he surrendered God-given rights - things he had the authority to ask for - in order to set an example for them.
As the pastor, Paul had a right to ask them to support him. Whether in his day or in ours, regardless of what the world may think about the work of the ministry, God sees it as essential. The shepherding of God’s people and the gathering of others into the Kingdom of God is worthy work. Real work. Work that deserves pay.
Paul didn’t need to work night and day to support himself. Yet, he says, “I gave that up to set an example for you. I want you to understand the mission, work, and accountability.”
That was more important to Paul than money. More important than authority or rights. Paul’s priority - his heart - was to teach by example commitment to God’s mission and accountability.
SO, where’s our priority? What’s truly important to us?
Do we prioritize our individual rights? Is the ability to do whatever we want or get what we deserve what’s most important to us?
Or, is pointing people to Jesus (our mission) the priority? Are we willing to submit to accountability and sacrifice for the Kingdom?
Look, I’m willing to bet all of us have something in our lives - right now - that God is telling us we need to get rid of. Things we really like. Things rightfully ours. Things that might be generally good and helpful. But things that need to be surrendered so it sets an example for people. It stirs up faith to live on-fire for God, instead of wasting our lives on things that don’t eternally matter.
Because that’s what the idle Thessalonians were doing… look at verse 11...
For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
That word “busybodies” literally means “to waste your labor.” To go about doing things that don’t matter. “To walk circles around work, that needs to be done, but never working.” You ever walk in a circle? You don’t get very far in life, right?
God’s got a mission for His church. He’s got places for us to go. There’s Kingdom work to be done. But that won’t happen if we’re are too busy being idle - just walking around in circles.
Accountability breaks circles of idleness.
Look at verse 12...
Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
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. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Paul gives his final instruction, “In the name of Jesus, hold these people accountable so they will work. If they won’t, discipline them.”
If we don’t naturally like accountability, we definitely don’t like discipline. Even the Bible acknowledges this!
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
No one likes discipline! Not even those dishing out the discipline. I remember when my mom use to say, “This spanking is going to hurt you more than it hurts me… uh, I mean, is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” I used to think, “Yeah right!”
But now that I’m a dad - it’s true! I hate disciplining my sons! Hate it! But I do it because I love them. I need to hold them accountable so they grow into the men God created them to be. So they will live on mission for God and take up His work.
True discipline is love. And its part of accountability - especially when sinful people - people who constantly make mistakes, are selfish, are rebellious - are involved. If you’re wondering who I’m talking about… I’m talking about all of us (including me)!
Paul anticipated some would not willingly go along with the accountability, so he gives instruction for discipline:
If they don’t work, they don’t eat. Don’t enable the lazy. Hold them accountable.
If they don’t obey, take note of that person, have nothing to do with them, so they will be ashamed.
Whew! That’s harsh! Especially the shame part! We don’t like that word in our day, but shame was a normal part of their culture-discipline. I can’t go into that right now, so here’s my point:
If believers will not be accountable, as part of a healthy church, then discipline them.
Yet, don’t miss the love in these accountability/discipline commands:
Verse 12 says - command and.... ENCOURAGE in Jesus!
Verse 13 - don’t grow weary of doing good! Make sure goodness is infused with this accountability.
Verse15 - Remember, the one being disciplined is not an enemy, they are still a brother. Love them the entire time!
Because the point of accountability and discipline is restoration, love, growth in Christ, godly fruit, and properly understanding sacrificial living. It’s a tough process, but worth it.
Jesus said...
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Strive - work to enter the Kingdom of God… it’ll be worth it. You won’t be disappointed!That’s the lesson accountability has the potential to teach us. It’s training us to be more like Jesus, who sacrificed everything for the mission in obedience to His heavenly Father.
Even Paul’s final words instruct us in this...
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
The purpose of accountability isn’t to beat us into submission.
It’s not meant to take away fun.
We aren’t being forced into spiritual slavery.
Rather, it’s bringing us into God’s peace, presence, His truth (which false teachers and this world are always trying to keep us away from), and His grace.
It’s difficult at first because the life Jesus is calling us into is radically different than the world/life we currently live in.
It takes training.
It takes patience, humility, and surrender.
It takes discipline.
It takes accountability.
But in the end, it’s worth it!
As verse 5 puts it, it will...
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Response:
Response:
As we close today, I’d like for us to ask two questions:
Who am I accountable to?
Is there someone in my life, that I have a relationship with, who I trust and can call me out when I’m wrong. Can speak life into me when I need it and help me grow in my faith
This question is church leadership too. We are “with” people. There’s an old discipleship saying: You should always have a Paul over you and a Timothy under you.
Someone more spiritually mature or equally mature should be pouring into you (iron sharpening iron).
And you should be pour into someone as well. You should be that spiritually mature person for someone.
If you don’t know where to start and have kids, start there! And i’m positive our River Kids team would be more than happy to help you do this! Reach out to us if that’s something you’d like help with.
Raise your children up in the Lord, so they will know which way to go when they are older.
This morning, ask God who you can talk to about having this kind of accountability relationship. Maybe this starts with a cup of coffee, bowling, or watching football together. Whatever, start something with the intention of growing in faith together - accountable to one another.
Of course, all of this is dependant on the next question...
Am I accountable to Jesus?
Have you submitted your life to Jesus as Lord and Savior? If you not, you can do that today. Turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus!
Even if you have, do you obey the Lord’s commands? Are you willing to receive His authority and discipline?
Ask God to help you with this. Humble yourself, pray, and ask Him to help you be accountable - and be okay with it, even if it’s initially a little painful, knowing it’ll produce fruit.
Maybe begin by reading the Bible each day - start in the book of John. Read or listen to a chapter. Let God speak to you. Then, obey what you hear.
If you skip a day, that’s okay. Just pick up where you left off. This is a process.
Let’s grow in Christ, as we live in accountability. That’s what healthy churches do. And the work it takes is worth it! Let’s pray...
Father, thank you for your Word. Your word that teaches us the truth. That guides, directs, and instructs us. Help us to submit to You. To be accountable to You. And also, to one another, in loving, relational, accountability. That we would grow together as a healthy body, with you Jesus as the head. Please forgive us for our selfishness and sin, that wants to isolate and tends to only care about our own rights. Helps us to surrender all to You.
In Jesus name, amen.
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Have a great day - God bless you!