2 Thessalonians 3:1-10
Q.1. What was Paul’s request from the Thessalonians? In whom did his confidence lie? – (2 Thes.3:1-3)
Paul asked that the Thessalonians would pray for his protection from opposition so – that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did with you (2 Thes.3:1). Nonetheless, Paul was not relying on their prayers alone, but ultimately on God, since – … the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thes.3:3).
Q.2. What was the apostle’s confidence and hope for the believers at Thessalonica? – (2 Thes.3:4-5)
Paul trusted that the Thessalonians would obey his instructions, and so be established in their faith. His hope was that they would be inspired by God’s love for them, and that this would help them to follow Christ’s example of steadfastness (2 Thes.3:4). He prayed that – the Lord may direct your hearts into the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thes.3:5). His prayers were not requests for God to simply ‘bless’ his friends.
Q.3. Why did Paul and his teamwork for their own support? What kind of people are believers to avoid? Why? – (2 Thes.3:6-10)
Paul had modelled a life of diligence and hard work while doing the ministry (2 Thes.3:7-8). He would not depend upon the Thessalonian church for their support, without paying his own way. Rather, he and his team worked both day and night – not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example (2 Thes.3:9). The principle he underscored for believers was – … if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either (2 Thes.3:10). For this reason, the Thessalonians were to – keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us (2 Thes.3:6). Why? People who work have less time for idle chatter, or to stir up trouble (2 Thes.3:11). Had Paul and his team refrained from working, they may easily have placed unrealistic demands on those who had to work hard to support their families. It is a very poor example if a minister of the Gospel is undisciplined or lazy.