Mar. 03, 2024

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
Workin’ for a Livin’

1. Feel the Force! (v. 6)

A. Command

B. Not Just a Good Idea

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ

C. Walking in Idleness

D. An Established Teaching

2 Thessalonians 2:15

E. Work Has Been Valued

Genesis 2:15

Exodus 20:8-11

Imitating God’s creative work

Ephesians 2:10

Titus 1:12-13

Dignity of work

Leviticus 19:9-10

Leviticus 19:13

James 5:4

Retirement and Meaning

Numbers 8:23-26

Witness while you work

1 Thessalonians  4:11-12

Ephesians 4:28

1 Corinthians 4:11-12

To the Ephesian elders

Acts 20:33-35

2. Imitate Us! (vs. 7-9)

A. Work as Discipleship

B. They Could have lived off of the Church’s support (v. 8)

2 Corinthians 11:8-9

1 Corinthians 9:3-7

C. An Example Instead (v. 9)

3. Getting to the Point! (vs. 10-12)

A. Are You Hungry Enough? (v. 10)

B. Busybodies (v. 11)

Titus 3:14

C. Appealing Again to Jesus (v. 12)

Reflection:

1. Where did you learn about work and working? How important is work and work ethic in your walk with Jesus?

2. How have you passed on your attitude and beliefs about work to those who are coming up behind you?

Following UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Genesis 2:15

Did this happen before or after the Fall of humanity? What does this then say about work and how followers of Jesus should view it?

Tuesday:

Read: Exodus 20:8-11

What is the rhythm of life according to this commandment? What is it based upon? How do you practice this in your life?

Wednesday:

Read: Ephesians 2:10

In this verse we are called God’s "workmanship”? What does that say about God’s view of work and creativity? How does that speak to our efforts in work?

Thursday:

Read: Leviticus 19:9-10

What practice is described in these verses? How important do you think that it is for those in physical need to have a part in the relief and realization of meeting that need is?

Friday:

Read: Numbers 8:23-26

What is described in these verses? What purpose do the Levites have after their retirement? How important do you think that it is for people to find fruitful purpose in retirement today as followers of Jesus?

Saturday:

Read: Acts 20:33-35

Paul describes to the Ephesians elders the perspective of his mission team toward their work. How would you use these verses to help someone understand their purpose in the work they are doing in the light of their walk with Jesus?