11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:11–15
This is a practical section of scripture, the kind that often followed Paul’s heavy theological arguments. A simple gleaning with logic gives you clear marching orders in your Christian life.
Be disciplined (verse 11). This is self explanatory. You’ve got to be honest with yourself. Am I disciplined? As an aside, I’ve witnessed extremely disciplined people who are messies. Paul is not asking you to change your DNA.
Busybodies are anything but (verse 11). Peter called them “troublesome meddlers.” (1 Peter 4:15) Paul talked of them making the rounds to people’s houses, spreading gossip. Today, it’d be perhaps an inordinate amount of time on a cell phone or social media spreading strife. (1 Timothy 5:13)
Do your share of the work (verse 12). This would imply being gainfully employed. Take Jesus’ dad Joseph for example. He wasn’t a farmer, but he made furniture. From this trade he fed the Messiah. Paul was also a tent maker by trade. This is how he always had “pocket money.” It follows he always had a “roof” over his head!
Work in quiet fashion and eat your own bread (verse 12). Again, I think of Joseph. We have nothing on him, but the presumption is he set this kind of example. He also spent a great deal of time being a dad and husband. Paul alludes to such a lifestyle below.
11 …make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12
Do nothing but good in life (verse 13). If it’s not good, don’t hear it. If it’s not good, don’t see it. If it’s not good don’t speak it.
What if a friend “in the Lord” does not practice what is preached here and you want to be faithful to these admonitions? Let’s say you’re asked to go somewhere that is not in keeping with your understanding of what the Bible teaches. Perhaps a movie. Perhaps a party. Perhaps anything that the Spirit within alerts you to as potentially compromising. At that point is when you “take special note” and decline the invitation. But what’s more important is clearly communicating why you won’t participate. The separation alone sends a message, yes, but if coupled with a valid “spiritual” reason (a biblical teaching with chapter and verse) to abstain, you are admonishing a brother or sister in its most effective, simplest, and softest form (verse 15).
The word “admonish” in the Greek (nouthesia), by the way, means to “put into one’s mind.” It’s also active in its use here, suggesting a continual process or persistence. While we may “separate” we don’t abandon a brother or sister in Christ.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! 2 Thessalonians 3:16
How fitting a conclusion from Paul “under the circumstances” in this his second published and signed (verse 17) letter to the Thessalonians.
To do or not do the things listed above will require not only the Lord’s peace but his grace as well. Thus the last verse, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:18
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