The third and last concern Paul wrote the Thessalonians about was the report that some of them weren’t working (vv. 6-18). Jesus as the Head of the church instructed his church in Thessalonica and every other church since then through Paul and the other apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20). What is said here in 2 Thessalonians 3 and the rest of the NT is Jesus’ will for his churches.
If a professing believer’s life is not in line with Christian truth (“walks disorderly…tradition,” v. 6), the church must discipline him by withdrawing fellowship and not keeping company with him so that he will be ashamed of his sin and repent of such (vv. 6, 14; cf. Matt 18:15-17).
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- Prayer is essential for unbelievers to hear and believe the gospel message (v. 1). Christian, our confidence for “success” in gospel ministry must never lie with external things but always with God’s gracious power (cf. 1 Cor 2:1-5).
- Christians and churches must not have working fellowship with Christian brothers and ministries who flagrantly disobey Christian truth (vv. 6, 14). This is required for church members; it is therefore also true for churches, Christian ministries, and the like.
- Always depend on the Lord for every blessing and help. The Lord is faithful to establish and guard believers (v. 3), direct hearts into his love and patience (v. 5), give peace in every way (v. 16), and grant his grace (v. 18).