Text:
2 Thessalonians 3: 6-15
Memory Verse:
“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count himas an enemy, but admonish himas a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:14&15).
The way of God and living a godly life is a great mystery that takes divine grace to live. Oftentimes we find it difficult to understand what God regards as right, looking at it from a human perspective. How, for instance, would one be expected to bless those who curse one, to turn the other cheek when one side has been slapped or to give up one’s cloak when one’s coat has been taken (Luke 6:28-30)?
In Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians, he taught practical Christian living using his own life as an example. He knew that there were brethren in the church who lived disorderly and unacceptable lives. They were lazy, did things in unacceptable ways, idle, expected assistance from others and became busybodies in other people’s affairs. Everyone had a right to ostracise them because they were definitely not living right! It is interesting, however, that Paul, while admonishing that they should be ostracised, “to make them ashamed” still made provision for their restoration.
Looking around you, it is likely that you can identify brethren who are not exerting themselves enough and are probably looking up to you and others for assistance, financially and otherwise. You must, by God’s grace, not treat such people as enemies, but as brothers. Paul admonishes that you must not be weary in well doing.
Jesus also said “when I was hungry…” (Matthew 25:31-40). Though this will take a lot of help from God to do and might seem indulgent, but that is the instruction. It is God’s way of protecting all in His fold.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord please give me more grace to do Your will.
2. May I not stand condemned in Your eyes, O Lord.
