Page 56 - Pauline Epistles Student Textbook

Study Section 11: Significance of Prayer, Caution Against Idleness,
Closing Remarks.

11.1 Connect.

When the first settlers came to America, they decided that they would pool all their
crops in one building and that everyone could share from that pool. They very quickly
found out that this idea did not work. Why? Because people are basically self-
centered and lazy. Some people went out every day to work in the fields. Others felt
that they could not because of some aches and pains. As a result of the laziness of
many, the entire group almost all starved.

The next year, the governor of the colony told everyone that they were “on their own.” They would
eat what they grew and there would be no more pooling of resources. Knowing that if they did not
work, they would not eat, everyone worked hard to bring in their own crops. As a result, they had
an abundance of food, even enough to sell to others. They were motivated to work because they
wanted to eat.

Paul had to address a similar problem among the believers in Thessalonica. Evidently there were
several that refused to work and felt they could live on the efforts of others. This is the passage
which states, “If you won’t work, you won’t eat!” Governments would be wise to pay attention to
this Biblical truth, as many have created welfare states where they take from those who are
industrious and give to those who do not work. Such a system does not work considering the nature
of man. Let’s dig in…

11.2 Objectives

1. As we approach this section, we will learn the sinful kind of withdrawal from work.

2. We will learn the apt response to those who unjustifiably withdraw from work.

3. We will learn from Paul and his companions’ godly approach to work.

11.3 Significance of Prayer, Caution against Idleness, and Closing Remarks (2 Thess. 3:1-
15).

Significance of Prayer (vv1-5)

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoredas
happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have
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faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have
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confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May
the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (ESV)

Paul and his companions request for prayers from the believers at Thessalonica and they gave two
purposes for those prayers. They asked them to pray for them so that the message of the Lord may
spread rapidly and be honored, just like it was honored among the believers at Thessalonica. Paul
and his friends’ were resolute concerning the rapid spread of the message of the Lord . That is, the

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