3.3 EXHORTATION TO BE CONFIDENT (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5)

We have every reason to be full of optimism and confidence:

2 Thessalonians 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful". .

What a contrast to (2 Thessalonians 3:2 ) - wicked, evil men - but the Lord is faithful, and is seen to be so. The faithfulness of God is everlasting (Psalm 119:90 ); established (Psalm 89:2 ); unfailing (Psalm 89:33 ); infinite (Psalm 36:5 ); great (Lamentations 3:23 ); incomparable (Psalm 89:8 ); the Lord's faithfulness is completing (1 Thessalonians 5:24 ); protecting (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ); abiding (2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 2:17 ); binding (Hebrews 10:23 ); revealing (Revelation 1:5 ); called Faithful (Revelation 19:11 ).

We can be confident our God can be trusted.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 "Who will establish you".

Even though the spirit of lawlessness and apostasy is abroad, in the midst of trial and evil, the Lord is strengthening, sustaining and establishing. The Lord does not remove us from the persecutions, but keeps us through them (John 17:15 ), giving us power to endure, and makes us stable - steadfast - steady and firm in the faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 "And guard you from the evil one".

He will protect from the evil one and his schemes, plots, assaults, lying propaganda.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 "And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you..."

Confidence is soundly based when resting in the Lord's performance. What the Lord works at He completes (Philippians 1:6 ). It is because of the Lord's working in us that we are obedient to the word or command.

2 Thessalonians 3:4 "That you will do the things we command you".

2 Thessalonians 3:5 "The Lord direct your hearts".

Paul's confidence is in the Lord's direction of the heart - so prays it over those he was ministering to, as we should. The Lord directs the heart into realisation of, and showing of, the love of God. The Lord directs the heart into steadfastness and the patience of Christ. Our confidence is justified in the Lord.

3.4 EXHORTATION TO BE OBEDIENT (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12)

These verses contain commands that need to be obeyed.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 "That you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.".

The command to exercise discipline is from the Lord and given in His name. Some were walking disorderly in not working (2 Thessalonians 3:11 ). Even the apostles did not do that (2 Thessalonians 3:11 ). They gave a good example to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:8 ). They could have expected support - but chose to be an example (2 Thessalonians 3:9 ). Some were disorderly in making it their business to be busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11 ). They claimed because the Lord was coming they had no need to get entangled in secular employment.

God wants fit people to be busy with fitting work. And:

2 Thessalonians 3:10 "if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat".

In a day of retrenchment and shortage of jobs, compassion and help to find work will be given to those seeking work - but not for the wilfully idle. The disorderly are to feel the discipline of the church that they might repent and get right and be restored to usefulness.

2 Thessalonians 3:7 "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us":

When a teacher's life is in conformity to the Word, that teacher can be followed.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 "Work in quietness and eat their own bread".

Our work and support of our own homes is a way of shining for Jesus.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What are your reasons for optimism and confidence?
   • Would you say your main reason is the Lord and what He is doing?
   • Do you have a testimony of the Lord guarding you, working for you, directing you?

2. Can you describe some of the disorderly behaviour Paul sought to correct?

3. When is it necessary to withdraw from those who are disorderly?
   • What is the purpose to keep in mind that would make you willing to be part of such discipline?
   
   
4. When is it safe to follow a leader?

5. Would you say someone who works well to support the home is shining for Jesus?