1 Corinthians 3:1-23 = March 31

 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

1 CORINTHIANS 3

Paul again reminds the Corinthians not to elevate teachers of the Word of God over the Word itself.

I.   The “Baby” Christians in the Corinthian Church (3:1–10): Paul addresses some squabbling believers in this assembly.

A.  Paul’s criticism (3:1–2)

1.  What he hopes to do (3:1): The apostle wants to give them the solid meat of the Word.

2.  What he has to do (3:2): Because of their carnality and immaturity, he can only feed them milk.

B.  Paul’s correction (3:3–10)

1.  Their sinful view of Christian leaders (3:3–4): They are looking to men (like Paul and Apollos) instead of to Christ.

2.  His scriptural view of Christian leaders (3:5–10)

a.  What the leaders do (3:5a, 6a, 7a, 8–10): They can only sow and water the spiritual seed.

b.  What the Lord does (3:5b, 6b, 7b): God alone can cause the crop to grow.

II.  The Bema Judgment and the Corinthian Church (3:11–23)

A.  The works (3:11–15): Paul says all believers will someday stand before an elevated platform (called a “bema”) to be tested regarding their service for Christ.

1.  The objects in this test (3:11–13): Our works here are classified as gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, and straw.

2.  The outcome of this test (3:14–15)

a.  The owner of the gold, silver, and jeweled works will receive a reward (3:14).

b.  The owner of the wood, hay, and straw works will receive no reward (3:15).

B.  The warning (3:16–23)

1.  Don’t defile your temple (3:16–17): God regards our bodies as temples.

2.  Don’t deceive yourselves (3:18–21): Paul warns not to depend on earthly wisdom or human leaders but on God himself.

3.  You belong to Christ as Christ belongs to God (3:22–23).

 

OPEN:

• When you were a child, what did you make that you were proud of?

DIG:

• What does Paul mean by infants? Milk? Solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2)?
• What were Paul's and Apollos' contributions to the church in Corinth? 
• Who did the planting in your spiritual life? Who did the watering? 
• How do Paul's illustrations help to make his point (1 Corinthians 3:5-15)? 
• What is the wise way to build a foundation for your life? What do the building materials in 1 Corinthians 3:12 refer to? 
• Paul tells the Corinthians as a church, they are "God's temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16). What evidence do you have that your church or your body is a dwelling place for God's Spirit?

REFLECT:

• What is the difference between respecting a Christian leader and the problem Paul deals with here? 
• What does it mean to be a "fool" for Christ? What would it mean to be a fool for Christ in your life? 
• If you could describe your spiritual condition as a building, what kind of building would it be? A cathedral? A health club? A junk-yard? A library? A skyscraper? 
• Name one thing you can do this week to build the foundation of your life with "gold, silver, and costly stones.”

Other Resources:

It Takes a Village - 1 Corinthians 3

"Where Are You"

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

 Close your eyes for a minute and visualize the Lord Jesus Christ saying to you, “Brother, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly.” I feel a deep sense of sadness that Christ can find in me plenty of material to warrant such a statement.

One of Scripture’s best examples of disappointment is Peter. Scriptures show how spiritual Peter could be and then show how attached to the world he could be.

Matthew 16:18-19, and 23 provides a great illustration of this: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . . ²³ Get behind me, satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Paul explains the two stages of a Christian: (1) worldly, an infant requiring milk; and (2) mature, consuming solid food. Maturity is where God wants you to be, but the world often hinders your progress towards maturity. You remain an infant in Christ when you continue in worldly ways and never progress to Godly ways (solid food).

Remaining an infant in Christ occurs primarily from a failure to grow in increasing intimacy with Jesus. You generally lack intimacy with Christ because of a deficiency in your intake of God’s Word and shallowness by not allowing the Holy Spirit to apply His Word in your life. Remaining an infant makes you vulnerable not only to the world, but also to satan and your flesh. It is solid food that lifts you to new levels of spiritual awareness.

God uses solid food to help you grow in your maturity which makes you more usable and fruitful for God. Maturity is where God wants you to be. Seek God daily in Word and prayer, but most importantly allow God’s Word to penetrate your life so that you grasp it and apply it wherever God is leading you.

Ephesians 4:13-16 -- “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the Head, even Christ,”

Consider:

• At what times or in what aspects of your life might Jesus address you as “worldly” rather than “spiritual”?
• How can you commit to maturing in your faith?

LIVING SHORT TERM

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

 

Have you ever heard an official of a government urge Americans to smoke and drink more? It has now happened. The finance minister of a foreign government is urging their citizens to smoke and drink more to raise more tax money for their social services. The Finance Minister says, "If you smoke a pack of cigarettes, that means you are giving more to help solve social problems such as boosting demographics, developing other social services and upholding birth rates. People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state." To generate more income for the state, taxes on cigarettes will increase by more than 100% in the next three years.

 

Sixty-five percent of men in this country smoke and based on current consumption the average man drinks 19 quarts (18 liters) of alcohol every year. Thousands die every year from alcohol related causes and the government has recently implemented laws designed to help with the problem.

 

In the short term the country is likely to be proven right that if people smoke and drink more tax revenues will increase. In the long-term net revenues will decrease. Why? Because there will be an increased strain on their social services. Increased smoking and drinking will cause health related diseases to increase causing a greater burden on the social services system.

 

We see the same kind of thinking in our own lives all the time. In the short-term buying a new car or a new house with a huge payment will make us feel better. However, in the long term when we start making those huge payments, we will begin to feel trapped and burdened by our purchase.

 

We can go out and party getting high on alcohol and drugs and in the very short term we may feel very good about it. However, the next day, if not sooner we experience the consequences of a hangover, the need for another fix, or even worse wake up in jail because of what we have done while we were high.

 

We can have a brief relationship with another person that is not our wife or husband and in the short term we may feel very good about it. However, in the long term it will complicate our lives, and it could leave us with a STD, or send us spiraling out of control in the wrong direction.

 

Thought of the Day: Not only can short term thinking damage your body, and your relationships, but it will prevent the implementation of God's will, His plan in your life. God says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Please do not let short term thinking rob you of "peace" and of a "future and a hope."

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 = March 30

 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

OPEN:

• How well did you keep secrets when you were a child? How about since then?
• What person in your circle of family and friends has the most wisdom?

DIG:

• From the references to "wisdom" in this passage, what differences do you see between human wisdom and God's?
• What is the secret about God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7, 9)?
• How do you feel about verse 9? How is your outlook on life affected by the promises in this verse?
• Philosophers were respected as people who could search out deep truths; in contrast, how does Paul say the truth of the Gospel is discovered (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)? Why is that significant for the Corinthians' unity?

REFLECT:

• The Corinthians were measuring "truth and success" by how powerful, influential and articulate someone was. How is that idea communicated today? How does it square with the Gospel?
• What can you do to exercise "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) more fully in your life?

Other Resources:
Living In The Spirit 1 Corinthians 2

Becoming Interesting 

 

            When actor Sean Connery died, tributes came in from all over. The original “James Bond” actor defined the role so much that the author of the Bond book series, Ian Fleming, later wrote in a Scottish ancestry to account for Connery’s portrayal! Connery starred in many other movies and showed a wonderful talent and discipline in his acting. He was an athlete and, early in the Bond franchise, performed many of his own stunts. He grew to dislike the Bond character, though, partly because people seemed to think that he actually was a suave but deadly secret agent.  

            In truth, of course, Connery knew he was a pretty ordinary man. He grew up in lean circumstances and had many jobs and a stint in the Royal Navy. He was terrified of spiders, and a scene in “Dr. No” called for a tarantula to crawl up his arm. It took a glass sheet, a stunt look-alike, and several attempts to film the half-minute scene. Connery was also afraid of sharks and had a Plexiglas® cage to protect him in a scene in “Thunderball.” When one eager young shark managed to find his way into the cage, Connery found his way out—quickly! Others saw him as a glamorous hero; he saw himself more realistically. He liked acting, he once said, because “It allows me to be someone interesting.” Often, a public image varies from the real person. 

            “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:1-3 NIV). 

            As we read the career of Paul in his missionary journeys, we imagine a fearless preacher, confidently striding across the Near East while delivering the gospel to thrilled audiences. In reality, a closer reading shows us many of the anxieties, frustrations, fears and humiliations Paul suffered in proclaiming the good news of Jesus to a mostly disinterested world. When he arrived in Corinth about AD 50, he had been beaten and jailed in Philippi, driven out of Thessalonica and then Berea, and disdained in Athens. Corinth had a terrible reputation, and he must have imagined he was one step from Sodom and Gomorrah as he walked all alone into that teeming city. 

            Yet God was with him every step of the way. That’s how Paul was able to preach the gospel there and even plant a church of obedient Christians. First, in fellowship with Priscilla and Aquila there, and then joined by Silas and Timothy, Paul was able to work in that city for a year and a half as the church grew and strengthened. Paul knew he was no hero—he was an ordinary man who put himself fully into the service of Jesus Christ. Jesus, then, did powerful things through the labors of Paul. If we could visit with Paul, he likely would say that his life in Christ not only saved his own soul, it allowed him to become somebody interesting. That same Jesus performs that same work in everyone who will put himself fully into the Lord’s service. In Christ, we can become somebody interesting—and maybe even influential in a world starving for good news.

======

https://www.verseoftheday.com/en/02021998/

 

THE CLIFF HANGER

 

A man named Jack was walking along a steep cliff one day when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down, he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and, to his horror, saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet. He couldn't hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff.

 

So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something. HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there? "HELP!" He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice.

 

"Jack, Jack. Can you hear me?"

 

"Yes, yes! I can hear you. I'm down here!"

 

"I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?"

 

"Yes, but who are you, and where are you?

 

"I am the Lord, Jack. I'm everywhere."

 

"The Lord? You mean, GOD?"

 

"That's Me."

 

"God, please help me! I promise if, you'll get me down from here, I'll stop sinning.  I'll be a really good person.  I'll serve You for the rest of my life."

 

Easy on the promises, Jack. Let's get you out from there; then we can talk." "Now, here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully."

 

"I'll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do."

 

"Okay. Let go of the branch."

 

"What?"

 

"I said, let go of the branch." Just trust Me.  Let go."

 

There was a long silence.  Finally, Jack yelled, "HELP! HELP! IS ANYONE ELSE UP THERE?"

 

Have you ever felt like Jack? We say that we want to know the will of God, but when we find out what it is, we can't handle it.  Sounds too scary--too difficult. We decide to look elsewhere. When He says, "Let go of the things that stand between you and Me, and trust Me with your life," it sounds pretty scary.  But when we let go, we find freedom and safety in His hands."

 

Thank you.  Have a Blessed Day . . . and remember that Jesus Loves You and so do I--and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it, except to pass it on . . .  and GOD BLESS YOU!

 

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."  (1 Corinthians 2:9)

 

-- Author Unknown

=====

Act differently, Think differently

on April 30, 2019 by Paul Adams

 

When we begin to know Jesus better our lives can begin to be transformed more and more into His likeness. Our very being will be changed – we will act differently and treat people differently – we will think differently.

 

Paul ends the 2nd chapter of 1st Corinthians with these words…. But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16 CSB)

 

That means you have a self-emptying mind - in other words you put others before self, like Jesus did.

Remember, some of the best prayers are simple prayers – maybe just one or two sentences... that can be a good place to start.

 

Too many times we pray just when we want something or we’re scared about something… but we need to remember to always give thanks and pray for others. We need to give thanks to God on a daily basis… Think about it for a minute – maybe the greatest gift we have as followers of Jesus is the peaceful presence of God – we need be thankful for that on a daily basis.

 

Here's a simple, but caring prayer to help you get started (insert the name of whoever is on your mind):

 

Dear Father, thank you for loving us and for always being there for us. Please be with _______________ today because I know they are struggling.

 

In Jesus' name, amen.

 

17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 CSB)

 

The journey continues.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17 = March 28

 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

OPEN:

• When you were 8, who was your hero? 
• Have you ever felt like you were a part of a close-knit team? When?

DIG:

• What kind of place was Corinth? How would life in Corinth affect a young church? (See Introduction to 1 Corinthians.) 
• Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, his second-longest stay with any of the new churches he started. What kind of feelings or emotional connection do you think he had with the people in those churches? 
• Why would Paul emphasize in 1 Corinthians 1:1 that he is an apostle? 
• What divides the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11-12,15)? Who was Apollos (see Acts 18:24-19:1)?

REFLECT

• Do you feel like the thanksgiving in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 describes you? Why or why not? 
• Have you ever been a part of a church that was divided? What was it like? Have you ever been a part of a church that was single-minded and unified? What was it like? 
• Have you been baptized? Did your personal relationship with Christ change because of your baptism? Share about that change. 
• Who has been or is your spiritual hero? Why? 
• Have you ever put your spiritual hero above Christ? Why or why not?

Other Resources:

 Church Unity 1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 = March 29

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

 

OPEN:

What was the least useful class you had to take in school? Why?

How do you feel about speaking before a group?

 

DIG:

What do the Jews seek? What do the Greeks want? What is "Christ crucified" to the Jews? To the Gentile Greeks? How does Christ fulfill what both groups are looking for (1 Corinthians 1:22-25)?

What was the "wisdom and strength" that was so attractive to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:20-21,26; 2:1, 4-5)? What does this reveal about the division in 1 Corinthians 1:12?

In contrast, what was the "wisdom and power" of God?

Is Paul rejecting education itself, or some related and prideful assumptions?

 

REFLECT:

What pictures come to mind when you think of powerful, successful people? How do these images sometimes conflict with knowing Christ?

How do people today confuse the world's power with God's power? How does that affect you?

What do you think Paul means when he says that the foolish and lowly things will shame the wise and strong? How does your own life reflect this principle?

 

 

 

Other Resources:

Living in the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2

Life of Paul - Paul's Letters to Corinth

Life of Paul - Paul's Ministry to Christians at Corinth

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 56 A. D.

• The book of 1 Corinthians is penned from Ephesus when Paul stayed in the city during his third missionary journey.

Scripture: 1 & 2 Corinthians

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

Paul continues his writing ministry. We will focus on the relationship and communication with the Christians in Corinth. The apostle Paul is almost universally recognized as the author of 1 Corinthians. In the letter, probably written about A.D. 55 during the third missionary journey, he remarked, “I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost” (1 Cor. 16:8). Since he was planning his departure, he probably wrote 1 Corinthians during the last of his 3 years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31).

Paul sent a letter to the Church in Corinth by the hands of Timothy, who recently would have passed through Corinth on his way to Macedonia. In a second letter, perhaps AD 55 to 56, Paul mentions the previous Corinthian letter and indicates that he has received a return letter from the Corinthians which has been brought to Ephesus by a group including Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Although the content of Paul's first letter is unknown, the letter Paul received from the Corinthians poses specific questions regarding marriage and singleness, food sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, and certain special contributions which the Corinthians were making. 

Paul’s writing of 1 Corinthians was apparently prompted by the visit with him in Ephesus of a delegation from the Corinthian church. This delegation from “Chloe’s household” (1 Cor. 1:11) may also have included Stephanas (the head of another important household), Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:15–17). They seem to have brought not only an oral report (5:1), but perhaps also a formal letter. Paul answers these questions in his second letter (traditionally referred to as 1 Corinthians) and expresses concerns about various divisions among the Corinthians which have been reported to Paul by members of Chloe's family. Additionally, Paul addresses some of the particular problems which these Christians are facing in the pagan city of Corinth, including matters about sexual morality and modesty, and the issue of fellowship with pagans.

The Corinth which Paul knew had been founded as a Roman colony during the century before Christ. It was strategically located in the Roman province of Achaia on a narrow strip of land between the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic, with two adjoining ports. Corinth’s location made it a center of the trade routes passing from east to west. Prosperity brought luxury and immorality. The expression “To live like a Corinthian” to one Athenian writer meant living in gross immorality.

The church which Paul had established in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–17) was very diverse, including men and women, rich and poor. The report from Chloe’s household informed Paul of divisions in the church; they were developing conflicting loyalties to different human teachers (1 Cor. 1:10–13). He wanted them to understand that salvation is not based on human wisdom or personalities, but on Christ crucified and the work of God in building His church.

Corinth was located near the isthmus of land joining the mainland of Greece to the peninsula called the Peloponnesus (1 Cor. 1:2). It was the site of the Isthmian Games, an important competition similar to the Olympic Games. Not only men but women competed in these games, with the prize being a sprig of celery. The Isthmian Games were held in A.D. 49 and 51.

Paul answered each of the questions raised in their letter to him, usually indicating his transition from topic to topic by the phrase “now concerning” (see 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1, 12). His instructions to them covered Christian marriage and sexual practice (7:1–40). They might eat food that had been offered to idols, but they should do nothing that gave even the appearance of idol worship (8:1–11:1). Church worship should be conducted decently and with consideration for others (11:2–34). Spiritual gifts should be used for building up others (12:1–31) in true Christian love (13:1–13). Prophecy is better than tongues because it edifies (14:1–40). Because Christ has risen (15:1–11), we too will rise (15:12–34) with a new spiritual body (15:35–58).

During this period of time, several things may have happened...

• Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Co 12:14; 13:1
• 1) His first visit was during the second journey - Ac 18:1
• 2) His third visit was later on the third journey - Ac 20:1-3
• 3) The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus
• Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Co 5:9

• First Corinthians

• Though he himself stayed “for a time”, during which he writes First Corinthians (spring of 57 A.D.) - 1 Co 16:5-8
• Purpose: To correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine
• Theme: Walk together in unity, love, and truth
• Brief Outline:
• Factions in the church - 1 Co 1:1-4:21
• Sexual immorality in the church - 1 Co 5:1-13
• Lawsuits among brethren - 1 Co 6:1-11
• Moral defilements - 1 Co 6:12-20
• Marriage and celibacy - 1 Co 7:1-40
• Meats sacrificed to idols - 1 Co 8:1-11:1
• Women praying and prophesying unveiled - 1 Co 11:2-16
• The Lord’s Supper - 1 Co 11:17-34
• Spiritual gifts - 1 Co 12:1-14:40
• Resurrection from the dead - 1 Co 15:1-58
• Collection for the saints - 1 Co 16:1-4
• Concluding remarks, instructions, benediction - 1 Co 16:5-24
• Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Co 12:17-18
• To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?
• To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Co 8:6a
• Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Co 2:12-13
• But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Co 7:5-7,13-16
• Additional details about Paul’s stay in Ephesus
• Sosthenes was there, joining Paul in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Co 1:1
• Paul had been visited by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus - 1 Co 16:17
• Aquila and Priscilla hosted the church in their house, and sent greetings to those in Corinth - Ac 18:2,19,26; 1 Co 16:19
• As mentioned in letters to the Corinthians - 1 Co 15:30-32; 2 Co 1:8-11

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

First Visit to Corinth

Second Visit to Corinth

1 Corinthians - Introduction = March 28

1 Corinthians - Introduction

Note: Paul's 1 Corinthians letter was carried by Timothy to Corinth

Paul's 2 Corinthian letter was carried by Titus to Corinth

In 1 Corinthians, Paul applies the Gospel to the sin, conflicts, and problems within the church at Corinth. Many of these problems stemmed from the Greek's views about wisdom, which informed many of their moral and religious decisions. The Gospel of Jesus counteracts the world's wisdom because Jesus' death did not look like wisdom to most people. However, in this letter, Paul proves that Jesus going to the cross is the wisest thing that has ever happened.

March 23 = 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Paul's Prayer Request

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Final Greeting and Benediction

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

(2 THESSALONIANS 3)

Paul closes his letter with a request for prayer and an exhortation to a life of godliness.

I. Paul’s Request (3:1–2): He asks for prayer for two things from the believers in Thessalonica.

A. That they pray for God’s messenger (3:2): He asks for prayer that he would be delivered from wicked and evil men.

B. That they pray for God’s message (3:1): Paul desires that the gospel message be allowed to spread rapidly everywhere.

II. Paul’s Reassurance (3:3–5)

A. He reassures them concerning God’s faithfulness (3:3–4).

B. He reassures them concerning God’s love and patience (3:5).

III. Paul’s Reprimand (3:6–18)

A. The recipients (3:6–11, 13, 14b): Paul lists three kinds of individuals needing to be rebuked.

1. The lazy (3:6–10): They should work hard.

2. The gossipers (3:11, 13): They should mind their own business and do good.

3. The disobedient (3:14b): Stay away from them.

B. The rules (3:12, 14a, 15): Paul gives three steps to be taken in dealing with these individuals.

1. Step 1—identify them (3:14a)

2. Step 2—admonish them (3:12, 15a)

3. Step 3—love them (3:15b): Look upon the person not as an enemy but as an erring brother or sister.

IV. Paul’s Final Remarks (3:16–18)

A. The apostle’s heart (3:16, 18)

1. He prays that they will experience God’s peace (3:16).

2. He prays that they will experience God’s grace (3:18).

B. The apostle’s hand (3:17): He pens the closing words with his own hand.

 

 

OPEN:

• What is one prayer you were taught to memorize? 
• What was your first paid job? How long or hard did you work at it? What did you do with your money?

DIG:

• Paul has twice prayed for these people (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2:16-17). How does he want them to pray for him and his companions? How would the encouragements in verses 3-5 help them in their trials? 
• How might a misunderstanding of Paul's earlier teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) have led to the problem of idleness? Why would Paul see that as a serious problem then (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) and now (2 Thessalonians 3:6)? What model does Paul leave for the others to follow (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)? What does this have to do with taking responsibility? 
• Why does Paul call attention to his handwriting (2 Thessalonians 3:17)? How else is the close of the letter similar to its beginning? Why do you think Paul emphasizes grace and peace? What does it say about God's will?

REFLECT:

• On a scale from 1 (high anxiety) to 10 (blissfully peaceful), where would you rate your sense of God's peace now? Where in particular do you need group prayer and support? 
• How are God's love and Christ's perseverance needed in your life now?
• What have you found helpful in encouraging you to pray for missionaries? For whom do you regularly pray? What types of pressures may he or she face in that part of the world? 
• Are you idle, a busy-body, a worrywart, or a workaholic?
• What is God's message to you in 2 Thessalonians?

SOMEONE IS WATCHING

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

One very important task every Christian is responsible for is to be a good example to others. Many of our co-workers and friends do not read the Word of God for themselves, they have not learned what God wants them to do, and are more reliant on a Godly example than they probably should be. It is dangerous for them to totally follow someone else, but it happens every day.

For this reason, the Apostle Paul was very aware when people paid attention to his behavior and actions. He warns us to keep our distance from others who are not doing right (disorderly), even if they are Christians. He defines “disorderly” as those who are lazy and not working, and those who are meddling in other people's business (“busybodies”). Association with these people may give others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are with. (Sounds like advice you heard from your mother, doesn’t it?)

Don’t stop doing what you know to be right. There are those around you, even Christians, who may not be obeying God or involved in reaching others for Christ. We are to keep on track and not get tired, no matter what others are doing. 

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Thought of the Day:  Your friends will often follow the actions and behavior of those they associate with. With this in mind, your responsibility is be a proper, Godly “example”. Provide those who are watching you by leading them down the right path.