2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 “The Church as a Mother’s Embrace”

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin
• Crowder – Come As You Are
• No Longer Slaves – Bethel Music, Jonathan & Melissa Helser

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Definition of LOVE (Fruit of the Spirit Devotional for Kids) | Bible Stories for Kids – Short Lesosn for Kids
• What the Bible Says About LOVE | Minno Day Show – Long Lesson for Kids
• I Am a Child of God | Bible Adventure Worship | LifeKids – Song for Kids
• I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy (Listener Kids/Body Worship) – Kidspring Worship – Song for Kids
• My God Is Powerful | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle continues with a stern command: “Keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us” (v. 6). The phrase “those who live idle lives” translates the Greek word ataktos, also found in 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Ataktos is a military term referring to those who disobey orders and act according to their own will. The word “teaching” also appears in 2:15 and refers to the core message of the gospel handed down from the twelve apostles. The command “keep away” means to break fellowship. Yet, according to verse 14, it does not mean a complete severing of ties but rather creating space that allows for repentance.

The Apostle reminds them that they already know his example. He did not live an idle life, nor did he burden anyone, but willingly labored day and night so as not to be a weight on others (vv. 7–8). As an apostle, he had the right to expect the Thessalonians to provide him with food and lodging. However, he chose to forgo that right and instead set an example by working with his own hands (v. 9). His saying, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (v. 10), was a well-known proverb of the time. If even the world upheld this, how much more should believers be diligent and faithful! Yet among them were some who were “idle and disruptive” — not working but becoming busybodies (v. 11). To such people, the Apostle commands and urges them “in the Lord Jesus Christ” to settle down and earn the food they eat by working quietly (v. 12).

The Apostle also adds this encouragement: “Do not become weary in doing good” (v. 13), which is also found in Galatians 6:9. “Doing good” may mean living in a manner worthy of the gospel or gathering as the church to serve and sacrifice for others. Along the way, it is easy to lose heart — whether from rejection, persecution, or because fruit comes slowly. The Apostle himself often experienced this. Finally, he exhorts them that if anyone does not obey the instructions in this letter, they should “take special note of them and do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed” (v. 14). Yet he adds, “Do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer” (v. 15). The purpose is always to bring that person back into restoration.

Meditation:

The Apostle Paul lived with the holy vision of God’s kingdom, yet he also deeply experienced the reality of human sinfulness. He was persistently harassed by Judaizers and faced difficulties with the Greco-Romans. But what caused him the greatest pain were misunderstandings, rejection, and insults from fellow believers. Becoming a new person through the grace of Jesus Christ’s blood does not mean one instantly becomes a saint. Shedding the old ways of life takes considerable time. Knowing this, the Apostle urged, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” These were words he likely often repeated to himself. That is why he described the work of preaching the gospel and planting churches as the “labor pains of childbirth” (Galatians 4:19).

Yet at times, Paul also acknowledged that there are cases when love must be withheld. He asked the Thessalonian believers to pray that they would not be entangled with “wicked and evil people,” and he commanded them to cut ties with those who disregarded the tradition of the gospel and acted and spoke as they pleased.

There were two reasons for this. First, some people were so hardened in heart that only a drastic remedy could reach them. As Scripture says, “Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21). Therefore, “God gave them over to a depraved mind” (Romans 1:28). There was no other way to bring them back. Likewise, at times, such drastic measures are necessary even within the church.

Second, embracing those who reject the tradition of the gospel and insist on acting according to their own will within the church is extremely difficult. To “love as God loves” and to “endure as Christ endured” is indeed our ultimate goal. But in actual practice, we must take into account our own weaknesses, the persistence of evil spirits, and the strength of present evil. The complete resolution of all this will only come when the new heaven and new earth arrive. Until then, we pursue the high ideal and goal, yet must also act with discernment, being “as shrewd as serpents.”

Nevertheless, a drastic remedy is only an exception. Our calling is to always strive to bear the labor pains of ministry as much as possible and to the very end. Only after we have given our very best are we qualified to apply such a measure. And even then, it must be carried out cautiously and step by step, just as Jesus taught (Matthew 18:15–17).

Prayer:

Lord, we lift up to You the body of Christ, the church You have given us. Help every member treat one another with a mother’s heart, so that the church may become a warm embrace for all, and that within this love, we may be transformed. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The church is meant to be like a mother’s embrace, a place of warmth, love, and growth. Sometimes it is hard to live together because of misunderstandings or wrong actions, but God calls us to keep doing good, to love one another wisely, and to help each other grow in Christ.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • How is the church like a mother’s hug? Can you think of a time when church felt warm and safe for you?
  • Paul told the believers, “Don’t get tired of doing good.” What are some simple good things you can do at church or school?
  • If a friend at church makes a mistake, what could you do to show love and help them instead of giving up on them?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think Paul called the work of building the church “labor pains” (like childbirth)? What does that tell us about the effort and love needed for community?
  • Sometimes Paul said the church needed to “step back” from people who acted against God’s teaching. How can stepping back also be an act of love and wisdom?
  • Paul encouraged, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” What are some ways you personally feel tired of doing good? How can the church community help each other keep going?