2 Thessalonians 3:6-18--Warning Against Idleness and Benediction

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
English Standard Version

Warning Against Idleness
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Benediction
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

​17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

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In his final remarks to the Thessalonian church, Paul instructs them to avoid anyone who calls themselves a brother (or sister) in Christ and is walking in idleness (someone who is lazy or slothful).  They should be about the work of The Great Commission that the Lord Jesus gave to us, all the more as they see the day of His return approaching.  We should use the gifts that God has given to us to glorify him, raise money for the expenses of the ministry and to give relief to the poor and oppressed (especially our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who are suffering).  We should provide for ourselves so that our message will not be subject to influence by anyone who provides for us (save God who is our ultimate Provider).

Anyone who is able to work and unwilling to do so to provide for himself and his family should not eat--hunger is a great motivator for the sluggard to get up and do something productive.  However, if the sluggard has someone else feed him and his family and pay their expenses, then he will never have the incentive to work.  Paul says that the man who calls himself a Christian and won't work to provide for himself and his family when he is able to do so should be someone no genuine believer would associate with--we don't need to tarnish the name of Christ and the gospel with that kind of wickedness We know from the Old Testament and New Testament that slothfulness is an abomination to the LORD.  Such a person should not be regarded as an enemy that we fight against, but someone engaging in sin that needs to be warned, we should pray for him and be willing to put such a person who is under the authority of the elders of a local church under church discipline.  I believe that is the meaning of warning the brother (or sister).

Paul closes with a benediction wishing the church the peace of Christ at all times and in every way, and also that the Lord would be always with them.  Paul finishes by letting them know that he himself wrote this letter to them (it was not written by a scribe or one of the many people who helped Paul that would often write for him as he dictated to them).  He asked them to examine the handwriting to see that it was his own, and his style of words.  It was not an imposter or forgery.  Lastly, he wishes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with all of them...grace and peace, just like he so regularly opens his letters, so he closes this one.  We have no peace without the grace of the Lord Jesus that gives us peace.  Because He continually ministers before the Father for us, we can be certain of both the grace and peace that come through Him.  To Him be all the glory forever and ever.