Bible Study

Bible Study

October 21, 2025 (CSB)

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 12  (CSB)

“Consider Your Behavior – People Are Watching”

6 “Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies. 12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.”

Paul wrote to the Romans in chapter 10 thee words: 14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? Does this seem inconsistent with Paul is teaching in our scripture for today?

Paul’s words were not suggestions he was speaking to them in no uncertain terms but he was addressing the topic of false teaching he is not saying to avoid all people. We need to interact with those who are not of the faith but we can teach them by staying strong in what we believe. This is further explained in verse fourteen.

Do we want people to imitate us? Paul did not hesitate to tell people to follow him since his life imitated the life of Jesus. Can we say that? Mine does not always although I try to follow Him as closely as I can.

Also Paul was teaching them about work not to remain idle. Word came to Paul that some were not working as they should and many not even willing to work. Sound anything like 2025? I have often quoted verse ten “if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either.”

God Bless.