BIG IDEA:
CHURCH DISCIPLINE MAY BE NECESSARY TO REINFORCE THE NEED FOR A DISCIPLINED LIFE OF RESPONSIBLE WORK
– TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN FAMILY
– AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
INTRODUCTION:
MacArthur: Now I want to know if you have ever seen a sign on the back of a speed boat that said, “I’d rather be working?” Or a license plate that said, “Thank God it’s Monday?” Not likely. We really do have a warped perspective on the matter of work. Our materialistic self-indulgent adolescent infantile child-like culture has a warped view of the place and role of work.
I. (:6a) APOSTOLIC COMMAND: AN UNRULY LIFE REQUIRES CHURCH DISCIPLINE
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life.”
II. (:6b-10) APOSTOLIC TRADITION: REINFORCING APOSTOLIC COMMAND – EXEMPLIFIES A DISCIPLINED LIFE OF RESPONSIBLE WORK
A. (:6b-8) Apostolic Example = Sacrificial Diligent Work
1. There was a Consistent Apostolic Tradition
“and not according to the tradition which you received from us”
2. This Apostolic Tradition Required Imitation
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example”
3. Negative Example
a. Not Undisciplined
“because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you”
b. Not Out for a Free Ride
“nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it”
4. Positive Example
a. Sacrificial … Diligent… Sustained Effort
“but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day”
b. Unselfish Motivation
“ so that we might not be a burden to any of you”
B. (:9) Forsaking the Right to Financial Support to Reinforce the Necessary Example
“not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example.”
C. (:10) Corresponding … Clear… Consistent … Apostolic Commandment
“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”
III. (:11-12) APOSTOLIC CORRECTION (FOR THE BUSYBODIES): GET TO WORK!
A. Negative Report
1. Verbal Report
“For we hear”
2. Limited Scope
“that some among you”
3. General Indictment
“are leading an undisciplined life”
4. Specific Charges
a. “doing no work at all”
b. “but acting like busybodies”
B. Apostolic Correction
1. Tone of Authority
a. By way of Command
“Now such persons we command”
b. By way of Exhortation
“and exhort”
c. By way of Delegated Authority
“in the Lord Jesus Christ”
2. Mantra of Personal Responsibility
a. “to work in quiet fashion”
b. “and eat their own bread”
IV. (:13) APOSTOLIC ENCOURAGEMENT (FOR THE RESPONSIBLE BRETHREN): KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”
V. (:14-15) APOSTOLIC SUMMARY WARNING: CARRY OUT THE DISCIPLINE IF NECESSARY – BUT WITH BROTHERLY LOVE
“And if anyone does not obey our instruction in the letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
(3:16) APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!”
(3:17) AUTHENTICITY — AUTOGRAPHIC ATTESTATION
“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter: this is the way I write.”
(3:18) CLOSING BENEDICTION
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all”