II TESALONIA, 3:6

Written shortly after 1 Thessalonians, Paul’s second letter continues to encourage the Thessalonian church by admonishing them to stand firm on the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:15). As Paul instructs the church about the coming of Christ, we are reminded to be made worthy of God’s calling and fulfill all the good works of faith.

The Scriptures give a number of reasons for people to work—all of them profound in their own way—because what we do for a living matters to God. Work has value in and of itself, it is intrinsically a good thing, and when work is done with excellence, it reflects God. The Bible tells us that our work accomplishes God’s work and purpose in the Kingdom through His grace.

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to clear up confusion circulating about Jesus’ return. In a previous letter, Paul had said Jesus’ return was imminent. Some in the church took that to mean Jesus was coming back immediately. Paul corrects them and instructs the church on how to live in the meantime. Reading this study, you’ll face the reality of Jesus’ return and our responsibility to live for him.

You’re not a pastor or donor-supported missionary, but a “mere Christian” who works as an entrepreneur, barista, or programmer. In this five-day reading plan, we’ll explore the lives of some mere Christians in the Bible and what they can teach us about our own work today.