SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Somer Phoebus:

2 Thessalonians was a letter Paul wrote to assure the Thessalonians once again (he did this in 1 Thessalonians as well) that their fear of somehow missing the second coming of Jesus had no truth to it. But in this letter to them, he ends with a powerful message that I think we all need to hear, too. 

After spending the first two chapters teaching and encouraging the Thessalonians in their faith, he closes in chapter 3 (the end of his letter) with a warning against idleness. In some ways, it seems out of place. Why not just end things with the reminder to stand firm in chapter 2? The last verse of chapter 2 is even a prayer that sounds very much like a benediction. For all intents and purposes, it felt like the end of his letter. 

So why the need to come back and warn against idleness?

Because I think Paul knew that as followers of Jesus, we’re most vulnerable to believing the lies of the world when we’re not on mission for the Kingdom.

 Think about it: 

- A homeowner is most vulnerable to a burglar when they’re sleeping.

- A bicycle is most vulnerable to tipping over when the wheels aren’t moving. 

- And we’re most vulnerable to believing the enemy’s lies when we aren’t actively pursuing God’s truth.

The Thessalonians were distracted by this unnecessary worry, and because of that, their mission was in danger of stalling out. 

So in an effort to help them turn their worry into good work, Paul warned them about their idleness. Quickly followed up with another warning that Christians mention all the time, “Don’t grow weary doing good.” (vs.13)

I think Paul knew it’s better to keep our hands busy and maybe be a little weary than to sit idle and be a lot worried.  

Idleness will often allow us too much time to let our minds wonder, and before we know it, we’ve wondered our way right into worry. 

Now let me be clear…

I’m not saying stay busy for the sake of being busy or to avoid getting quiet.

I’m saying get busy doing good for the sake of the Gospel and get quiet to hear from the Lord, not yourself. 

Don't grow weary doing good... and you won't grow worried doing nothing.  

Father, forgive us for our idleness. I pray that You will give us energy for our assignment so that we can stay on mission for You. I pray against the lies of the enemy that distract us from our purpose. Please quiet our overthinking and let us rest in Your promises. Move us to action, equip us for Your work, and help us to love You with our whole lives. Amen.