Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

Don’t be idle (3.6)

Idleness is associated with laziness, procrastination, time-wastingWalking “in idleness” (ataktōs) = living in an undisciplined, irresponsible, disorderly manner, slacking (like soldiers not keeping rank)

Idleness is the intentional shirking of God-given responsibility (3.6, 11-12)

Idleness = fruitlessness = uselessness (3.10-11; John 15.2ff)

Fruit = proof of a tree’s health: good fruit is the inevitable proof of legitimate faith, spiritual health, growth, while bad fruit is the opposite

Idleness is not just inactivityResting ≠ idleness -- necessary, commanded by God

Planning/preparing ≠ idleness -- necessary exercise of discretionYou can be busy with “idle” pursuits (3.11; Am 6.5)

Idleness rests when there is calamity ahead & sinfulness insideThe replacement for idleness is not busyness

Paul’s commands regarding idleness:

Don’t associate with those who are habitually idle (3.6)
Imitate the example laid for you (3.7)
Contribute, don’t consume (3.8, 10; 1 Thess 4.12)

Encourage faithfulness in others (3.12-15; 1 Thess 5.14)

Some readers see Paul’s patience running out between 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Based on his commands and their lack of obedience, it seems his sternness is warranted, not the result of a lost temper.

We too must lovingly address idleness (3.14-15; Eph 4.15).

...by remaining wholly committed (3.13)

Weariness is easy when the work seems hard & endless (Gal 6.9; 1 Cor 15.58)
When we are faithful, God is faithful (3.16).