WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Prepare for this time with the Lord using the prayer of Psalm 139:24: ‘See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’

Abusing the system
In the current economic situation in the West, many families are juggling several jobs to make ends meet, others are facing redundancy, and many who would dearly love to be in work cannot find a job. Paul’s warnings (vs 6,11–15) are not directed at people out of work due to circumstances beyond their control, but rather at the work-shy – those able to work but unwilling to do so.

From the outset, the church gave help and support to those in extreme need (Acts 4:34,35; 6:1,2). Sadly, some Thessalonian believers were abusing this support system.

Challenging unholy behaviour
The problems in our churches will be different but the way we deal with them (whatever they may be) has the potential to help us grow in holiness. Left unchecked, selfishness and disobedience will damage the church.

Paul’s policy was to challenge unholy behaviour (vs 6,12; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12; 5:14) and devise a strategy to help the community deal firmly but lovingly with the problem (vs 6,14,15). It is dangerous to dish out discipline to others if our own lives do not match up. Paul modelled holiness through his selfless hard work and his loving attitude (vs 7–9).

Respond: Pray that the leaders of your fellowship and the wider church would be Christlike in leading and disciplining those in their care.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-11-03