(2Th 3:9)  “Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”  As an Apostle, Paul had the right to expect his needs to be met by the church (1 Timothy 5:18). Yet, he did not for he had discovered a problem among them and had addressed it in his first letter: (2Th_3:10) “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”  Listen, doing the Lord’s work does not negate your responsibility to your family.

(2Th 3:8)  “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:”   One thing we should learn from this verse is that everlasting life, escape from Hell, Sonship through Adoption, forgiveness of sins, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, cannot be bought at any price. It cannot be earned by any efforts on our part. The standard for heaven is perfection of life. The Bible proclaims “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. It can only be received by humble repentance of sin and asking for God’s mercy. Jesus paid it all!

(2Th 3:8)  “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:”  The motivation for this man of God was not physical gain. It was the good of others. That “good” begins with the soul. Sad: many times we will bend over backwards to meet a physical need. The lost will always be happy with that effort. But we won’t speak to them regarding their greatest need – their soul. We know they will not always receive that so readily. New mindset – be willing to suffer in order to tell others of their soul’s need.  

(2Th 3:6)  “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (7)  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;”  In essence, Paul is penning, “Follow me as I follow the Lord.” We are to encourage other believers to follow our Lord and to live such a life before them. There is no such thing as “Don’t do as I do; do better.”  Let us walk together as lights shining in a world of darkness.

(2Th 3:6)  “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”  The second purpose of not fellowshipping with one who professes the Lord yet will not do right, is that such a life brings shame to the Name of the Lord and unbelief to the lost. They view such a person and think there is nothing to Christianity but religious practice. No! The Spirit of God lives inside the truly saved. They have the power of the highest in them to live lives of victory over sin! True Christianity is a walking, talking, living relationship where the saved loves the Lord first and foremost and his life reflects it.

(2Th 3:6)  “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”  Adding to what was said yesterday regarding withdrawing from one who says they are saved yet walks disorderly, is the importance of Christ’s reputation. The only evidence that salvation is real is the changed life of the professing Believer. If you think like the lost and act like a lost person – chances are you are a lost person. They will conclude the same, in their minds making Christianity a sham.

(2Th 3:6)  “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”  There are two reasons for this. First, for your own sake; we are influenced by those we spend time with it. They “rub off on us”:  (Pro 22:24) “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: (25)  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”; (1Co 5:5) “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (6)  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7)  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.” God’s desire is holiness in us which brings communion with Him. Continued – tomorrow.