2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Introductory Questions

  1. When you hear the word sloth, what comes to mind?

Read 2 Thess 3:6-12

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Discussion Questions

  1. What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage?

  2. According to Paul, what does idleness look like?

  3. How does sloth/ Laziness/ idleness negatively impact others?

  4. Why do you think Paul treats habitual idleness so seriously?

    Read back over 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3 for some context.

  5. How can bad theology lead to bad habits and behaviour?

  6. What beliefs about life or purpose can feed sloth today?

Read 1 Cor 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

And Col 3:23–24

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Discussion Questions

  1. What surprises you about the connection between grace and hard work?

  2. Why are grace and effort not opposites?

  3. How would life change if we genuinely believed we were serving the Lord in our daily work and responsibilities?

Application Questions

  1. Look over the following list, Where do you see an inclination to avoid your responisbilities or to put off doing something hard?

    Work or study

    1. Parenting

    2. Marriage

    3. Friendships

    4. Serving others

    5. Prayer and Bible reading

    6. Evangelism

    7. Health

    8. Decision-making


    What would repentance and diligence look like in that area this week?

Prayer

Spend some time praying for God for these things.