SERVICES: SATURDAY 6PM | SUNDAY 9AM & 10:45AM. 

We Livestream at www.FaithFellowshipWeb.com/livestream, through the FFC App, and YouTube.

Never Tire

Never Tire

Words of Faith 4-29-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

 

2 Thessalonians 3

    [11] We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. [12] Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. [13] And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

 

          Paul wrapped up his concern with the issue of those who were "idle"— those who were not working, though able, and were expecting others in the Body of Christ to support them.

          A part of the concern was that these people were busybodies.  The Greek word means to bustle about in a meddlesome way. It also means "to work all around."  These folks were meddling in the business of others and "working" the congregation probably to gain money or food.

        Here, Paul addressed such people directly commanding that they should “settle down,” literally "be working with quietude," and earn a living.   This was not a suggestion or a word of pastoral guidance.  These people were believers, and there was no excuse for them to behave in this way.

         It is the final exhortation that is most important.  "And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right."  There is a constant danger in the Christian life that we may become jaded or calloused or just plain tired of doing what is right. This is especially true among leaders who have to deal with situations such as the ones described.  The Greek here means "weak, weary or faint of heart."

         I have heard many pastors say that they have virtually boundless energy to work for the Lord-- preaching, teaching, organizing, sharing and even doing manual labor about the church.  But conflict within the church is what often steals exceptional dedicated leaders away from the Body of Christ.  

        This is true of all Christians!  We can grow weary and lose the fire we once had for ministry. Studies have shown that one of the primary reasons that pastors leave the ministry is "difficult people." 

        Sometimes the greatest difficulty in Christian living is the busybody who has their nose in everyone's business instead of quietly doing their part.

          Paul's exhortation calls for resolve.  Resolve not to grow weary in such situations.  Even when there are difficult people, complaining people, idle people, or gossipy people-- don't grow weary.  Do not lose heart.  Keep on doing what is right.  Don't compromise.  Don't give up.  The Lord will be with you and will carry you through, and He will probably develop character in you that is more like Him.  Indeed, the Lord has continued to do what is right for many millennia in spite of people who are idle and causing trouble.

         All of us can probably think of an annoying situation or person.  Never tire of doing what is right.  Never.

 

         Father God, Give me the strength I need to keep on doing what is right.  Keep me from discouragement and weariness.  Give me a fresh new outlook in the New Year and help me to serve You with renewed vigor.  In Jesus' name.