Sermon notes for November 17-19, 2023
Part of 2 Thessalonians
November 14, 2023

PERSEVERANCE

Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
November 17-19, 2023

Why is IDLENESS destructive?
The apostle Paul uses the strongest language in the entire letter of
2 Thessalonians about “idleness” by commanding us “in the name of Jesus Christ.” This is not just a suggestion, but an absolute truth we must live by if Jesus is our Lord and Savior.


leads us to behavior.


makes us a to others.


causes .

How to overcome IDLENESS
If you’ve fallen into a pattern of lazy inactivity, then you can break out of it by realizing who God is, who you are, and the impact you can have by your work-ethic in spreading the gospel.

God is a

.

You are a

of God.

People are

.

Get to

.

Discussion Questions

Do you know an IDLE person?
Do you have a child, parent, or friend who is lazy? Has their unproductive inactivity created conflict between the two of you? How have you dealt with someone who is a burden to others because they refuse to work (Prov 18:9)? Have you ever noticed someone who meddles in other people’s business because they have nothing else to do? Why do you think Paul addresses this issue with such boldness?

Do you have a correct THEOLOGY of WORK?
Do these verses describe your work ethic (Gen 2:15; 3:19; Eph 2:10; Eccl 3:22; 5:12; Ps 128:2; Rev 22:3; Col 3:23)? Why is work good for us? What do you enjoy most about work? What is the most difficult aspect of working? Would others describe you as a hard worker?

Do you follow God’s rhythm of WORK and REST?
Do you follow the rhythms of the work day and work week as God intended (Ex 20:9-10; John 9:4)? Do you work hard for six days and then rest on the seventh day? Do you put in a full day’s work and then enjoy free time in the evening and then sleep enough hours to replenish your body and soul? If you are given a two-day weekend (or even three days), then how do you follow this rhythm? What is the principle behind “working hard, playing hard, and sleeping well”?

What does the ANT teach us about WORK?
Read Proverbs 6:6-11. What are some principles we learn from this passage? How can a sluggard transform into an ant?

Are you “WILLING” to work?
The key to this passage is to work if you are able. If someone is unable to work (elderly widows, disabled, special needs), then it is up to the generous to those individuals. But… how can we help those in our society who are able to work become willing to church to be work, instead of becoming a burden to their families and communities?