Note for 2024/05/01- 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 KJV‬ - Works

 

‭2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 KJV‬

[1] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: [2] and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. [3] But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. [4] And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. [5] And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. [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; [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: [9] not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. [11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. [13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. [14] And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. [15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [16] Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. [17] The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2th.3.1-18.KJV

Note for 2024/05/01

What is work?

You see friends, if you have not read what the Apostles teachings were, there might be a disconnection from the truth here. Today we see work as having an employer, who pays you to do something for him, or to own your own business. But is the work you do something done in righteousness, conforming to all the other instructions we have received?

Do you recall as we read through Acts that the early church lived communal lives? Can you recall what Phillip was elected to do? Yes, he was one of them who stood in service to minister unto the Greek widows. By today's standards then, does a housewife work? For she ministers unto the family and that is her servitude to the family. And what of payment? Who pays those that work among the poor? There are labors for the Lord that do not have a direct financial revenue. Should those then not eat either?

What then of those that work for gain by selling lies? In my own eyes, I have always had respect for those that do the honest work of growing grain. Without farmers, how will the multitude eat? Caregivers is another, for that is something that I am familiar with; but it is not profitable financially. Notwithstanding that it is probably wise to plant food for yourselves, but with the cost of water, which used to be free; food is often cheaper in the store.

We must at least be able to identify that time has changed things in the world a great deal. Society does not function as it did back then. Where mothers or the church taught children, now they are sent off to school, which is government controlled. The modern way is not necessarily better, in many ways it is worse.

But, we have not been born then, we are born to this age. This here, this is what we have been born too. It is here that we must live by faith. It is here we must walk Spiritually. In this time, in these conditions. Solomon wrote that he who gives to the poor lends to God. And Who then is our Provider, who do we labor for? Money is a worldly reward, but I do not discount the fact that it can be used for good. Did the early church not sell their possessions and brought it to the Apostles so that none would go short in need?

You see, what is work must be answered too.

So, what is it then to be unruly? Does that not speak to a rebellious spirit? Even those whose self-interest exceed the interests of the group? And is the church not a group?

If then working for gain, who does that gain count for? Remember, we are still speaking of those that may eat, and those that shouldn't eat, because they are not working. Who then will determine what is right? When gain can even come as blood money.

Our world is upside down today. Those willing to step on each other get rewarded. Misunderstanding this chapter will give honor to one who lives in a form of lawlessness. The matter of righteous work comes down to the intent of the heart, the desire that fuels the person to perform the work he does. So may a mother be working for an employer, who may be doing things covertly, yet, the mother is working to feed her children. She might not be aware what her employer is employing his riches for.

Judge not, lest ye be judged. Remember, that is written too. What is good to do, and Who determines that? What was the instruction of our Lord? Do you get paid to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How much do you get paid to love one another? And if there is no help for those that cannot help themselves, how would they live? Or, do we just push all of those into living quarters and let the state take care of that?

Perspective: What is work?

[13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Shalom

YouVersion Bible Verse of the Day

‭Amos 5:24 KJV‬

[24] But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

https://bible.com/bible/1/amo.5.24.KJV

Expanded text for context:

‭Amos 5:18-27 KJV‬

[18] Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. [19] As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. [20] Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? [21] I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [22] Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [23] Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. [24] But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. [25] Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? [26] But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. [27] Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose name is The God of hosts.

https://bible.com/bible/1/amo.5.18-27.KJV

Links:

The House of Bread (houseofbread4u.blogspot.com)

PS: I only found out now that today is a public holiday for "Workers Day"