2 Thessalonians 3:1-12

"When Giving is the Wrong Answer" - 2 Thess 3:1-12

We know and love Paul as the Apostle of grace. But as we head into the final chapter of 2 Thess, we see a little different side of Paul. We see his protective side. The people he spoke so highly of, and that he loved so dearly, and that were growing in love, were also being taken advantage of! How? By who?

Although it's hard to say exactly what is happening, it seems that the reality of the second coming of Jesus has given freeloaders an opportunity to sponge off of the church. It must have been a significant problem based on the amount of ink and the intensity with which Paul addresses it! People take advantage of the kindness and generosity of God's people. But we are not supposed to be enablers! They show up for the meal but put nothing in the offering box!

Cutting to the chase, Paul lays down the law, "If you won't work, you don't eat." Period. Maybe that should be a plaque in every kitchen across the USA. Parents of older teens will say "Amen"! There is no place in the body of Christ for people to presume that the church should give them a free ride when they have the ability to work. Work, like marriage, pre-dates the fall in Genesis. Jesus Himself worked. Food doesn't just miraculously appear and the birds don't sit in their nests and wait for God to rain down worms from heaven....although He could.

How should the church handle the situation? How did a twisting of the second coming of Christ foster this behavior? What do you think about the saying, "God helps those who help themselves?" All of this will be our topic for discussion tomorrow, so.....

VIEW AND SEE!

Steve