The Witness of the Church

The Witness of the Church

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Main Idea: We await the return of Christ by praying for gospel advancement & faithfully working

I. The Gospel & Our Praying (3:1-5)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to pray for the advancement of the gospel, emphasizing the power and importance of prayer in all genuine gospel ministry (cf. Col. 4:2-3).

Paul exhorts us to pray for gospel advancement in 3 specific ways:

  1. We pray that the word of God would spread out (“speed ahead”) into the world

  2. We pray that the word of God would be honored in the church

  3. We pray against the work of those who desire to stop this advancement (cf. The Parable of the Sower: Mk. 4:1-20)  

“In this respect, prayer is like a spiritual walkie-talkie on the battlefield of the world. Prayer calls to heavenly artillery to blast open a way for the gospel (Col 4:3) and asks God at heavenly headquarters for clarity and courage in presenting the gospel (Eph 6:18–20; Col 4:4–6). Paul calls in to headquarters for the wisdom and power to win the war and for strength and protection from the enemy” ~ G.K. Beale

We are invited to pray this way in confidence because “the Lord is faithful” & is committed to his word. He will establish & strengthen his people for this work, precisely what happened in Thessalonica. 

II. The Gospel & Our Working (3:6-15)

Paul’s previous warnings about ‘idleness’ (1 Thess. 4:10-12, 5:14) have not been followed, so he urges the church to deal more seriously with this issue. There are two temptations for us as we consider our own work, calling, or vocation today:

1. Idleness in Work

Those walking in “idleness” in Thessalonica were unnecessarily burdening others & were living as ‘busybodies,’ a word connected with false teaching in the NT (cf. 1 Tim. 5:13). They were living a “disordered” life that was damaging the witness of the church & the community of believers. 

2. Idolatry of Work

“When work is your identity, success goes to your head, and failure goes to your heart.” ~ Tim Keller

What is a better witness for God’s people in regard to their work ethic?

  • We work hard, following the example of Paul & the Lord Jesus (3:7-9)

  • We work quietly & diligently (3:12a; cf. 1 Thess. 4:11)

  • We work to earn a living (3:12b; lit. ‘eat your own bread;’) & not be a burden to others

  • We work with perseverance (3:13)

For those who persist in this “idleness,” Paul urges that the church community warn this person as a brother or sister in Christ so they might be drawn to repentance. This “church discipline” was to maintain the witness of the church & to guard the souls

Galatians 6:1–2: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

III. The Gospel & Our Waiting (3:16-18)

As we await the return of Christ, Paul’s benediction reminds us of what kind of blessing we need to endure until that day:

  1. God’s Peace (3:16a)

  2. God’s Presence (3:16b)

  3. God’s Grace (3:18)

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