FINAL THOUGHTS-

I mentioned the other day that I was debating doing 1^st-2^nd Thessalonians as a regular study- but instead I just hit on the Second Coming portions.

But I did want you to see the same theme that ran thru the other books we covered- also runs thru this letter.

Most of all- look at verses 6-13.

Paul talks about those who are ‘disorderly’ in the church- and he then goes on to define what he means.

He was talking about those who did not work- and ate food for free.

He then says that he himself was not ‘chargeable’ to them- meaning he too worked while among them carrying out his ministry.

This theme of Paul NOT TAKING MONEY- and describing it as ‘charging them’ if he did-

Is not a one time thing with Paul.

I used to think he only did this while he was in Corinth- because in the letter to the Corinthians he says the same thing.

But as you read thru the New Testament- we see this was a regular practice for Paul.

It is often taught ‘I don’t want to keep appealing for money- but- God showed me that I’m robbing you of the opportunity to be blessed if I don’t’ [Many Preachers say this].

Yet- Paul did not see it that way at all.

He says he ‘had the right’ to be supported by them- but he did not USE THIS RIGHT.

Now- was Paul in disobedience?

Did he not have enough faith for God to support him thru the ‘tithes’ of people?

Out of all the things he could have described as ‘disorderly’- he chose to define it as those who ate FOR FREE- And refused to work.

In the videos/posts these past few months- I have critiqued the missions that feed the homeless-

Things I have done for many years.

I also have said in scripture there are those deemed ‘worthy’ of aid-

Paul teaches this in his other letters.

So- in short- it is perfectly acceptable to not TAKE MONEY for your teaching- ministry- and all the other things you do in service.

It is not ‘cheating’ the people-no- Paul even descried it as ‘charging the people’ which he himself said was wrong for him to do.

He also rebuked those in the church that ate for free- and refused to work.

So- I just penned this quick teaching in about 10 minutes sitting here at the Coffee shop-

We do not need an entire ‘study’- and years of debate to see this stuff-

Just read the chapter for yourself.

2Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you
2Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
2Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
2Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2Thessalonians 3:6 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.
2Thessalonians 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Thessalonians 3:8 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:
2Thessalonians 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
2Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
2Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
2Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
2Thessalonians 3:14 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.
2Thessalonians 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
2Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
2Thessalonians 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
2Thessalonians 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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