2 Thessalonians 3:1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

·         Lord, give our Pastors and Elders your wisdom. Give them Your discernment for the decisions they face, and remind them to rely on Your strength, not their own. Help them to always apply your Word, even in the most difficult and confusing situations, Amen

2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) The faithful love of the LORD never ends, His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

2 Thessalonians 3:4-5 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

·         Main Point #1: Obeying God means SURRENDERING to God! He will reward our obedience by giving us His strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

·         Main Point #2: Being disruptive isn’t always noticeable. Rumors, Speculation, & “Second Guessing” leadership are ALL disruptive

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

·         Main Point #3: If we notice each other being negative or disruptive, lovingly say: “2 Thessalonians 3”

2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

·         Apostolic ANTONYMS (Opposites)

·         Idle -vs- Serving the Lord. Being a “Contributor”

·         Disruptive -vs- Peacemaker, Encourager, a Calming Influence

·         Burden -vs- BLESSING (Which one am I?)

2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

·         Main Point #4: Christ followers are called to be contributors, not consumers.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

2 Thessalonians 3:12-14 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.

·         Changed affect (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)

·         Changed thoughts (increased desire for the things of God)

·         Changed actions (completely SURRENDERED to God, & obeying His commands)

·         Changed ability (able to successfully resist sin)

Romans 6:22 (NLT) But now, you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now, you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

2 Thessalonians 3:15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

·         Main Point #5: Correction inside the Church shouldn’t lead to expulsion. It should lead to repentance & restoration

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

·         Call 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.