2 Thessalonians 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:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
This evil world wants you to follow their ways, but Only in The Word of Truth, ONLY in Christ can our faith grow in strength.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
Living our life in Christ keeps us from that evil one. If you ignore Christ, satan fills the void.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
Paul's letting The church of Thessalonica know that he believes in them, that if they stay in The Word, they will grow in it.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
God's Word gives that direction. Without His Truth, the fake creeps in. There are to many Christians being deceived into false doctrines today. This book touches on the lies and brings us to His Truth. Christ is coming, who are you going to wait for? Will you know the difference? Have you listened to humans or God's Word on the subject of Christ coming? What's in your "heart" = mind? The mark of the beast = lies, or the seal of God = Truth.
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.
If you mess with poo, you're going to get it on you. Stop hanging around with evil people. Judge righteously, "you shall know them by their fruits" = actions. They are contrary to God's ways.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Our examples are in The Word, NOT anywhere else.
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:
Paul, Silas and Timothy didn't bring The Word to the people for a salary, nor did they give a few verses on Saturday or Sunday, then had a show for the congregation. They did the work and by staying focused on The Truth in their teachings, even during their tribulations, the people couldn't say it was about anything else.
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
They had a right to do many things, but as examples of The Way, they conducted themselves in a manner so those that saw them wouldn't fall from their Christian walk. We see and hear what those leaders of churches do and say every day that risk the fall of those within the church. A babe in Christ is just learning to walk. We must be careful when they see and hear the [adult Christian] = those in the meat of The Word = knowledgeable in the things of God.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Part of the example they gave was if you don't work, you shouldn't eat. This of course doesn't apply to the disabled, but the able. There is no room anywhere for laziness. Being an enabler for laziness will destroy everyone involved. Throw out those that won't work. When they get hungry enough, they'll find a job. I don't care to hear "there's no work out there"; knock on a door and rake a yard.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
There are those that because they don't have a job, look to get into your personal life. They won't mind their own business, but make yours a focus. If you follow God's Way, evil will always try to tear you down. These "busybodies" have nothing in their lives to keep them focused. They'll start trouble and cause destruction.
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.
Ignore those busybodies and concentrate on God, the people and the things that are relevant in your life. God always sees things work out for those that follow Him.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Be a true Christian! Christians are can do children of God. We know how to get things done. When you set out to do the work of God, don't waver, get it done.
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.
If someone chooses to follow a way other than that of The Word, throw that person out of the church, out of your life and have nothing more to do with them until they choose to change. You don't want them to bring anything on you. Poo has a means of getting on you when you mess with it, so stay away from it.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
When you admonish them from your life, it should cause them to look at themselves. You want them to have a change of heart. They should feel ashamed. True love is tough love when it's called for and it's for their correction.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Do it His way, study His Word and have faith in Him under any circumstance. Living in Christ is peace of mind.
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.