Have you ever been told to "settle down" and mind your own business? Paul tells the Thessalonians exactly that! The Christian community was dealing with a group who were living "in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work" (2 Thessalonians 3:11). These folks were causing trouble and becoming a burden, perhaps thinking Jesus's return meant they didn't need to work anymore.

Pastor Shawna will guide us through 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 to explore a core Christian principle:

The Example: Paul models an ethic of diligent, honest labor, even though he had a right to be supported. He was "working night and day" (v. 8) to set a clear standard.

The Command: This passage contains one of the Bible's most provocative commands: "If anyone is unwilling to work, let him not eat" (v. 10). We will unpack what this means for us today, focusing on the dignity of contributing to the common good.

The Antidote to Idleness: The opposite of idleness isn't just "being busy"—it's working quietly to earn a living and, critically, a call to the rest of the community: "do not grow weary in doing what is right" (v. 13).

This sermon challenges us all—whether we're prone to spiritual laziness, over-involvement in other people's affairs, or simply feeling tired—to find our purpose and live an ordered, productive life that honors God and blesses our community.