2 Thess. 3:1-5 - Paul 1) requests their prayers
2) expresses confidence in their walk
THEN - abruptly changes tone!! 2 Thess. 3:6-15
(talking about people who are capable and competent to hold down a job)
This = briefly addressed in the 1st. letter - 1 Thess. 4:11-12
Question: Is this an ongoing problem in the Thessalonian church? Is it related to Christ's return? (they expected Christ would return immediately, so why work?)
Answer: don't know. But, DO know ...
(1) Paul is intense in addressing this (forceful language)
and
(2) Paul addresses this as a significant MORAL issue!!
NOTE:
(1) The language of 2 Thess. 3:6 and 2 Thess. 3:12 - "in the name of ..... command"
(2) the charge to the church - 2 Thess. 3:13 - "you do what's right" (by contrast)
(3) the reference to church discipline - 2 Thess. 3:14
All adds up to this being a Serious issue!!!
This passage = a small part of Scripture used to define and describe - the Christian Work Ethic or the Biblical Work Ethic.
Which is largely ignored or misunderstood today, AND which needs to be taught and promoted!!
The phrase is self-defining:
WORK ETHIC = a moral view of work! (the rights/wrongs) Very seldom referred to as a Biblical Work Ethic. No reference to Scripture.
The English phrase 1st. used in 1945, however the concept is as old as Adam.
Hebrew understanding = spend 1/3_ of life @ work (in many cases more than that)
So.... how to do it Right?
Their answer: (1) God sets the standard for us
(2) God reveals the standard to us
Brief look at the Hebrew view in Proverbs:
Prov. 10:4-5 - disgraceful
Prov. 10:26 - irritating
Prov. 12:11 - 'get rich quick' schemes
Prov. 18:9 - example from 'The Message' - "slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism"
Prov. 20:4 - sluggard - lazy
Prov. 22:29 - quality work = recognized and rewarded
Summary: Prov. 24:30-34 -
This Old Testament view carried over into New Testament Christians, New Testament Church
With Additional word(s) from Christ & Apostles
1 Example: Matt. 25:26 - "wicked, lazy servant" - harsh words
This comes to us in 21st. Century America by way of:
#1. The Protestant Work Ethic (Reformation, Luther, Calvin)
Example 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' - Max Weber - 1905
Led to:
#2. The Puritan Work Ethic (focus = godliness. outcome = success!!) - part of the reformed movement
Led to:
#3. The American Work Ethic - came directly out of the Puritan W.E. which came directly out of the Protestant W.E. which came directly out of the Scripture
ie: became part of our social and cultural identity Example: "The American Dream"
Problem today = (1) Biblical roots are unknown, forgotten, misunderstood
So...
(2) "work ethic" appears on the wane (declining)
IF roots = forgotten/denied...
Attitude = THEN why embrace a former generation's "Work Ethic"???
BUT - for Christians!!! this should be no dilemma! Should be Biblical/Scriptural Work Ethic. Honor God by work habits. Are obligated to God's revelation, God's plan.
2 Notes: #1. Biblical Work Ethic addresses far more than work hard!!
#2. Labor (alone) does not commend you to God!!
Distinguish: (1) How you come to God - Eph. 2:8-9
with (2) How you live after coming to Christ - Eph. 2:10
Biblical Work Ethic addresses more than "work hard".
Related issues:
honesty, integrity, dependability
giving your employer an honest day's work
giving your employees a fair day's wage
quality workmanship, productivity
self-discipline, personal responsibility
community obligations - building wealth, sharing wealth, handling wealth (stewardship)
Personal satisfaction with work
Rest from work!!
laying up wealth (treasures) in Heaven
Building up the Kingdom on earth!
And: Work Ethic goes beyond vocation, paying job. Includes how you work at marriage, childraising, in home - Prob. 31 "wife of noble character" - model Work Ethic!!
Conclusion:
Your work/labor (in Christ) is very important, BUT your coming to God THROUGH Christ is essential!!
Closing Scripture:
Col. 3:23-24
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