Mark Howell says, "The Gospel will affect every area of our lives, including our passion for living today and our hope for what is coming tomorrow."

Members of the Thessalonian church were refusing to take responsibility. Some had quit working because they thought Jesus would be back any moment and didn't see any reason to exert themselves. Others relaxed because there were plenty of wealthier members in the church who were always willing to share. Regardless of the reason, Paul was abhorred by such laziness and set the rule, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

Christians have an obligation to hold one another accountable for how they pursue their work and how they relate to one another.

The questions are taken from the Bible study by Donald Baker titled 1& 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? and Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Mark Howell.

Our readings for this week: 2 Thessalonians 3.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am or go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresybterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. What work does Paul expect every one of his readers to perform (vv. 1-5)?

2. What do you learn from these verses about the work and responsibilities of prayer?

3. What encouragement and ideas do these verses give you concerning your own prayer life?

4. What problems do you imagine the idle brothers were causing for the rest of the church and community?

5. In what ways do lazy Christians still continue to take advantage of the work of others? What are the effects?

6. What are some Biblical reasons Christians should be excellent workers at any job they have?

7. How did Paul make himself an example of the proper attitude toward work (vv. 7-9)?

8. How can you become a similar example to others?

9. What changes have you observed in your life as a result of studying the two letters to the Thessalonians?