Steadfast Workers

MEMORY SELECTION: “Be not weary in well doing.” —II Thessalonians 3:13

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: II Thessalonians 3:1-16

THE memory selection for this week’s lesson draws attention to the need for greater steadfastness. Those who, during the present age of sacrifice, have made an unreserved consecration to do the will of God are admonished to press on in full assurance of faith, not becoming weary or fainthearted.

In the opening verse of the selected scriptural reading, the apostle requests prayer on his behalf from the brethren at Thessalonica, thus indicating his desire to walk in harmony with the will of God, faithfully even unto the end of his course. Also (vs. 2), he asks for prayer that he be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, desiring always to be in company with those who love God and righteousness. It is important for all who strive to serve God to do so in the company of brethren, not forsaking the assembling together with those of like precious faith.

Paul reminds us that “the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” (vs. 3) If we stay close to God and bring our consecrated lives into harmony with his will, he will do his part in showering blessings of favor upon us. Then (vs. 4) we may have confidence in the strong hand of the Lord in all our affairs if we are rightly exercised by his will. “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”—vs. 5

Paul next points out the need to observe the manner of the brethren—whether they are walking disorderly or whether they are attempting to follow the righteous example set forth for them by the apostles. “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.”—vs. 7

Throughout the Apostle Paul’s ministry he sought to set the best possible example for those who responded to his message. Also, having the trade of tentmaker, he was always able to care for his needs without depending on others. In this letter to the brethren at Thessalonica, he brings this matter to their attention. He reminds them: “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (vss. 8-10) Paul’s whole life was an example of faithfulness and zeal for the Lord, and he sought always to instill the principles of truth and righteousness in the brethren.

Evidently there had been some among the Thessalonians who had not been careful in this respect and were not looking after their own needs. In connection with this matter the apostle says, “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.” (vs. 11) This is unbecoming behavior for anyone who desires to walk in the Christian way. Paul’s further admonition is, “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (vs. 12) What wise counsel indeed for anyone who may think that others—even though brethren in Christ —are responsible for their living and well-being.

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” (vs. 13) The Christian has made a covenant to walk in faith throughout life. To obtain the prize of the high calling, we must be faithful unto death. The trials of the narrow way may be discouraging from time to time, but the admonition is to continue on to the very best of our ability.

Paul spoke with the authority entrusted unto him by the power of God, and he was an inspired apostle to the Early Church. And on this authority he commanded the brethren at Thessalonica that “if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed [reproved, Rotherham]. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (vss. 14,15) Whenever we see someone walking in the company of the unrighteous, the spirit of love should be our guide to assist him if we can.

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