Recognizing Our Own Propensity To Sin

II Thessalonians 3:1-18

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” (II Thessalonians 3:1-2)

It is easy to forget that pastors and missionaries have the same temptations as other people. They can and frequently walk in the flesh rather than the spirit just like other people, hindering the Holy Spirit’s work. The old monasteries were formed to isolate themselves from sin and the world. Sometimes pastors missionaries and church workers do the same. It doesn’t prevent sin or temptation, but may allow it to become worse because they let down their guard. They need prayer to avoid temptation just as much as anyone else.

In doing their work, especially that of evangelism, Christian workers are going to face persecution. In II Timothy 3:12, Paul tells us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Some will abuse their power, and others will try to kill or destroy a reputation. Paul experienced this as Acts describes so often. Prayer for boldness in face of persecution, and for actual physical deliverance are needed.

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight by just eating less knows how weak their will power is. Paul described his struggle in Romans 7, finishing with the statement that deliverance would only come from God. In Galatians 5 we find that temperance or self control is part of the fruit of the spirit, and verse 16 tells us, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Living a pure, holy life is not dependent on our will power, but on allowing God to have his way, and trusting him to produce proper behavior.

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (II Thessalonians 3:3-5)

Too often our trust is in our ability to not sin, rather than in God to prevent temptation. God can be trusted to do what he said, so our emphasis on not committing sin is often a result of not trusting him. We are not to overlook or indulge in sin, but we are to trust God to enable us to avoid it. Some teaching against sin is sin itself, because Romans 14:23b says “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” We can expect the Lord to enable us and others to overcome sin, and to keep ourselves and others faithful to him. This still leaves us with responsibilities.

If someone gets caught up in sin, we have a responsibility to try to get them to forsake their sin and serve Christ. Galatians 6:1 describes this. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We are not immune to sin ourselves, so must deal with that of others from a standpoint of humility, rather than of power, but we must deal with it lest we or others get involved. I Corinthians 5 and Matthew 18:15-17 describe the procedure to be followed, and the types of sins involved. Separation is essential if a person refuses to straighten out their life, and do what is right.

“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.” (II Thessalonians 3:6)

Paul stated that a man who wouldn’t provide for his own family was worse than some one who denies Christ in I Timothy 5:8. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” As a result, he and his associates had refused to live off the largesse of their people, although they had the right to do so. They had refused to establish an example for their people. It is not the churches responsibility to provide for people who refuse to take responsibility for themselves.

“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 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: 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. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (II Thessalonians 3:7-12)

While the church has a responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves, and to support their pastor, it is each individual’s responsibility to take care of their own business. Faith produces obedience. To refuse to obey God is not faith, but sin, despite the claims of some. We ought not get discouraged that things are not producing the results we expected, but as Hebrews 12:1-3 instructs, stay focused on what God has given us to do. The last half of Hebrews 11 stresses that while some saw miracles, others did not, and all of them died in faith, none having seen the end they were looking for.

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 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. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (II Thessalonians 3:13-15)

Those who are involved in immorality are to be treated as a heathen or a publican, not as an enemy, but as an unsaved person, one we are cautious in our involvement with. With lesser sins, we wish to make them aware of our disapproval, but as we would do with a wayward little brother, not as an enemy.

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (II Thessalonians 3:16-18)

Paul’s usual salutation, expressing a desire that they might experience Gods peace and his wonderful gifts in their lives, walking with him daily. As is indicated in several of his other letters, only the salutation was actually written by him. The balance was dictated by him and written by an amanuensis or scribe, probably as a result of an eye problem.