The Model Church Continued: 2 Thes. 3:6-17
As Paul closed his letter to this community of believers he cautioned them against ‘idleness’ three times; he’s making his point. The body of Christ is to be actively serving each other and their community which follows the example of Jesus and Paul’s ministry teams. A church who doesn’t care for others is a church who isn’t following Jesus’ example or the early church model, therefore the gospel becomes fruitless.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
This model church, as Paul often called them, is encouraged to continue the work of Christ,
“‘And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
That command or instruction is our framework for ministry; we love God with all we are and show that love by working to help others: the fruits of righteousness (Phil. 1:11). That means we use our time, talents, and treasures serving others and withdraw from those who don’t have the same motivation (vs. 11). Simply talking about serving or fixating on what others are doing is called a ‘busybody’ by Paul; he wants us to use our spiritual gifts serve others, not to exhaustion, but with passion. That’s why it’s important to understand what the gifts of the Spirit look like in a local church and find your fit.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7
And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. 1 Corinthians 14:12
Keep in mind that from his first letter Paul commended this faith community for their ‘work of faith’ and ‘labor of love’ depending on the power of the Holy Spirit in the midst of their suffering persecution. They didn’t use it as an excuse but continued sharing the gospel with others as the Spirit gave them opportunities. It’s no different for us, we don’t have to be persecuted to be effective; we simply have to care enough to serve.
Clearly, through these two letters Paul directs our minds to the anticipation of the Second Coming by firmly standing in faith and demonstrating it by our works. Think about your own faith walk.
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:17-18
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