2 Thessalonians 3.6-15

The Problem: Idle Brothers

Idle (ataktos) – unruly, ____________, out of rank, ________.

A military term, this word became used in Greek culture to describe people who didn’t show up for work.

Why were they idle?

• Greeks viewed labor as ________, for the lower class.
• Expecting Christ to return soon, so _______________.
• Able to take advantage of _____________ Christians.
• Just plain lazy.

Note this is Paul’s 3^rd Warning.

1^st Warning – When _______- was with them (2 Thess. 3.10)

2^nd Warning – In his last _________ (1 Thess. 4.11-12)

3^rd Warning – In this letter, in the name of the Lord Jesus

Christ (2 Thess. 3.11)

Six Incentives for the Idle to Repent and Get Back to Work

1) ____________________, 3.6

Get busy or lose out on fellowship with other believers.

2) ____________________, 3.7-9

Get busy and follow the example of industrious

believers.

3) ____________________, 3.10

Get busy or you will get hungry.

4) ____________________, 3.11-13

Get busy and stop causing trouble for others.

5) ____________________, 3.14

Get busy or be put to shame.

6) ____________________, 3.15

Get busy because these people love you.

When You Are Dealing with the Idle

• Don’t ________________ the lazy.
• Don’t be ________________ by the lazy.
• Don’t stop ________________ the lazy.