Remember Where You Came From
Read the Text: 2 Thessalonians 3
Memorize the Text:
But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has closed you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in truth.
(2 Thessalonians 2:13, CSB)
Consider the Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Parents often warn their children to be on good behavior. The warning comes as a moment of teaching and expectation. The parent desires the child to act appropriately as they represent the family. As we often remind our children before they go somewhere without us, “remember where you came from.” The same is true for children of God. We need to live in godly behavior and remember where we came from. The apostle Paul challenges believers to recognize this expectation of the Lord in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.
DO NOT HANG AROUND BAD INFLUENCE
The apostle Paul identified that some people in the church in Thessalonica were “idle” and not keeping the “tradition received.” The two identifiers note that these people were present but occupying the pew without serving the local body or the Lord and that others had abandoned the truth declared by the apostle. Paul warned the believers not to be under the influence of these unfaithful individuals. He knew that bad company corrupts good character. Thus, the apostle warned the believers about hanging out with such individuals. Today, believers need to guard against the influence of non-participating believers, pew sitters, and altered belief that exists. How are you protecting against the threat of bad influences?
IMITATE A STRONG BELIEVER
The apostle knew believers needed firm believers to imitate. Therefore, he told the believers to “imitate us.” This command centers on the understanding that Christians need more mature believers to look up to and model. The impact of mentors in life allows people to see the truth of God’s Word lived out and at work in people's lives. Thus, the apostle challenges Christians to seek to find mature believers who walk faithfully with the Lord and imitate their walk. The critical nature of this truth comes as believers should imitate other believers to become a believer worth imitating. What mature believer influences your life? Does your life reflect Christ in a way others would desire to imitate you?
BE BUSY, NOT A BUSYBODY
Paul cautioned the believers in Thessalonica to be busy and become a busybody. Some of the congregation in Thessalonica had become idle in serving the Lord in the local body and, as a result, had too much time on their hands. This unoccupied time led to them becoming busybodies meddling in everything and accomplishing nothing. Paul charges believers to remain busy serving the Lord and not to become idle and fall into the temptation of meddling. Today, we need to assess our lives and make sure we are committed to serving the Lord through the local body and not concern ourselves with meddling in the lives and service of others. Are you busy serving the Lord or busy meddling as a busybody?
DO NOT GROW TIRED OF DOING GOOD
The apostle challenged the believer to continue doing good. He knew that serving the Lord was an exhausting task, and often believers grow weary. The weariness may result from a lack of evidence of fruit, a lack of feeling appreciated, or even a lack of proper purpose. Thus, the apostle called believers to continue in the task of doing good in obedience and faithfulness. The critical component to living these truths out comes from the pursuit of doing God things, and the world views not good things. Are you tired of serving and doing good? Do you need to ask the Lord for the strength to continue?
Bad company ruins good character. This statement could read in the believer's life as idle and immature believers tempt faithful believers to become idle. The key to remaining faith rest in remembering where we came from. Thus, we need to hear this phrase from our Heavenly Father and serve Him in faithfulness, remembering that he is our portion and provides us our purpose. Remember where you came from.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
