A Man Unwilling to Work

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

It has always been the will of God for a man to work in order to support his family. God adamantly and emphatically says, “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” (1 Timothy 5:8). Though this truth may seem harsh to some people, God’s expectations and guidelines always serve a greater purpose. Therefore, it is never God’s will to financially assist someone who will not work though completely capable and available. There may be times when people cannot legitimately work and have a need for help; but we disobey the Lord when we help those who have needs resulting from laziness. Our last lesson showed that the Bible defines food as a necessity; but if a man will not work, he does not even deserve the necessities of life provided to him through the generosity of others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Learn to be a good worker like the ant (Proverbs 6:6-8). A good worker will have plenty to eat (Proverbs 28:19a).

• (For everyone): Laziness results from rebellion towards God and His word. Even prior to man’s fall in the garden in Eden, God gave the first man a job to do. Why should we refuse to help those who will not help themselves by working?

• Are you currently helping someone who refuses to work? Do you realize that both he and you are in direct rebellion against God’s specific commands? Will you repent and do right? In doing so, you may take away this man’s crutch and force him to admit that his lack of the necessities of life have resulted from sin.

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord for wisdom as to when to refuse helping others.

• Ask the Lord to help you obey His word.

Do The Next Thing

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Benevolence