Episode Description
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. (2 Thess. 3:6)
Expanded Passage: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10
“So, what do you do?” It is a common question to ask when meeting someone new. Really the question is, “What are you giving your life to?” “What is your job or your work?” Often when we think about spiritual growth, we think about prayer, Scripture reading, observing the Sabbath, and attending worship services. Paul, though, is addressing what you do—your work. And he thinks your work is important to your witness as a follower of Jesus.
Here, Paul is directly confronting an issue that had not been resolved since his first letter to the Thessalonians. There were apparently still those in the church in Thessalonica who were not just lazy, they were irresponsible, refusing to work. Paul is saying that Christians must follow in Jesus’ self-giving love and work hard, providing for their families and benefiting others through their work and generosity. Paul is even instructing the hard-working Christians to distance themselves from those who are being “idle and disruptive.”
God commands both work and rest for his people. He calls the Sabbath holy, but we are created to do holy work. It is your work that helps build the kingdom of God and brings flourishing to your community.
Honor God through your work today.
Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.