May 19, 2021: SOAP #4185:  1Kings 4, 5; 2Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2Thessalonians 3

I am repeating this SOAP from 2010.  Today, unemployed people can get more money from the government than if they went to work!  It has become difficult for businesses to find employees.  People are looking to the government, not God, for their provision.  The government is taking the place of God in many lives.  We must turn our eyes to Jesus.  We must follow His Word!

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

OBSERVATION: The rule is: “If a man will not work …” not “If a man can not work …”  It has to do with those who are able but not willing.  Paul was for helping the needy.  He had helped gather money for the needy in Jerusalem and had been a part of delivering it to the Jerusalem church.  But generosity is not to be misapplied.  This is a very practical word to BOTH those who waste their time on nonproductive tasks AND to those who might be asked for “help.”

APPLICATION:   This rule applies to those receiving and to those providing government handouts.  It applies to employees giving a day’s work for a day’s wage and to employers who might carry a non-productive employee.  It applies to adult children living with their parents and to parents supporting adult children.  It applies to anyone requesting financial aid and to those from whom it is requested.  Work loses its value, its dignity, and its honor when its rewards can be gained for nothing.

PRAYER: Lord, You are a giver and make your people givers.  May we be both generous and wise in our giving.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!