1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
How many of us aspire to lead a quiet life? And to mind our own business rather than get involved in the business of others (even if we have good intentions)...
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting passage. When was the last time you heard a pastor tell us to lead a quiet life and mind our own business and work with our hands? Not very radical. :)
DeleteI respectfully disagree. It's quite radical. It goes against everything our society and world tells us. We are to seek fame, wealth, power and won't be happy until we attain these. You're right Mary. This chapter squashes all that humankind aspires to be. Yet, to be Christ-like is to reject the ways of this world.
ReplyDeleteYes, in contrast with the world, this is radical. I am referring to within the church... Specifically our good friend David Platt. I don't recall him mentioning living a "quiet life" or "working with our hands". If Platt or other "radicals" were wrighting to the Thesalonians he'd tell them to drop everything and go to Rome or Phillipi like Paul did and be a missionary.
DeleteSorry to rant. As you can see, I haven't let that book go yet. ;). In all seriousness, does anyone see a contrast here between the "Radical" book and what Paul says in this verse? Or am I reading it wrong? It wouldn't be the first time I've done that. :)
DeleteDefinite contrast with the Radical book as a whole, but the underlying theme of the radical book was to be radical not in just "go big or go home" but "go against the norm". That means what Paul said here, in being content where you are and glorifying God right where you're at (even if it is up to your shoulders in laundry and dishes) or selling your car so you can go on a mission trip - both are radical. Equally radical? I don't think it matters, because even though we are programmed and encouraged to keep a point system EVERYWHRE in our lives (grades, dieting, work achievements) God doesn't keep a point system. A very difficult thing to grasp/understand - probably because we really can't fully comprehend God's grace, because we always are "graceful" with stipulations.
ReplyDeleteWell said. That makes sense.
DeleteJoel! Where were you last night?! And nice to have you back blogging here - spur some discussion ;-)
ReplyDeleteNeeded to rest last night. Sometimes I need a break from the weekly routine. Missed seeing you all.
DeleteI think one can make anything mean whatever they want if they try hard enough. Joel, no offense buddy, but I don't see how consistently bashing Mr Platt accomplishes anything other than churning up hatred within yourself. If you don't agree then simply move on. But perhaps you should actually read the book before you continually mock it.
ReplyDeleteLol. Yes that might help. Maybe I should go back and reread it. Problem is, I burned it in the fire place. :)
DeleteHahaha! Joel I'm picture you burning that book kind of like the scene on office space where they bash the printer...
DeleteHa! Hardcore Rap music playing in the background...
ReplyDeleteLOL yes. Ripping out the pages and crumpling them up with joy. Sorry to get the discussion way off track. I feel like Karyn at small group.:)
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