TEACHING NOTES

2.jpg
Laziness and Loss of Life
The Return
Rachel Baker 
July 13, 2025
Paul cautions: The way we live—and work—reveals how ready we are for Jesus to come back.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-9
6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us

Proverbs 6:6-11
6
Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. 7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler, 8 it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. 9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, 11 and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.

Laziness isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a distortion of God’s design.

ā€œThe Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.ā€ —Genesis 2:15

What has God given you to work and watch over?

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13
10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: ā€œIf anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.ā€ 
Paul is not being harsh for the sake of it…but we might need to be a bit harsh with ourselves.
  • Where might idleness be sneaking into your life—spiritually, relationally, or even in your responsibilities? Where might we be slacking?
2 Thessalonians 3:11-13
11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies. 12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves. 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.
1 Corinthians 15:58: ā€œBe steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.ā€
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
ā€œDo not be deceived: ā€˜Bad company corrupts good morals.ā€™ā€
— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (CSB)
ā€œIf anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. — Luke 9:23-24

Through this act of submission and surrender your life will be saved through Christ.
If Jesus came back tomorrow, what would He find you doing?

Next Steps:
  • Evaluate one area in your life this week where you’ve grown weary in doing good.
  • Recommit to excellence—not perfection, but purpose—in your work, your relationships, and your faith.
  • Find someone to encourage. Remind them: It’s not in vain.
Next Week: The Power of God’s Peace


NEXT STEPS


SOCIAL