July 6, 2025

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.
Read:
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
  • Proverbs 6:6–11
  • Genesis 2:15
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

Discuss
1. Designed to Work
“The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.” —Genesis 2:15

  • What does this verse reveal about God’s original intent for work?
  • How does it reshape your view of responsibilities in daily life?
2. Paul’s Warning Against Idleness
“If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” —2 Thessalonians 3:10

  • Why do you think Paul was so firm with the Thessalonians?
  • Where might idleness be sneaking into your life—spiritually, relationally, or practically?
3. Wisdom from the Ant
“Go to the ant, you slacker!” —Proverbs 6:6
  • What can we learn from the ant’s diligence?
  • What are some modern examples of slacking or folding our arms spiritually?
4. Encouragement and Endurance
“Do not grow weary in doing good.” —2 Thessalonians 3:13
“Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” —1 Corinthians 15:58
  • Have you grown weary in a particular area of life or faith?
  • What helps you keep going when doing good gets hard?
5. Influence and Accountability
“Bad company corrupts good morals.” —1 Corinthians 15:33
  • How do our relationships influence our work ethic and spiritual growth?
  • What does healthy accountability look like in Christian community?
“If 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
Personal Application
  • What is one area in your life where you’ve become idle or weary?
  • What would it look like to recommit to purpose, not perfection, in that area?
  • Who can you encourage this week—someone who’s trying but tired?
Deeper Dive (Optional)
  • Why do you think Paul distinguishes between being idle and being a “busybody”? (2 Thess. 3:11)
  • How might spiritual busyness distract from real kingdom work?
Next Week:
The Power of God’s Peace

Invite a friend or neighbor—especially someone who could use a reminder that peace isn’t passive, it’s powerful.