Tag: thelo

Luke 23:13, 14; 20-22; John 19:4 – Spotless Lamb of God

Posted on by Will

13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. … 20Pilate addressed them again wanting to release Jesus. 21But they shouted saying, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22And the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found in him no cause for death. … 4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no fault in him.”

Truth to Learn

Jesus is the true Pascal Lamb, sacrificed for you and me!

Behind the Words

The word translated “examined” is the Greek word anakrinō, which is a compound word made up of ana, used here as an intensifier meaning “repeatedly” and krinō, meaning “to judge.” It specifically refers to a thorough legal examination.

“Wanting” in Luke 23:20 is translated from thelō, which is most often translated “will.” But it implies more than just a wish or a desire, it implies a determination. Hence, it implies that Pilot was determined to release Jesus.

Meaning Explained

In Exodus chapter thirteen the LORD gave Moses instructions regarding the Passover. On the tenth of the first month, they were to select a lamb without spot or blemish. On the fourteenth of the month, they were to kill the lamb and sprinkle its blood on the two side posts and the top of the doorway. This was to be the sign to the destroyer to “pass over” the house and not kill the first born within the house. Any family in Egypt which did not have the blood sprinkled on the door posts of their home would wake up in the morning to find their first born son dead.

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land and built the temple, they rigorously followed this ritual. Each year on the 10th of Nisan (the 1st month), they selected the paschal lamb, leading it through the streets of Jerusalem to the temple. As it entered the temple, the people waved palm branches in all four directions and sang “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” laying palm branches before the lamb. This lamb was kept under observation until the fourteenth of the month when it was declared to be without spot or blemish. Then it was sacrificed by one of the priests for the sins of the people.

On the 10th of Nissan, Jesus entered the gates of the city to the cries of “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” while palm branches were laid in His path. On the 14th of Nissan, Jesus was judged by the Sanhedrin and no fault was found in Him except that He claimed to be the Christ, the Messiah. Pilot then gave Him a thorough legal examination and declared, “I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.” Then, even though Pilate was determined to set Him free, the Jewish religious leaders, including the chief priests, insisted on having Him crucified.

Application

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, was declared to be without spot or blemish and His blood was shed to pay for your sins and mine. Has that blood been applied to your sins?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2019 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 9:16 – All His Doing

Posted on by Will

So then it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God who shows mercy.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all the praise and glory for our salvation.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “willing” is a form of the Greek word thelō, which we have looked at before. It refers to a person’s will. But there is another Greek word which also refers to a person’s will. That word is boulomai. Thelō refers to a person’s determined will, whereas boulomai refers to a person’s desirous will. It is like a child being sent into a candy store with a limited amount of money. His (or her) desirous will is to have everything in the store. But the child determines (decides) to purchase what can be acquired with the money he or she has; this is the child’s determined will. The current verse uses thelō indicating that it is not the one deciding (determined will).

The word translated “running” is the Greek word trechō, which means “to run” or “to walk hastily.” By implication it means “to run a course in an effort to achieve an objective.”

“Shows mercy” is from eleeō, which we looked at in yesterday’s verse. It refers to the act of showing mercy.

 

Meaning Explained

In the preceding few verses Paul talked about God’s loving some people and hating others, about God having mercy on some and not on others. He has made the point that God does so in complete righteousness because He is a holy and a righteous God who can do no evil. Paul now makes his first summary of these points. He says that the choosing is not about the one willing, nor the one running, but of God, the one showing mercy. It’s not about the person who determines or decides to get saved. Neither is it about the one who works hard to keep all the rules. It’s all about God determining who He will show mercy to.

In other words Paul is saying that salvation is not based on someone choosing to be saved nor is it about someone keeping all the rules or completing a course of action to earn righteousness. You see, both of these imply that a person deserves salvation because they did something to earn it. Instead, according to Paul, it is based on God showing mercy on someone who does not deserve it.

Here’s what Albert Barnes said about this:

Salvation in its beginning, its progress, and its close, is of him. He has a right, therefore, to bestow it when and where he pleases. All our mercies flow from his mere love and compassion, and not from our deserts. The essential idea here is, that God is the original fountain of all the blessings of salvation.

But Paul does not stop here. In the next verse he will use Pharaoh as an example of someone whose heart God hardened so that He could demonstrate His power.

 

Application

What we need to see in these verses is that God chooses some and not others so that He alone will get the glory. If salvation is in any way our doing, then we can take some credit for it. If we did something to obtain it, then we should get at least part of the credit. But God says that He wants to get all the credit. He wants all the glory and all the praise. Let’s give it all to Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 7:16 – Encouragement in Defeat

Posted on by Will

If, then, I do what I determine not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.

Truth to Learn

Our battle against our sin nature is evidence that we are saved.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “determine” is thelō, which is often translated as “will.” However, there are two Greek words translated “will” or “willing.” They are thelō and boulomai. Thelō means to desire something, but it implies active volition and purpose. Boulomai, however, expresses an intent or desire, but without pressing on to execute that desire. Hence, thelō can be thought of as “determined will” whereas boulomai can be thought of as “desirous will.” So Paul is saying “If, then, I do what I am determined not to do …”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul shared with us the frustration that he experienced as a result of his sin nature causing him to do the very thing that he was determined to avoid, that is, sin. What he was determined to do was to obey God, but he found that he didn’t always do it.

So, his conclusion now is that if he really wanted to keep the Law, then the Law (and avoiding sin) is good. Remember from just a few verses back, Paul said,

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. (Romans 7:12)

He then reiterated this fact and compared it to sinful man,

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold by sin. (Romans 7:14)

Finally, in the previous verse and this one Paul is showing that we all must admit that the Law is good but that we are sinful.

I like what Albert Barnes said about this struggle that Paul has just expressed:

The fact of struggling against evil, the desire to be free from it, and to overcome it, the anxiety and grief which it causes, is an evidence that we do not love it, and that therefore we are the friends of God. Perhaps nothing can be a more decisive test of piety than a long-continued and painful struggle against evil passions and desires in every form, and a panting of the soul to be delivered from the power and dominion of sin.

Do you feel this constant struggle against your own sinful tendencies? Does it make you wonder sometimes whether you really are saved? Barnes says that this very struggle is clear evidence that you are genuinely saved. The fact that you are aware of your sinful tendencies and that you are saddened every time you let your sinful nature win the battle is evidence that you are the child of God. And, since you are a true child of God, a born-again Christian, you will continue to have this struggle until the day that you pass into eternity and receive your perfect, sinless body.

Until that day, however, we are to continue to strive against our own sin nature, and though we may occasionally lose a battle, we will ultimately have victory. We know that He will never leave us nor forsake us and ultimately, He will win not only the battle, but also the war against evil.

 

Application

Don’t be discouraged when you lose the battle against the sin that you are determined to overcome. Instead, be encouraged and recognize that He will win the victory for you!

In that day we will praise Him perfectly because we will be perfect and He is worthy!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 3:10 – Innocent Language

Posted on by Will

For the one determined to love life and to see good days, let him stop his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.

Truth to Learn

The way we speak and the things we say will have an effect on the way we live.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “determined” (“wants” or “wills” in some translations) is the Greek verb thelō, which means “to desire, implying active volition and purpose.” In other words, it means “to determine.” There is another word translated “will” or “want” in the New Testament. It is the Greek verb boulomai, which means “to want” or “to desire.” Whereas boulomai means “to be disposed or to intend, but not pressing on to execute that decision,” thelo implies a determination that produces action. It is a subtle, but important, distinction especially in today’s verse.

“Stop” is translated from the Greek word pausato, which means “to stop” or “to bring to an end.” The implication is that something is already happening and we need to stop doing it.

The word translated “guile” is dolon, which means “trickery or deceit.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Peter admonished us not to retaliate when people do or say bad things against us. Instead, we are to respond with “good words.” As we have discussed before, we Christians will suffer persecution on this earth. This world is not our home and we are not of this place. Our home is in the heavenlies and we are but strangers and wanderers on this earth. As such we will be treated as aliens by those who are of this world. If we have a witness that we are Christians, then the inhabitants of this world will do evil to us and they will insult us. It’s their nature.

As Christians, however, we must be ever mindful that we are the children of the King and we are His ambassadors. Since we represent Him, people should see Him in us, particularly in our actions. Not only is He the great King but He is Almighty God who is in control of all things. He knows what will make us truly happy, and in these verses Peter tells us how to be that way.

Peter is not saying that if you desire to love life, then do the following. He is saying that if you have determined to love life, then do the following. It is not a wishy-washy hope that you might love life, rather a determination that you will love life and see good days. Isn’t this what we all want (desire)? If so, then let us decide (determine) to do what it takes to have it.

Peter says, if you want to love life and see good days, you must stop using your tongue for evil and your lips from speaking guile. That is, we need to stop speaking worthless or injurious things and stop trying to trick or deceive people with our words.

 

Application

If you remember what we learned in our study of James, you will recognize how difficult it is to control the tongue, so what Peter is telling us, though it sounds easy, really isn’t. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying! Let your language reflect your spiritual position (in Christ) not your physical surroundings.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Dead, But Still Alive

Posted on by Will

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, that you not grieve as others who have no hope.

Truth to Learn

For Christians, physical death is not the end of existence.

 

Behind the Words

“We … want” is translated from the Greek verb thelō, which means “to want” or “to desire.” But it carries more weight than simply a wish, because it involves volition and purpose, seeing one’s desire to its completion. It could be translated as “I am determined.” In some manuscripts it is expressed in the first person singular (I), but the best manuscripts have it as first person plural (we).

The word translated “ignorant” is agnoeō, which is made up of a, meaning “not” and noeō, meaning “to know, to recognize, or to understand.” Thus, agnoeō means “to not know.”

The words “have fallen asleep” is from a form of koimaō, which literally means “to cause to lie down to sleep.” It is used metaphorically as a reference to those who have died physically. It is expressed in the perfect tense indicating past action completed at a point in time with an ongoing effect, the emphasis being on the ongoing effect.

“Grieve” is translated from the verb lupeō, which means “to grieve” or “to be sorrowful.” It is expressed as a present tense, subjunctive verb, indicating the possibility of something happening.

The word translated “others” is loipoi. This noun is derived from the verb leipō, meaning “to leave behind, to lack, or something remaining. Thus, loipoi literally means “the remaining ones.”

This word “hope” is from a Greek word that we have looked at before. It is the word elpida, which is a form of elpis, meaning “the desire of obtaining something good with the full expectation of obtaining it.” It is the type of hope that Christians have of being resurrected to eternal life. We certainly desire it and we have full expectation that it will happen because God has promised it to us.

 

Meaning Explained

In this fourth chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul has switched from comforting and encouraging the saints, to teaching doctrine to them (us). He started by teaching that we are to avoid fornication (sexual activity outside of marriage). Then he taught the importance of increasing our demonstration of brotherly love.

For the remainder of this chapter and the first half of the next chapter, Paul is teaching about events that will occur at the end times. First he will teach us about the rapture of the church. Then he will teach about the day (time period) of the Lord, when God will judge the world and its ungodly inhabitants. He makes it very clear that the rapture, which is referred to as “the day of Christ” or “the day of Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 1:6, 10; Philippians 2:16; and 2 Thessalonians 2:2) and “the day of the Lord” are not the same.

He says that he is determined that the Christians in Thessalonica not be ignorant. That’s Paul’s polite way of saying “you are ignorant about something and I want to inform you.” He tells them, and us, something interesting about Christians who have died physically (those who have fallen asleep). He says, “Don’t be overly filled with sorrow like unbelievers who have no hope.” The reason we are not to grieve too much is because we have a hope that the unsaved don’t have. He will explain this hope in the next few verses.

 

Application

When loved ones pass through the door of physical death, it is natural for us to grieve. We grieve because they are no longer in our presence physically and we will greatly miss them. But, if they were believers in Jesus Christ, they are not gone from existence, they have simply moved from the physical world to paradise, where they are in the presence of God. We who are Christians will see them again someday and together we will be in God’s presence, eternally.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries

Posted on by Will

Therefore we determined to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

Truth to Learn

Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan.

 

Behind the Words

“We determined” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However, this word implies more than just a desire. It implies purpose and determination. Therefore, we translate this as “we determined.”

The words “time and again” are from the phrase kai hapax kai dis, which literally means “both once and twice.” This is an idiomatic phrase meaning “several times.”

“Satan” is transliterated from the word satanas, which is originally of Chaldean origin, appearing in the Old Testament as sawtawn. The word literally means “accuser” or “adversary.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) it is often translated as diabolos (devil) and these two words are often used interchangeably.

Engkoptō is the verb translated “hindered.” It is made up of en, meaning “in” or “into” and koptō, meaning “to strike” or “to cut.” This word was used to describe the cutting of a trench in a road as a hindrance to the progress of an advancing army.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul expressed his eagerness to return to Thessalonica to be with the people there whom he considered to be his spiritual children. He now tells them that he and his co-workers were determined to return there. He makes a point here that it was not just his companions who wanted to return, but that he specifically wanted to see them in person.

We also see here that it was not just a one-time plan to return, but something they determined to do over and over again. We see from 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 that he had already sent Timothy back there, and probably Silvanus as well, with the purpose of encouraging and strengthening them.

Therefore, when we could endure it no longer, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,  (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

The reason that Paul gives for his not having personally returned to Thessalonica is “hindrance from Satan.” We know from the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit had prevented him from carrying out some of his plans previously (see Acts 16:6, 7). This time, however, he perceives that it was the direct opposition of our adversary which thwarted his plans. We are not told how Paul knew that it was Satan rather than the Holy Spirit, but he seems certain as to the source of the opposition.

In some Christian circles it is common to blame Satan for any and all opposition to Christian ministry. Keep in mind, however, that Satan is not omnipresent like God. He can’t be in more than one place at a time. More often than not, satanic attack comes from one of his hoards rather than Satan himself.

 

Application

When we face opposition in our ministries, we need to prayerfully consider whether it is the Spirit of God or our enemy who is standing in our way. If it is God, we need to make other plans. If it is our enemy, however, we need to prayerfully decide whether or not we need to stand and fight.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 4:15 – The Lord’s Plan

Posted on by Will

Instead you ought to be saying, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

Truth to Learn

It is God’s plan for us that is important, not our own plans.

Behind the Words

The expression “Instead you ought to be saying” should be more literally translated as “Instead of your saying.”

“Lord” is translated from kurios, meaning “the one in supreme authority” or “the one who is in control.” The use of this word is an indication of our subservience and of His supremacy.

The word translated “wills” is from the Greek word thelō, meaning “to will.” It is similar to the Greek word boulomai, also translated “to will,” though it carries a sense of volition and purpose. Hence, thelō is often spoken of as “determined will” whereas boulomai is spoken of as “desirous will.” So, James is saying, “If the Lord determines it to be, then we shall live …”

Meaning Explained

This verse is a direct response to verse thirteen, with verse fourteen having been interjected as a parenthetical expression. That is to say, verse fourteen was put in to explain why the saying of verse thirteen was wrong and this verse is an example of what should have been said instead.

In keeping with what James has been telling us about planning, we need to recognize that God is the one in control of our lives, not we ourselves. It is God who determines whether we live or die, and it is God who determines whether we have success or not. Therefore, as we make plans for the future, let us not only consider God’s place in our future, let us base our future plans on Him and Him alone.

Let us beware, however, that we don’t take this verse to be a formula for guaranteeing God’s blessing on our selfish endeavors. Just because we say, “If the Lord wills” in our prayers, doesn’t mean that the Lord wills it. James’ point is that we are God’s subjects, and things will occur according to His plan, not according to our plans. We need to daily humble ourselves before God and seek His direction so that we can be used by Him to fulfill His will.

We have a big, powerful God who has saved us by His grace, has raised us up, and has made us to sit at His right hand (in Christ). Without Him we are but dust (literally). Therefore, don’t be like people of this world system, developing an ever larger image of man and an ever smaller image of God. Instead, we need to continually develop a greater recognition of the power and authority of our God, as well as a growing awareness of our absolute dependence on Him and His grace. This kind of thinking will lead us to peace and contentment!

Application

We all have plans for the future. Some of us make very formal plans that are written down and reviewed regularly. Others of us have very informal plans (we may think of them as hopes or dreams) that are not written down and tend to be more changeable. Whether your plans are written or not, take a few minutes to think about what your plans are. Then, get on your knees and give them over to God, committing to follow His plans, whether they meet your expectations or not. That’s faith!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 2:20 – A Fool Without Works

Posted on by Will

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is useless?

Truth to Learn

God calls all true believers to do good works.

Behind the Words

“Want” (“will” in some translations) is translated from thelō, which refers to the will of man (the determined will). It is a different word than boulomai (also translated “will”), which refers to the desirous will of man. Thelō includes active volition and purpose instead of just a simple desire. It is sometimes translated as “determine.”

The word “foolish” is translated from kenos, which simply means “empty.” James is most likely referring to a person who is empty of knowledge on this subject. In the New Testament a fool is someone who rejects God’s teachings. Here, James is simply saying that the person is lacking knowledge.

“Without” is the same word we saw back in verse eighteen, chōris, which means “separately, by itself, or apart from.” In other words, saving faith simply does not exist separated from good works.

“Useless” is translated from the Greek word argos, although some manuscripts have the word nekros, meaning “dead.” Argos is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of ergon, meaning work. Hence, it refers to something that is not working, or that is idle and has no effect. It is useless.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse eighteen, James started this path of reasoning by using a hypothetical argument against a saving faith which is not accompanied by works.

But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James is politely saying to anyone who doubts his assertion, that they are uninformed; they are empty and void of understanding. He simply states once again that faith without the evidence of works is not saving faith (it does not produce new life in Christ). It is useless faith, a faith that doesn’t work!

As pointed out earlier, the Greek word translated “without” really means “separate from.” James is emphatically declaring that true faith does not exist separate from good deeds. A genuine saving faith in the blood of Jesus Christ will always be accompanied by good works. The good works accompany salvation and are the evidence of salvation.

In the next few verses James is going to give a couple of examples of people who proved their faith through their works. In these verses, notice that neither Abram nor Rahab chose the works that became the evidence of their faith. The works were chosen by God for them to do.

Application

Do you ever feel the Spirit of God prompting you to do a good deed? It may be as simple as helping an elderly person who has a physical need, or it may be an opportunity to witness to someone about salvation through Jesus Christ. Whatever it is, your obedience is evidence of your salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

James 1:18 – New Birth

Posted on by Will

Having desired it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain first fruit of His creatures.

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is the greatest example of the goodness of God and His desire to give us good things.

Behind the Words

The words translated “having desired” is a form of the Greek word boulomai. This word refers to “a passive desire, or desirous will” as opposed to the Greek word thelō which expresses “active volition and purpose, or determined will.”

Back in verse 15 we were introduced to the Greek word apokueō, translated in this verse as “brought forth.” It is a medical term for a woman giving birth. It is never used of a man, only of women, inanimate objects (metaphorically speaking), and God.

“First fruit” is translated from aparchē, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” and archomai, meaning “to begin.” This is a reference to the special firstfruits offering that God required of the Israelites.

The expression “for us to be” is composed of the purpose clause eis to along with the infinitive einai, meaning “to be.” So, this could be translated as, “for the purpose of us to be.” James is not saying that it is possible that we will be a kind of first fruits but that it is God’s purpose for us to be a kind of first fruit.

Meaning Explained

James tells us that it was simply because He desired to do it that God gave us birth, and He did so by the word of truth. The birth referred to here is not our physical birth but our new birth (our spiritual birth). This is the birth of which Jesus spoke when he told Nicodemus:

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)

Our new birth is not the result of us performing some sacred act, nor is it the result of us completing a series of religious classes and partaking of the sacraments. This spiritual birth comes only from believing God’s promise to us that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all our sins.

James is here giving an example (perhaps the best possible example) of a good act of giving that is completely a gift from God. It was by His will (desirous preference) that he gave us the new birth by the word of truth. It was not by obligation, because we did something, rather it was His choice. He chose us so that we would be a kind of ‘first fruit’ of His creatures.

The “first fruit” is a reference to the Jewish sacrifice that consisted of the first born of all animals and the first part of the harvest of the crops. James’ reference to first fruit here is not meant to emphasize the timing (first) but first in importance, the fact that God considers us as consecrated, or set-apart from the rest of creation.

Application

God is the source of all good and perfect gifts, and an example of that is the gift of our salvation, given to us because He wanted to, not because we earned it in any way.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line

Posted on by Will

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we commanded” is parangellō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “with” and angellō, meaning “to declare a message.” It is used in a military sense of “relaying an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, which implies past, continuous action.

In the New Testament there are three Greek conditional clauses. The first class condition assumes that the condition is true. The second class condition assumes that it is false. The third class condition makes no assumption. The expression “if any will not work” is a first class condition. Therefore, it is assumed that there are some who have determined not to work.

“Will” is from the Greek verb thelō, which means “to determine as an act of the will.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Eat” is from esthiō, meaning “to consume food.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

Meaning Explained

Having written about how unselfishly he and his associates have behaved toward the Thessalonian Christians, Paul now turns his attention towards the members of the church. Apparently, there were people there who refused to work. We’ll learn more about then in the next verse. Instead of working, these people depended on the church to provide for them. Having to work hard for food is a result of the curse. Remember what God told Adam and eve after the fall?

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

Apparently, the problem of people being disorderly and lazy had existed in the Thessalonian church from the beginning. Paul tells us here that he and his associates passed on a command from our Lord that anyone who can work but refuses to work must not depend on others to feed them. These Thessalonians were also very likely familiar with several of their own philosophers, including Homer, Demosthenes, and Pythagoras, who all declared that lazy people should not be provided with food from those who are industrious.

Keep in mind, there is a difference between those who cannot work and those who will not work. This church had a problem with people who would not work. Christians should always be kind and generous to those who cannot work. In fact, if we truly love our Christian brothers and sisters, we will (as we quoted in yesterday’s verse), “each … look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” But, if we provide the daily needs for others who can work but refuse to, we are only enabling their laziness.

Application

As with many teachings in the Bible, there is a fine line between showing love to others and enabling the laziness of others. We should all be generous toward others, but we must also see that everyone does what they can by working hard.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved