Dereliction of Duty (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

In imitation of Jesus, every Christian is called to contribute and serve others as he or she is able—refusing to do so is a dereliction of duty.

• The Bible and the Poor (Deuteronomy 24; Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Matthew 5:42)

• A Gospel Issue (vv. 6-9)

• Rejecting Your Christian Identity (vv. 10-18)

Discussion Starters

Monday—How does God feel about the poor? How do you know? (Deuteronomy 24; Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Matthew 5:42) Is this your heart or do you need to grow in this area?

Tuesday—What was the issue with some in Thessalonica? (v. 10) Why was this a gospel issue? (cf. Matthew 20:26-28; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

Wednesday—What is wrong with not being willing to help or contribute? What are you telling other people with your actions? Do you desire to do your share or are you more content to let others do your share?

Thursday—How is the way we help and serve others connected to our identity as Christians? Is there anything the Lord is calling you to repent for and change?

Friday—How can you harmonize Paul’s words “we [did not] eat anyone’s bread without paying for it” (v. 8) with Isaiah’s “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price”? (55:1) How does Isaiah help you understand what Paul is not saying in 2 Thessalonians 3?