The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines

II. TO MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS
A. THERE IS A PLACE FOR LOVING CONCERN...
1. As we watch out for one another’s welfare - Ph 2:4
2. As we seek to help each other overcome our weaknesses - Ga 6:1-2
-- Therefore we should not construe the words in our text to mean that we should not seek to
reprove, rebuke, or to restore an erring brother - cf. Ja 5:19-20
B. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR NOSY INTERFERENCE...
1. Paul is warning against becoming “busybodies”, people who have nothing to do but interfere
in the affairs of others
2. A problem that often existed in the early church
a. Even at Thessalonica - 2 Th 3:11-12
b. Which Peter lumped together with murderers, thieves, etc. - 1 Pe 4:15
3. A danger especially when one is not focused on their own business
a. Which is why Paul refused to let churches support younger widows - 1 Ti 5:11-14
b. Which is why Paul instructed the older women to properly teach the younger women
their responsibilities - Ti 2:3-5
-- The peace and quiet we desire in our lives and in our churches cannot exist unless we
maintain a proper distinction between brotherly concern and becoming “busybodies”
[It certainly helps to maintain that distinction if we “aspire”...]
III.TO WORK WITH OUR OWN HANDS
A. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMAND...
1. To provide for our families - cf. 1 Ti 5:8
2. To help the less fortunate - Ep 4:28; Ac 20:34-35
-- Through example and precept, Paul taught the early Christians to support themselves and
not be dependent upon others
B. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND...
1. Failing to provide for our families makes us worse than unbelievers - 1 Ti 5:8
2. Refusing to work was grounds for church discipline, just like adultery, extortion, etc. - 2 Th
3:10-14; 1 Co 5:11
-- While we may occasionally need assistance from our brethren (even our government), we
are not to make it a practice to “live off welfare”
CONCLUSION
1. With diligence, therefore, we are to “aspire”...
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
Mark A. Copeland
Sermons From First Thessalonians 42