2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 : Boundaries for the idle

Week 4 of our Bible study podcast discussion. Join Ponch and Claire as they unpack 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18.Discussion Questions:What stood out to you? Any thoughts or questions you have about the passage?In this last section of the letter, Paul uses some strong language by “commanding” them to behave in a certain way. Why do you think he is using such strong language?What is distinctive about the idleness that is being warned against in this passage? What does it include and what does it exclude?Paul asks this church to set a boundary on people who are not working so they will feel “ashamed.” Does this make you uncomfortable? Why or why not?In verse 12, the language ‘earn their own living’ could also be translated as ‘eat their own bread.’ How might we square this with Acts 2:42-47 where we see the early church sharing all they have with each other?How do our churches practice this principle well? What are ways we get it wrong?How do we see Christ putting this principle into practice?In what ways have your head (knowledge), heart (loves) or hands (actions) been impacted by the study of this book?