Busy Bees, Not Busy Bodies

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15,ESV

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

The Passage

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15,ESV

The Apostle Paul’s Tough Teaching 

Principles for Workers and Those That Refuse 

1. Disfellowship the Disobedient (vs. 6, 14)

2. Follow Good Examples (vs. 7-9)

3. No Work, No Eat (vs. 10)

4. Be a Busy Bee, Not a Busybody (vs. 11-13) 

5. Warn as Family, Not as Foe (vs. 15)

Talk It Over

Ice Breaker: What’s the most memorable job (good or bad) you’ve ever had, and what did it teach you? 

1. Take a moment to read the passage 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14 and review the sermon outline. What stood out to you and why? 

2. The Apostle Paul offered some tough teaching for those that work and those that will not! He commands them to  Disfellowship the Disobedient (vs. 6, 14) Why does Paul instruct believers to distance themselves from those who are idle? How does this align with a redemptive purpose rather than cruelty? How can you practice this principle while still demonstrating love and a desire for restoration?  

3. In the following verses we read how he suggests them to Follow Good Examples (vs. 7-9). It’s clear that Paul and his companions modeled hard work and discipline. Who are some role models in your life that have demonstrated godly diligence? What does it mean to “lead through service” in your daily life?  

4. It seems like the Apostle says “No Work, No Eat” (vs. 10)  How does this principle challenge modern ideas of entitlement or community responsibility? How can we balance this teaching with showing compassion to those genuinely in need?  

5. Pastor Ryan called for the church to “Be a Busy Bee, Not a Busybody” (vs. 11-13) What are some common ways idleness can lead to meddling in other people’s lives?  What does it look like to “do good without growing weary” in your context?  

6. The Apostle gives another principle that’s important to remember. “Warn as Family, Not as Foe (vs. 15) Why is it important to approach correction with the mindset of family rather than an adversary? How can you lovingly warn someone without coming across as judgmental?  

7. Which of Paul’s principles do you find hardest to apply, and why?  

8. What steps can you take this week to stay focused on your responsibilities and “continue to do good”? 

9. How can your small group encourage each other to model integrity and diligence in your work and faith?  

Prayer  

• Spend time praying for those in your life who may be struggling with idleness or disobedience, asking God for wisdom and opportunities to lovingly guide them toward restoration. 

• Pray for strength and perseverance to work diligently and not grow weary in doing good.