Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. This sounds like such a simple statement from Paul, and yet it is sometimes difficult to fulfill. It is easy to take shortcuts or to skip steps or to simply do the wrong thing because it is easier. It is hard to not follow a crowd who may be doing something that lacks integrity or is morally wrong. But it takes courage and perseverance to stand firm in our beliefs and to be obedient to God and faithful to our relationship with Him. We must never tire of doing what is good because that is the commitment in our relationship with God.
2013 Day 335 – 2 Thessalonians 1-3, Isaiah 42
01 Sunday Dec 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
Daily Devotion 
Stan, of course, gave a great message about this passage in Thessalonians earlier this year. Paul was responding to letters from this church asking about the second coming, wondering why Jesus wasn’t back yet. Paul truly believed that Jesus would be back in his lifetime, yet believers were dying and everyone was concerned as to what would happen to them since Jesus hadn’t come back yet. These 2 books are a beautiful picture of Paul working through the theology of what he did not yet understand. It’s a wonderful picture of him battling with what he believed, realizing he was incorrect and his subsequent wrestling with what the truth actually was.
As a result of Paul’s teaching, people just thought Jesus was coming soon and saw no point in actually working, planning, having families etc… so he admonishes them at the end to continue working and living and doing right. He didn’t have all the answers, but he knew at a minimum that as long as they were all on the planet they needed to continue living the life that Jesus had called them to. That is a great reminder to us today.
Great commentary Sarah! This helps paid a very good perspective on the situation. Thank you!