Paul does not shy away from practical advice and the challenge of lovingly disciplining people who need it. He expects love to impact behaviour and for leaders to model what they hope to see in those under their authority. What specific examples does he give in verses 6, 9, 11 and 14? What can we learn from Paul’s encouragement and teaching through these letters soaked in prayer?

Finally, Paul repeats his compelling refrain of grace and peace (vs 16,18). These two powerful words express the dynamic, practical and transformative work of God’s presence in people’s lives. Paul trusts that the Thessalonians will experience this as they continue to be obedient to God’s call. The same is true for us today and for the church around the world.

Throughout these pastoral, gospel-centred letters, familiar themes have been highlighted and revisited: the importance of work; the need for practical instruction; the visible outcome of a Christian community increasing in love; the ability to know joy in suffering; the gospel message. Which themes resonate most with your current situations in life, family and church? Be encouraged that ‘the Lord of peace’ is with you in all things.

There are signs of God and his grace in every area of life, work, the media, the church and the world.¹ Lord, give us eyes to see them.

Some people in the Thessalonian church had ceased employment, perhaps in a mistaken attempt to be ready for the expected return of Christ. Others were just work-shy. Whatever the reason, Paul urges them, as he has done before,² to earn a living by their daily work. He begins with a military-like command (v 6): ‘In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ’. The word ‘Lord’ (kurios) is variously translated master, owner, emperor, king or father. Paul impresses upon his readers that the authority of Christ extends even over our working lives. The Thessalonians had divided their lives up into secular and sacred, presuming that God was not interested in the former. Ken Costa, a prominent British Christian businessman, says ‘Jesus is Lord over work in the financial world and other sectors, just as much as in the church world’.³ We do not just work to earn money, although Paul exalts that activity here and removes any sense of stigma from it. We are where we work because God has placed us there, as salt and light in the workplace.

Idleness leads to more problems, resulting in some of the Thessalonians becoming overly involved in other people’s affairs (v 11). It is a strategy of Satan to find things to occupy idle hands and minds. We should be found as busy and active as God has called us to be when Christ returns. That does not mean we should be workaholics or lose a sense of balancing family, church, work and leisure. We should ask God each day what he wants us to be about and do it with all our hearts.

When Paul prays at the end, he includes those whom he has just criticised for being idle. His prayers reveal his heart of tolerance and mercy, as should ours.

‘We shall never have more time. We have, and always have had, all the time there is.’⁴ Pray about how you will use your time today.

¹ Cf Rom 1:20  ² 1 Thess 4:11,12; 5:14  ³ Ken Costa, God At Work, Alpha International, 2013, p25  ⁴ Arnold Bennett, quoted by Ken Costa, ibid, p93