praying effectively: Lead a Disciplined Life (2Thess. 3:6-15)

(2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not associate with fellow believers who are rebelliously disobedient to God's will (3:6, 14)

- that we do not regard disobedient believers as enemies, but lovingly admonish them as brothers and sisters in Christ (3:15)

- that we do not feed those who refuse to work (3:10)

- that when fellow believers refuse to work, and when they act like busybodies, we need to lovingly exhort them to work peacefully and feed themselves (3:11-12)

- that we diligently work to pay our own way, and not take advantage of people (3:8)

- that we do not grow weary of doing good (3:13)

- that we follow the examples of believers who walk in a disciplined manner (3:7-9)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our holy and ultimate example, and thank You for providing steadfast earthly examples for us to follow.  Even when we fail, we can rest in Your grace, and continue on in Your strength and guidance.  May we never stray from desiring to do Your will.  May we always strive to serve You and others.

When fellow believers willfully live in sin, give us the wisdom to know what to say to them.  And if they do not listen, give us courage to not associate with them;  but guide us in knowing how to continue loving them, and praying for them.  Continue working on their hearts, convicting them to reconcile with You and the church.

If there is any sin that we are willfully committing, give us insight so that we may confess this, and continue on in Your righteousness and discipline.  All to Your glory, amen.