2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Besides commands and traditions, Paul also communicated by example.  The Greek term for “follow” in 3:7 is mimeomai from which we get “mimic.”  The Greek for “example” in 3:9 is tupos from which we get “type;” it refers to the image of the emperor on a coin.  Paul was the image of what a true believer in Christ should be like.  He frequently called on people to follow him as he followed Christ.

What a wise servant of Christ he was to do this.  Paul did not set an example of one who used his “rights,” doing whatever he was permitted to do regardless of how it came across to others (2 Th. 3:9; 1 Cor. 9:4-7).  Rather he set an example of self-discipline so that he could show the way in ways that were not typical.  There was no shortage in Rome of people setting an example of the life of leisure.  What they needed was someone to set an example in areas that were not necessarily the “dream-life” of most people but that were essential to the life of Christ.   

Therefore, what did not eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to ay of you.  This is not a sob story.  He only mentions it because apparently some did not notice this while he was there; or because some did not understand that this is a “normal” Christian life. 

Not only is this the “normal” Christian life; this is the “normal” life of the vocational servant of God.  Pastors and missionaries need to be careful about this.  I speak as one of those vocational servants.  And I am not saying that pastors and missionaries are normally lazy.  I am just wanting to encourage you in this.  In “the ministry” we are quite often in a situation with little direct oversight or accountability.  The freedom to be lazy is often a strong temptation. 

Setting an example is fundamental to ministry.  Why else is there such a strong statement about the character of the Elders and Deacons in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1?  They must have character that can be imitated (mimicked).  Part of that is hard work.  And may I say, and please take this and think about it and apply it as the Lord leads, this hard work should not be mainly in the gym but should be alongside people in your church.  There is no better way to reach out to men in the fellowship than by helping them in a project at their house. 

Having said this, I know someone will remind me of Acts 6 and the creation of Deacons so the Elders could do their ministry and not wait on tables.  Therefore, I will remind you back (is that good English?): Acts 6 is about ministries in the local church and we need a division of labor so all the gifts can be used; but we are talking here about receiving a paycheck for hard work.  Paul always set an example in all things for the saints and he encouraged local church leaders to do the same (Ac. 20:17-32).  He could say, you know how I lived among you (Ac. 20:18; 18:3).  Timothy could follow Paul’s example in every area because Paul was willing to be on display (2 Tim. 3:10-11).  He told the Philippians to follow him in what they had seen and heard from him (Phil. 4:9).  He told Timothy (and this is for all who follow Christ) to be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity … give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (1 Tim. 4:12,15).

Preaching and teaching is empty apart from the example of one’s life.  That is true in the Body of Christ and in our neighborhood as well.