Four classes of people are addressed in Ephesians 6:1-9: children, parents, slaves, masters. While the latter two are not part of our society, the principles of the relationships still apply to employees and employers or anyone doing a job for someone else.

If we would teach and heed the things in these passages, our homes and nation would be much better off. And, if the home is right it is hard to see how the workplace would not be right.

One thing I do want to especially note is that most Christians I know—the overwhelming majority—are very conscientious about their jobs and the work they do. We are an honorable bunch. It reflects well on members of the Lord’s church that the community and those we work with and for know our reputation. Let us leverage that influence to help lead people to Christ.

There are a lot of issues covered in Ephesians 4:25-32.

Christians are not to lie or have sinful anger. Anger is fine in its place. In fact, we must have righteous anger, for without it we are not truly passionate about the truth.

Saints are not to steal or use corrupt speech. We are commanded to work to provide for ourselves and help those in need. This is opposite of what some in the world espouse, that we should look for a handout whenever possible. Too, our words are to be good and tend toward a positive effect on the world.

We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. If we do, we will pay the consequences. And, instead of having bitterness and a generally bad attitude, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Not only will it lead to an eternal reward, it will also pay dividends in this life.

The gospel is perfect, addressing every area of man’s life. If we would only apply it consistently, we would be far better off and much happier.

Ephesians 2:1-10 gives us a clear picture of what a man is before he is in Christ and what he becomes afterward. Before becoming a Christian, a person is dead in sin; separated from God because of the sins he has committed. In this previous state the devil is his master as he follows his own sinful, selfish lusts. Thankfully, God had mercy and sent His Son to remedy this problem.

In Christ a person is raised up in a new life (see Romans 6:3, 4). This is due to the grace of God based on our faith. Those who try to say it is all man are wrong; just as those who say it is all God. God has done His part and man must do his. God provided the perfect sacrifice and revealed His plan of saving man – the gospel. It is up to man to accept it, obey it, live it. In our submission to God’s commands we are not earning our salvation. Rather, we are simply humbly obeying our Master.

Children of God are created for a specific purpose: for good works. Again, there are many who say that a Christian cannot work or else he is trying to earn God’s favor, nullifying His grace. That is true if one is doing the works of men. However, doing the works of God – working in the kingdom and cause of Christ by following His will – is not putting God in our debt. It is showing God our appreciation. If we do not do them, we will lose our soul because we are not doing what the new creation is divinely created to do.

There are two main sections in 2 Thessalonians 3: request for prayer; admonition to discipline the wayward.

Paul requested the Thessalonians to pray for him, specifically that the gospel might spread. We need to seek God’s help and blessings in teaching others. Pray not only for preachers, but for all Christians, because the enemy is always seeking to impede our efforts. Paul also expressed his confidence that the saints would do what is right.

The second main part of chapter 3 is devoted to church discipline. Any member who is not walking in truth is to be disfellowshipped. The specific case here is one who is not working. The Bible says such people should not eat…starve to death. This assumes the ability and opportunity to work. Work is good. It is a means to provide for self, family, and others. It also occupies a person so he does not become a gossip and busybody.

When someone is withdrawn from, we are to admonish him as a brother, not treat him as an enemy. This means when there is contact, we need to let them know they are in sin and must repent. This can be done firmly, yet with kindness.

Today we are reading Philippians 2:12-30.

Paul urges us to be active in our own redemption.

God does His part, through the word and through his servants (like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus). We must also do our part (2:12). When we do, we will stand out and be markedly distinct from the rest of the world; like stars on a clear winter night.

We need to appreciate those who labor, even to their own peril, for our souls.

“The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.”
Proverbs 20:4

What do you think of a lazy man? Me too.

Laziness really troubles me deep down. It is hard for me to have any manner of respect for the person who simply will not work: man, woman, child.

The Proverb writer points out the lazy man will have a problem. He will not get out and “plow because of winter;” the conditions are not just right. When it comes time to reap the benefits of hard labor, he will get none. He may even go to his neighbors seeking help, but they will extend none. He is starving and no compassion is extended.

Is this right?

Yes. The Bible teaches that if a man “will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). What does this mean? He should be allowed to starve to death. Shocking? It shouldn’t be.

This does not apply to the person who cannot work (age, infirmity, illness, etc.). It does not apply to one who has repented of his laziness and is now willing to work. Rather, the point is the person who can work, but will not, does not have the right to expect others to care for him. The pain and suffering he experiences due to lack of food, clothing, shelter, ought to prod him to change his ways. It does not do a sinner, in this case the lazy man, any good to coddle him in his sin. Tough love is in order.

Is there another application to this Proverb?

What about the one who is spiritually lazy? The person who has little interest or motivation spiritually is not to be coddled.

For example, the man who will not read his Bible, pray to God, or attend services, either all together or some combination thereof, does not deserve our pity. He knows better, he just won’t do it. Do we feel sorry for him and his problems with his wife (his problems not hers)? Do we tell him we understand and wish he was not having so many difficulties in life? Or, do we rebuke him for his laziness and tell him to stop sinning by being luke warm (cf. Rev. 3:16, 17)?

For the indifferent man or woman, there is coming a time when they will “beg for bread.” If they truly turn from their sinfulness and apply themselves to growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, then we need to help them (Gal. 6:1, 2). We would even give the benefit of the doubt and strive to help them. However, if there is no repentance, there can be no forgiveness. If they intend on remaining in their laziness, then it is a waste of time to deal with them.

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6).

For the spiritually lethargic, the time to sow and harvest will come to an end. When the Lord returns their true condition will be known by one and all. They will stand before the Judge of the universe and “beg for bread,” but receive none. Remember what Jesus told us about the “wicked and lazy servant”? “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30). This man was given an opportunity to serve the Lord but was too lazy to take advantage of it. He said, “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (Matt. 25:24). Yet, he was “afraid” (Matt. 25:25). Again, His Master said he was “wicked and lazy,” and during the reckoning showed no mercy to this man.

Let us not waste our opportunities. Get to the work, even though it is “winter.” If we do not, there will be no harvest for us, no rejoicing in the fruit of our labor, no “bread of life.”