Preschool
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him. Psalm 34:6
Keeping the Household of Faith
Memory Verses
Primary
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:6
Junior
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:6
Background Scripture: 2 Thessalonians
Lesson Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-15
Introduction
God provides a secure haven for his children during their sojourn on earth. It is a household where each member belongs, each one has value, and each one is needed. The truth embraced by this household has been preserved by God’s children through the ages and will endure until the end of time.
Faith flourishes as we love God first and our neighbor as ourself. Then, walking in love with humility and submission, we help each other home. May we be responsible members within this household and embrace the faith until the Lord returns.
Key Verse
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3).
Lesson Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Studying the Lesson
Acts records the origin of the church in Thessalonica. As was his custom, Paul first preached to the Jews. Some believed, as did a large number of Greeks and prominent women. He might have stayed longer, but jealous Jews incited a riot, which led to his early departure. Paul’s ardent passion for the success of this new church permeates his epistle.
In this second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he thanks God that their faith flourished and their charity abounded. Knowing they suffered persecution, he and his fellow missionaries held them in constant prayer.
The Thessalonian church was a young church planted in a city of diverse cultures and religions. This setting gave occasion to misunderstandings of doctrine and Christian living. The return of the Lord persisted as a confusing doctrine. Had Christ already returned? Was his coming so soon that working for a living became unnecessary? Paul urged them not to be unsettled or shaken in mind but to stand fast and hold the traditions he taught. He encourages the fledgling flock to love each other and love the truth.
Would the Thessalonian church prosper as a vibrant household of faith? In our lesson text, Paul outlines how godly truth undergirds a working body of believers. Gospel truth encompasses both spiritual and natural living. This includes spiritual growth, living in peace, encouraging others in their walk with God, and not mingling with unholy transgressors. Being busy in Christ’s kingdom while avoiding idleness and working for an honest living is also part of keeping the faith.
Practical Truths for Today
A precious gift has been given us—the faith once delivered to the saints. This faith embodies God’s plan for man’s eternal salvation. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ, lived and embraced by the apostles. Through the centuries, God’s children have preserved and carefully guarded its integrity. Today we bear the responsibility of keeping the faith.
Christ established the church as his living body to nurture believers, empowering them to do his will on earth. Embracing the unity of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5), this body of believers functions as a household. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).
In a natural family everyone contributes to its happiness and fulfillment. A toddler picks up toys, and schoolchildren wash windows. A teenager maintains the lawn, and Dad works to establish order and supply a living. Mother performs a myriad of unselfish tasks and is the heart of the home. No one is perfect, and mistakes are made, but love and humility create an atmosphere of security and belonging.
Likewise, keeping the household of faith is for all members. Responsibility does not rest only on the minister or the deacon. The seasoned missionary does not bear the load of outreach alone. The new convert may contribute by careful obedience, the youth group sings with inspiration, young mothers share hearts in Sunday school, and a grandfather prays in his closet. Each brother and sister, married or single, old or young, fills a place in preserving, supporting, and maintaining the truth.
A tool Satan uses to dampen our enthusiasm for keeping the church is to diminish our sense of belonging. Some may be tempted to feel more like an orphan than a child. When we think of the family of God, do we feel we really belong? Can we openly share the deep feelings of our hearts without fear, or are we distrustful and feel others do not understand? If so, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7-8). Members of the church, though cleansed by the blood of Christ, still have their humanity, but belonging to the household of faith is unquestionably the safest place on earth.
Keeping this household running smoothly requires helping each other in our walk with God. We vowed to offer and accept spiritual encouragement, to give and take reproof. If one is injured by sin, let us help bind up the wound. A true friend does not ignore the danger of sin but points to a remedy. Love does not belittle or blame but seeks restoration without censure. We face a strong and cunning foe, and as we unite in the battle, hearts are knit together.
Hearts bound together form deep wells of trust and confidence. Drawing from these wells in times of spiritual drought quenches the thirst for independence, self-justification, and baseless imaginations. This trust allows us to be transparent in God’s family. We can submit one to another, sharing our understanding of Scripture and doctrine, ideas on church administration, and thoughts on child nurture and school structure. Even plans and goals relating to making a living, decorating homes, starting a business, or moving to a new location can be shared with confidence, knowing there is safety in a multitude of counselors.
Helping each other means applying the “wisdom that is from above [which] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). What may seem as a deliberate transgression to us can be unrecognized weakness plaguing our brother. Someone questioning my consecration may see it only through the lens of their own experience. To understand each other we need to ask considerate questions and be open to receive another’s perspective.
Our lesson text teaches against being busybodies. All too easily we may find ourselves saying, “Have you heard? Did you see what they did? Can you believe they said that?” Our ready access to social media seems tailor made for the busybody. The Holy Spirit teaches us when to mind our own business. Let us listen carefully to avoid wounding our brothers and sisters.
It is a precious privilege to belong to the household of faith. God Himself lives here and is the true Keeper. He is continually perfecting the saints, making for Himself a dwelling fit for a King. It is a strong and beautiful house, gleaming with the radiance of the Holy Spirit. Light streaming from the windows invites a hurting world to come inside. Let us all work together to keep it pure until the Lord returns.
Questions
- What is the foremost quality needed to be effective in keeping the household of faith?
- What indicates when, and if, we should intervene in another’s problems?
- How do we withdraw from transgressors and yet show love to win them?
- What is the responsibility of the youth in being keepers of the household of faith?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).