Discouraged? – In this final message on 2 Thessalonians, Simon addresses Paul’s teaching on idleness in the church, a topic Paul previously mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Simon explains that Paul’s command to “keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness” (2 Thessalonians 3:6) uses a military term that means being “out of step” rather than merely lazy. Like soldiers who position themselves based on those next to them, Christians measure their spiritual position by those they surround themselves with.
Simon warns about being discouraged and spiritual drift, which happens gradually rather than suddenly. As he puts it, “drift fills the space where discipline used to be.” Quoting Hebrews 2:1, he emphasizes the need to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Simon offers several diagnostic questions to help identify spiritual drift, including examining what has our attention, whether we’re contributing to our church or coasting, and what sins we’ve made peace with instead of fighting against.
Paul provides himself as an example, reminding the Thessalonians how he worked “night and day” (1 Thessalonians 2:9) making tents to support himself, even though he had the right to receive support as a minister. Simon relates this to his own experience of working a full-time job while pastoring, explaining that like Paul, he does what’s “good for the gospel.” Paul’s command that “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) addresses willful laziness, not those who cannot work due to circumstances beyond their control.
Simon powerfully unpacks Paul’s exhortation to “not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13), acknowledging how differently this hits when we’re not just physically tired but “heart-tired” and “soul-tired.” He reminds us that Jesus sees every quiet sacrifice, every hidden act of faithfulness, and every prayer whispered in the night. Quoting Galatians 6:9, Simon assures us that “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up,” emphasizing that “there’s a harvest coming” even if we don’t see it yet.
The sermon concludes with Paul’s instructions for handling those who reject his teaching. Simon emphasizes that church discipline is “not punishment, but loving correction” aimed at restoration rather than rejection. He notes how Paul ends his letter with peace and grace, reminding us that “Christ is still the source of peace—even when the church is messy” and that “the presence of Jesus in the midst of trouble is what brings peace.”