How long is your lunch hour?
I. Paul’s Work Ethic
A. Paul wasn’t directing his remarks on our work places but on our worship-places, the church.
B. NRSV—“keep away from believers who are living in idleness”
Greek—“living in disorder” or “being disruptive”
KJV—“withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly”
J.B. Phillips—“don’t associate with the brother whose life is undisciplined”
Clarence Jordan—“part company with every brother who bucks out of the harness”
II. Church Load
Paul was urging Christian believers to pull together in the ministry of the church.
II. Out of Harness
The 20-Mule Team is a good image of how a church should function.
IV. Get Harnessed
A. A life completely unfettered is a life of emptiness and meaninglessness. Freedom is only real when we are in a community that involves us in worthwhile tasks to spend our time.
B. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)