Theory question 108
Civic ResponsibilityWhat did Paul, from his personal example, teach the Thessalonians about dignity of labour? State two ways by which Christians should uphold this teaching.
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Paul and his companions were not idle when they were with them (2 Thessalonians 3:7).
They did not eat anyone's bread without paying, but worked night and day with toil and labour, so as not to burden anyone (2 Thessalonians 3:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
Though they had the right to support, they worked to give an example to imitate (2 Thessalonians 3:9).
"If any one will not work, let him not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Busybodies living in idleness should work quietly and earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12).
Earlier he urged them to work with their hands so as to command respect of outsiders and be dependent on nobody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
Keep away from idle brothers, but warn them as brothers, not enemies (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).
Ways (any two): work hard in honest jobs; avoid laziness and begging; respect all kinds of work; train young people in skills; do not live on others; be punctual and diligent.
Use Paul's own example from 2 Thessalonians 3, then two ways.