WEEK 11- A Model for You to Follow

MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the     teaching you received from us.  7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.  We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.          9  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he will not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle.  They are not busy; they are  busy-bodies.  12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord  Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.  13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

14 If anyone does not obey our instructions in this letter, take special note of him.  Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.  15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-15

What does this passage have to say about work habits?

Why is that important?

TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

1) What do verses 7-10 show us about the example of the apostles?  For what reasons did they work hard?  For whose benefit?

2) How does verse 10 impact your understanding of work?  Should you expect to receive a reward if you do not work?  If you followed this principle at school, at work, at home, and in athletics, how would that commitment change your current work habits?  What specific habits do you need to change?

WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

3) Do your work habits demonstrate a tireless commitment to doing what is right, regardless of circumstance?  In what situations can you encourage your teammates to “never tire of doing what is right” (v. 13)?

4) What kind of work habits are practiced by the people with whom you keep company?  What is the impact of their work habits on you?

THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

5) What commands do verses 6 and 14-15 give you in regard to      associating with people who do not work hard and faithfully?  What purpose do these commands serve for you?  For the idle or lazy people?

6) How should this command apply to your participation in athletics?

FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of work habits and pray together.

Ask your athletes to briefly reflect on what they’ve learned about work habits this week, and to repeat some of those things.  (Remind them of some of the Biblical truths about work habits you’ve discussed, if necessary.)

Ask your team, “Based on what we learned about work habits this week...What does an athlete with godly work habits do?”  Do not settle for vague answers; challenge your athletes to go beyond general qualities of an athlete with godly work habits, and to determine what those qualities look like in action.

Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “athlete with godly work habits”, and be sure the list is displayed somewhere that is constantly visible, as a reminder to the team.

Pray together as a team.  Encourage your athletes to pray for your team’s growth in regard to the discipline of work habits — especially in relation to some of the issues and challenges that you discussed together this week.  Challenge them to also ask for forgiveness, when applicable.  Give time for athletes to request prayer (regarding work habits or anything else), and pray together.