Labor Day: Warning Against Idleness—2 Thess. 3:1-15

Labor Day: Warning Against Idleness—2 Thess. 3:1-15

Author: Rev. Christopher Gillespie September 7, 2026 Duration: 32:06

2 Thessalonians 3:1–15 (NKJV)

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.


In the quiet community of Random Lake, Wisconsin, Preaching and Teaching from St. John Ev. Lutheran Church (Sherman Center) offers a steady voice of Lutheran tradition and scriptural reflection. This podcast is an extension of the congregation's life, featuring sermons and lessons grounded in the confessional standards of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Listeners will hear the consistent, expository teaching of Rev. Christopher R. Gillespie, which aims to draw the community deeper into the Word. The content is shaped by an unconditional subscription to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, providing a clear theological foundation for every discussion. Episodes are recorded within the context of regular worship and study at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church & School, reflecting the rhythm of parish life. It is a resource for members and those curious about confessional Lutheranism, seeking thoughtful engagement with Christian doctrine. The tone is pastoral and instructional, focusing on the gifts found in Lutheran teaching. By tuning in, you join a gathering centered on scripture, much like the physical congregation in Sherman Center. This audio ministry serves to enlighten and reinforce faith through deliberate, careful biblical exposition. The podcast functions as a digital sanctuary for reflection, learning, and spiritual nourishment, extending the church's mission beyond its geographical walls. It is for anyone seeking substantive religious content from a specific, traditional Christian perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Preaching and Teaching from St. John Ev. Lutheran Church (Sherman Center), Random Lake, Wisconsin
Podcast Episodes
The Sin Offering—Leviticus (4:1-2) 5:1-10 (11-13) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:23
Leviticus 4:1–2 (NKJV)1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not to be don…
The Burnt Offering—Leviticus 1:1-17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:58
Leviticus 1:1–17 (NKJV)1 Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, yo…
"A Handful of Flour" Trinity 15 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:36
Elijah has just come off the brook Cherith. It dried up because there was no rain, God’s doing because Ahab had married a woman from Sidon and Israel was bowing to her god. Her god couldn’t make it rain. Now the Word of…
Holy Cross Day—1 Cor. 1:18-25; John 12:20-33 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,And bring to nothing the unders…
Sunday’s OT and Epistle—1 Kings 17:8–16; Gal. 5:25—6:10 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:47
1 Kings 17:8–16 (NKJV)8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went…
Moses Sets Up the Tabernacle—Ex. 40:1-3, 16-38 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:32
Exodus 40:1–3 (NKJV)1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, and partition off…
"He Came to Be Your Estate" Friday of Trinity 14 (observed) 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:03
Everything the farmer was building toward — security, a settled soul, many years, take your ease — Christ has, as a man, in a body, for you. He built no barn. He had nowhere to lay His head. He owned one coat, and soldie…
God’s Wrath Is Poured Out upon Idol Worshipers—Ex 32:15-35 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:27
15 And Moses turned and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. 16 Now the tablets w…
The Worship of the Golden Calf—Exodus 32:1-14 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought…