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 Sunday of the Ten Lepers — September 6, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
All ten believed and all ten were cleansed by the bare Word; nine were preached out of Christ by the priests in God's name, with a Bible verse, and thought they did well. 'Your faith has saved you' is Christ's verdict ov…
Jeremiah: Chapter 20 — September 6, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:14
Last week Jeremiah smashed a jar in the garbage valley. This week we find out what it cost him: Pashhur, the chief officer of the temple police, beats him and locks him in the stocks overnight, and Jeremiah opens his mou…
Sunday’s OT and Epistle—Proverbs 4:10–23; Gal 5:16–24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Proverbs 4:10–23 (NKJV)10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,And the years of your life will be many.11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;I have led you in right paths.12 When you walk, your steps will not be hind…
The Sabbath Law—Exodus 31:12-18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
12 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am t…
The Ransom Money—Exodus 30:11-16 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:18
11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 12 “When you take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord, when you number them, that there may be no pla…
The Priestly Garments—Exodus 28:1-43 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
29 “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. 30 And you shall put in the breastplate…
The Ark of the Covenant—Exodus 25:1-22 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:15
Exodus 25:1–22 (NKJV)1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. 3 And this…
Moses Receives the Law upon Tablets of Stone—Ex 24:1-18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:07
Exodus 24:1–18 (NKJV)1 Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. 2 And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall no…
"He Had Compassion On You" Trinity 13 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
He brought you to the inn. This is the inn. He has paid the innkeeper. The bill isn’t yours, and He has said: whatever more it costs, I will repay when I come again.Your wounds — bound. Your name — His. Your body — fed w…