The Work Of Assurance

Let us muse again today from this great book of I Thessalonians, the theme of which is “While waiting for the King”. We are in chapter four were Paul gives us assurance while we wait. In the text of 4:11 I find the work of assurance. The verse says, ” And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you”. In this text while we wait Paul shares three life long projects we can work on. The first is to study to be quiet. The word study means, to be  earnest to do something. Here we are to study to be quiet. Quiet means to refrain from work, or doing anything, and to be still. Paul is asking us to work at not trying to work. Oh how often as we wait do we need to do nothing in our situation but be still and wait. The second work is to study to do your own business. The word business means ones own personal and private life. It is a job to just mind your own business. It is much easier to mind others and leave yours be. The third is to study to work with your hands. Idle hands are the devil’s work shop. Lord, give me clean hands and a pure heart is my constant prayer. Why should we take on these projects? Paul said to do as we have commanded. The word we is used to include God. This is not a sermon, but a message. These three will keep us busy till He comes.