(a) Highlight Paul's advice to the Thessalonian Christians on the matter of idleness. [9 marks]
(b) State three consequences of idleness in the society. [6 marks]
(a) Thessalonians 3:6-15:
(i) Paul commanded the brethren in the name of Jesus to keep.away from a brother who was living in idleness.
(ii) Not in accordance with the tradition of hardwork and industry which they received from the Apostles.
(iii) They ought to imitate the Apostles, since they were not idle when they were with the Thessalonians.
(iv) The disciples did not eat from the Thessalonians without paying.
(v) They laboured and toiled, night and day, that they might not burden the Thessalonian Christians.
(vi) Though it was their right to depend on the Thessalonians, yet they decided to be self-dependent.
(vii) In order to show their conduct as an example to imitate.
(viii) Paul had earlier given the Thessalonians an instruction that whoever would not work should not be allowed to eat.
(ix) News had reached Paul and other Apostles that they were mere busy bodies, doing nothing.
(x) Such persons were exhorted in the Lord to do their work in quietness, to earn their own living.
(xi) They should note that anyone who refuses to obey the instructions in the letter should be disassociated with.
(xiii) The Thessalonians should not look upon him as an enemy but warn him as a brother.
(b) Three consequences of idleness in the Society:
(i) Stealing/Robbery
(ii) Disaffection
(iii) Quarrel
(iv) Laziness
(v) Peddling of rumour
(vi) Drunkenness
(vii) Sexual immorality and its attendant problems
(viii) Physical weakness of the body
(ix) Bitterness
(x) Underdevelopment
(xi) Depending on others
(xii) Thuggery
(xiii) Nonentity/nuisance
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