“according to the purview assigned by the Lord”
So we seek out the Lord and he guides us instead of helping ourselves. Thanks for conforming what I stated.
“”For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2Th_3:10).
What does that say to you?”
Where in this passage is God removed from the equation to suggest you have to help yourself first as a condition to receive God’s help on that matter instead of seeking God out first and allowing God to work in the situation and provide the work? Where in the passage does God say he won’t help you get work, that you must sidestep him and help yourself as you suggest?
Reread that verse in view of the sense of your questions, OK?
imardmd1: What does that say to you? (Post #33)
ScottfromNJ: Where in this passage is God removed from the equation to suggest you have to help yourself first as a condition to receive God’s help on that matter instead of seeking God out first and allowing God to work in the situation and provide the work? (Post #42)
It is not clear how your reading of what I said removes God at all. This verse is a command by Paul, in words inspired by God The Holy Spirit to the church at Thessalonika. The sense of the command is directed toward the behavior of people who can work but won't work, expecting the church to feed them rather than to feed themselves by their own employment.
ScottfromNJ: Where in the passage does God say he won’t help you get work, . . . (Post #42)
Hum. The sense of the passage is that work is available, but there are church members or people in the community who are able but not willing to engage in gainful employment to feed themselves, but instead expect to freeload on the church's largesse.
ScottfromNJ: ". . . that you must sidestep him and help yourself . . ." (Post #42 cont'd)
How is it that insisting on able-bodied people get off their butts and earn their own upkeep sidestepping the will of God? In fact, it is the will of God that they do so, without having to be prompted.
ScottfromNJ:". . . as you suggest?" (Post #42).
Boy, you sure missed the point of the application of this Scripture passage. The sensible advice is that God helps those who help themselves, the ones who take initiative, who employ their gifts and skills to provide for their own needs, to advance their own interests, and those of God as well as other fellow Christians. These are self-starters, not stem-winders. They use God-provided opportunities as a stepping stone to abundant life, rather than being a stumblingblock to the success of others by consuming resources without replacing them. Read the story of the talents, esp Matthew 25:20 and 28 (cf Lk. 16:12-27, esp v.26).
I don't understand what your problem is.
Tell me, what is your opinion on this view of an economy:
"From each according to his ability, to each according to one's need."
What does that mean to you?