2 Thessalonians 3:4

“And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command”

“We have confidence in the Lord touching you”: Paul could have confidence in them, because of their past track-record (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul did not have any confidence in wicked men, but he did have confidence in faithful brethren. “Hitherto he had had no occasion to question the general loyalty of the converts, and he anticipated none in the future” (Thessalonians. Hogg and Vine p. 284).

Paul often expressed confidence in his brethren (2 Corinthians 7:16; Romans 15:14; 2 Corinthians 2:3; Galatians 5:10). Are we living in such. way that our brethren can have confidence in us? Despite the presence of false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26), Paul never allowed himself to become cynical about members of the church.

“That”: Here is what Paul is confident about concerning these Christians. “Ye both do and will do the things which we command”: “That you are following and will follow my precepts” (Con). Paul loves to praise people where he can. In addition, “He is preparing the way for the commands which follow” (Morris p. 248). God believes that people are fully capable of abiding by His instructions (1 John 5:3). Unfortunately, "obedience" has become. negative word even in some professed "Christian" circles. Paul does not view obedience to the will of God and obeying specific commands as an unspiritual or legalistic form of religion. In fact, if we are spiritual, then we will obey (John 14:15; 1 John 2:4). In responding to those who claim that "obedience" is being "legalistic",. like what one writer said. He said you are either "legal" or "illegal". “Command”: The verbs "command" and "obey" in this verse, “Were the usual terms for the commands given by the officer to his men” (Stott p. 189). It is clear then that the New Testament Church lives under the authority of the message delivered by the apostles (1 Corinthians 14:37).