Work – Part 1

What does the Bible teach about work?

Work was an original purpose of God for man, but man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purpose so that man finds his work all too often a burden rather than a pleasure.

Work is part of God’s scheme for the support of the human race, and properly fulfilled it brings its own rewards. While to avoid work is folly, life is not to be filled exclusively with work – God makes provision for rest and recreation. Christians should bear witness to their faith by the quality of their work.

1. There is many different types of work. Gen 4:2, Ex 31:2-5

2. Work was the original purpose of God for man

Man was to subdue the earth. Gen 1:28, Ps 8:3-8

Man working before the fall. Gen 2:15 (Joy)

The principle of work is written into the whole of God’s creation. Pro 6:6-11

It is always assumed that work constitutes part of God’s pattern for man. Ex 20:9-10

God intends that man should find enjoyment in his work. Eccl 5:18-19

More pleasure in the work than in the result or achievements of the work. Eccl 2:10-11

Who thinks that working manually is beneath them? Eph 4:28, Mark 6:3

Work is a sign of God’s blessing. Unemployment in a nation may be a sign of God’s judgement. Zech :8-10-12

3. Man’s rebellion against God marred man’s experience of God’s purposes in the principle of work.

The curse which followed the fall of man was not the curse of work, but the pain and hardship connected with work by reason of the curse upon the ground. Gen 3:17-19

Work without God is meaningless and pointless. Ps 127:2

Work has been used to exploit and oppress. Ex 1:11-14, James 5:4-6

4. The purpose which may be discerned behind the principle of work.

The great incentive for daily work is our daily bread as the fruit of it. Pro 16:26

Daily work is the means of building the home and sustaining it. Proverbs 24:27

Daily work is part of God’s scheme for support of the human race. Pro 27:25-27

We are to make a return to our parents. It is a dreadful thing not to provide for members of our families. 1 Tim 5:4, 8

Christ taught that we were to give to those who were not as well off. Matt 19:21, Luke 14:13, Acts 2:44, 45, 4:32

The apostle Paul set an example of working, not only for his own support, but also for the benefit of those who were serving the lord with him Acts 20:34; he also laid emphasis upon the provision of help for the poor. Rom 15:26-27 2 Cor chapters 8 & 9

We should work with the aim to help others and not just ourselves. Eph 4:28