Work: A Christian Duty

After expounding some very lofty spiritual truths like the rapture, second coming, destruction of the anti-Christ, etc, Paul returns to some practical teaching about work. While we need to be cognizant of the lofty spiritual truths, we still have a big responsibility in the routine of everyday life and work is central to this. Through the scripture this morning, we get a great look into the world of work from a Biblical point of view and through Paul’s teaching, have some practical ways to implement them in our working lives.

Scripture

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 ESV Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.  7  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,  8  nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.  9  It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.  10  For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  11  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  12  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.  13  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.  14  If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.  15  Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Bible Study Questions

How we see work

What do you honestly think of work? As drudgery, looking after your family, fulfilling an ambition, to help others, or something other than these?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ESV Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us

A way of serving the Lord

Do you ever think of work as primarily a way to serve the Lord? Why or why not?

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

What God says about work

What does God say about work and what does it mean to us?

Genesis 1:26 ESV Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 3:17 ESV And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

The epitome of a worker

God works constantly! He created everything that was, is and will be, He sustains the creation by his word the earth, He, in His wisdom and love cares for and directs all things in the universe, all of which is under His control, He judges e.g the flood, destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, destruction of Jerusalem and will judge each one of us and in Redemption. Is God the Epitome of a worker?

Hebrews 1:3 ESV He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Psalms 103:19 ESV The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

1 Peter 4:17 ESV For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Ephesians 1:7 ESV In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Those who shun work?

What does Paul say should happen to those Christians who purposefully shun work?

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 ESV If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Work in a modern context:

What would you say the prevailing work ethic in the world is today?

Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

The work ethic of a Christian

So what should the work ethic of a Christian be, considering all of the previous questions?

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.