Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5629 work, as ordained by God

5629 work, as ordained by God

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5628 work » 5629 work, as ordained by God

God ordained work as the normal routine of living. Every legitimate human task, therefore, is of intrinsic worth, however menial it may seem, and is potentially a means of glorifying God.

Work is ordained by God

Genesis 1:27-28 See also Exodus 20:9 pp Deuteronomy 5:13; Psalm 104:23 Work is part of the rhythm of life.

God's purposes in ordaining work

That people should be self-supporting

Genesis 3:19 See also Psalm 128:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:12

That people should find self-fulfilment

Ecclesiastes 2:24 See also Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:19

That people should serve others

Ephesians 4:28 See also Proverbs 31:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Timothy 5:8

That people should glorify God

Colossians 3:17 See also 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:5-8 pp Colossians 3:22-24

Consequences of viewing work as God's ordinance

Work is seen as a moral duty

Any legitimate work may be seen as God's calling

Genesis 2:15 See also Exodus 31:1-6; Exodus 35:30-35; Psalm 78:70-71; Matthew 13:55 pp Mark 6:3; Romans 13:6; 1 Corinthians 7:17,20-24

Work is seen as a stewardship from God himself

Colossians 3:23-24 See also Matthew 25:14-30 pp Luke 19:12-27; Ephesians 6:5-8

Criticism of those who will not work

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11