Dictionary of Bible Themes – 5629 work, as ordained by God
Resources chevron-right Dictionary of Bible Themes chevron-right 5000 Humanity chevron-right 5200 Human civilisation chevron-right 5628 work chevron-right 5629 work, as ordained by God
5629 work, as ordained by God

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

Ge 1:27-28 See also Ex 20:9 pp Dt 5:13; Ps 104:23 Work is part of the rhythm of life.

God’s purposes in ordaining work

That people should be self-supporting Ge 3:19 See also Ps 128:2; 1Th 4:12

That people should find self-fulfilment Ecc 2:24 See also Pr 14:23; Ecc 3:22; Ecc 5:19

That people should serve others Eph 4:28 See also Pr 31:15; 1Th 2:9; 1Ti 5:8

That people should glorify God Col 3:17 See also 1Co 10:31; Eph 6:5-8 pp Col 3:22-24

Consequences of viewing work as God’s ordinance

Work is seen as a moral duty Tit 3:14 See also Pr 6:6; Ecc 9:10; 1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:7-12

Any legitimate work may be seen as God’s calling Ge 2:15 See also Ex 31:1-6; Ex 35:30-35; Ps 78:70-71; Mt 13:55 pp Mk 6:3; Ro 13:6; 1Co 7:17,20-24

Work is seen as a stewardship from God himself Col 3:23-24 See also Mt 25:14-30 pp Lk 19:12-27; Eph 6:5-8

Criticism of those who will not work 2Th 3:10-11

See also

4005creation
5051responsibility
5273creativity
5404masters
5433occupations
5498reward
5520servants
5603wages
5785ambition
5908motives
5939satisfaction
8440glorifying God

Bible Gateway Recommends

Encounters with Jesus - eBook
Encounters with Jesus - eBook
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $5.59
Save: $1.40 (20%)
Joy of Christmas - eBook
Joy of Christmas - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)
Ephesians: Word Come Alive - eBook
Ephesians: Word Come Alive - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)
Useful Verbs and Tenses - eBook
Useful Verbs and Tenses - eBook
Retail: $5.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $1.20 (20%)