The Christian And His Occupation

GOD HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED PEOPLE TO WORK “Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15) – “Tend” – “to work” (Strong). – “Keep” – “To watch over; care for” (Word Study Dictionary).

GOD HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED PEOPLE TO WORK will “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

WORK HELPS US PROVIDE FOR OTHERS “…provide for his own, and especially for those of his household.” (1 Timothy 5:8). “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28).

WHAT KIND OF WORK SHOULD WE DO? IT MUST BE GOOD, HONEST AND HONORABLE.

GOOD - HONEST - HONORABLE “Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17). “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” (Colossians 3:9- 10).

GOOD - HONEST - HONORABLE “…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, that you may lack nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

WHAT KIND OF WORK SHOULD WE DO? IT MUST BE GOOD, HONEST AND HONORABLE. MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY.

MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1).

MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30).

MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). “…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6).

MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20). “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

WHAT KIND OF WORK SHOULD WE DO? IT MUST BE GOOD, HONEST AND HONORABLE. MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY. SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD AND SATISFACTION TO US.

GLORY AND SATISFACTION “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

GLORY AND SATISFACTION “What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor – it is a gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:9-13).

GLORY AND SATISFACTION “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11-13).

WHAT KIND OF WORK SHOULD WE DO? IT MUST BE GOOD, HONEST AND HONORABLE. MUST NOT HINDER SPIRITUALLY. SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD AND SATISFACTION TO US. PUT THE KINGDOM FIRST.

WE ARE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Heb. 11:13-16)

PLAN OF SALVATION Hear – Rom. 10:17 Believe – Mark 16:15-16 Repent – Acts 2:38 Confess Faith in Christ – Acts 8:37 Be Baptized – Acts 2:38 Live Faithful Life – Rev. 2:10 Repent, Confess sin, Pray – Acts 8:22