Practical Holiness : Work

A coin has two sides… The positive The negative Food Is a necessity and good – a provision by God Gluttony Drink Is good and appropriate to enjoy Drunkenness Sex Designed by God for enjoyment in marriage Fornication, adultery, pornography Rest Built into creation as refreshing and rejuvenating Slothfulness, indolence

The bible has plenty to say about work…* God created all things, and even though creation has become fallen, God will restore it to perfection. Gen 1-2, Isaiah 65, Rev 21:1-22:5 Our work in every sphere matters to God now and eternally. Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:5, Isaiah 65:21-23, Eph 2:10, Rev 21:24-27   God calls people to every kind of legitimate work and gives us skills and talents to fulfil the work.  Ex 31:1-5, Rom 12: 6-8 , 1 Cor 12:28 , Eph 4:11-16, Mt 25:14-30 We are responsible for the quality, character and ethics of our work and for our faithfulness to God. Mt 25:21, Col 3:23-24 , 1 Cor 3:10-15 & 15:58, Jer 17:10, Mt 16:27, Rev 22:12, 2 Thess 1:11, Ez 36:30 We are meant to work yoked to Christ, following his morals, treating others fairly, and loving all people. 2 Cor 6:14-15, Mt 11:29-30, Ps 89:14, Ex 20:2-17, Mk 12:31, Mt 25:35-36 Our work should be centred on service to others, no matter what our work or role is. 2 Cor 5:16-21, Mt 28:19-20, Mk 12:31, Mt 7:12, Gal 5:13, 1 Pet 4:10 Rom 12:16, Mt 5:13-14, 1 Pet 3:15, 2 Cor 5:20, Phil 2:3-4, 1 Thess 4:11-12 God invites us into a deliberate pattern of regular rest, for both restoration and relationship with Christ. Ex 20:8-11, Jn 15:4, Heb 4:1, 1 Jn 3:19 We should allow God to direct the use of all he has provided, including talents, time, money and influence. 1 Cor 4:7, 1 Tim 6:17-19, Isaiah 58:10, Acts 2:45, Rom 12:13, Heb 13:16  Phil 4:15-19 We need relationships with other followers of Christ, through the church, for support and accountability. 1 Tim 3:15, 1 Cor 12:27, Eph 4:12-13, Acts 2:42-47 & 11:26, Tit 2:3-8 Prov 27:17, 1 Thess 2:8, Deut 6:4-9 * Outline provided by “The Theology of Work Project” (www.theologyofwork.org)

I Thessalonians 4:9-12 9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Ye we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody

II Thessalonians 3:6-15 6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

II Thessalonians 3:6-15 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

II Thessalonians 3:6-15 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

What was going on in Thessalonica? The error of not working End times are coming – so present doesn’t matter? OR Re-focus on a ‘nobler’ task? OR Ease of relying on others’ charity

Paul’s Response & Teaching The value of working Requirement to work to the degree you are able The creation ‘mandate’ is still in force The importance of working with excellence There is honour in work

Considerations/Consequences What about those who can’t work? Through circumstance are unable to provide for themselves/family? ‘Philadelphia’ (brotherly love). Nothing overrides the command to love and support one another But not working when you are able leads to: Mischief, gossip, busybodies, burden, reputational damage to the church

A coin has two sides… The positive The positive Contentment & reliance on God’s provision Honest Work, providing for your family. Not being a burden on others, but providing for those in need