LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Assignment Title: 10 Key Points about Work in the Bible Every Christian Should Know
Course: CHMN 699 - Internship
Student: Kristine Sage
Date: January 29, 2022
Professor: Dr. Joel Breidenbaugh
Key Points about Work in the Bible Every Christian Should Know
The Bible makes it clear that work matters to God. No matter what your profession or occupation –
whether you’re a parent, a bus driver, an artist or an engineer – God cares about your work. Here are
ten key points about work drawn from the Bible. They provide a practical foundation for Christians
asking what the Bible says about how we should approach our work.
1) Work is part of God’s big picture. God created all things and He has revealed that, in His
sovereignty, He is progressing created order through a process of Creation, Fall and
Redemption. God’s created order started with the perfect garden (Garden of Eden) and will be
consummated in the perfect city (New Jerusalem).
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible verses:
Revelation 21:1-22:5
Isaiah 65
Genesis 2
Genesis 1
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
Genesis 1
Genesis 2
2) Our actual work matters to God, now and eternally. God has chosen to create men and
women in His image to, among other things, work and tend this created order for His glory and
for the betterment of humankind. In ways we can’t fully understand, the good work we do now,
done with and for Him, will survive into the New Jerusalem. Work itself has intrinsic value.
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 2:5 & 2:15
Isaiah 65:21-23
Ephesians 2:10
Revelation 21:24-27
3) God provides us with unique skills, gifts and talents, and calls us to particular roles and
activities. Although the roles might have apparent differences in importance, our callings are
equal. They are a spiritual calling. There are no second-class callings from God. We will be
worthy of this calling if we are devoted in our relationship with Him and look to Him only for
leadership and strength.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible verses:
Exodus 31:1-5
Romans 12:6-8
1 Corinthians 12:28
Ephesians 4:11-16
Matthew 25:14-30
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
Romans 12:6-8
1 Corinthians 12:28
Ephesians 4:11-16
Matthew 25:14-30
oCheck out the Theology of Work Project's Calling and Vocation Overview
4) Quality, character, and ethics are foundational for our work. We are responsible not only for
the quality of our work, but also for our faithfulness to God in the way we pursue that work, and
for our own good character while working. We will be judged and rewarded accordingly.
However, God is ultimately responsible for the outcome and impact of our work.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
Matthew 25:21
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 & 15:58
Jeremiah 17:10
Matthew 16:27
Revelation 22:12
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Ezekiel 36:30
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 & 15:58
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Ezekiel 36:30
5) Our work is yoked with Christ. We should work as if yoked to Jesus Christ. The “foundation of
His throne is Righteousness and Justice, with Love and Faithfulness going before Him.” Our
work, and the decisions we make, should be based on these principles: aligned with God’s moral
standards, always concerned with the fair treatment of others and with a clear expression of
Christ’s love for all people.
oExplore this idea by reading the following Bible verses:
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Matthew 11:29-30
Psalm 89:14
Exodus 20:2-17
Mark 12:31
Matthew 25:35-36
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Matthew 11:29-30
Matthew 25:35-36
6) Our work should be centered on service to others. From the products and services we
provide, to providing fair financial rewards, and providing opportunities for others to exercise
their gifts and talents. Our work is an opportunity to seek the peace and well being of our
organizations, cities, and nations. Humility and gratitude should be the hallmark of our
character. We should always acknowledge God in our work and consider that being an
ambassador for Him is a weighty, but honored, responsibility.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Mark 12:31
Matthew 7:12
Philippians 2:3-4
Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
Romans 12:16
Matthew 5:13-14
1 Peter 3:15
2 Corinthians 5:20
Matthew 28:19-20
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Matthew 7:12
Philippians 2:3-4
Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
Matthew 5:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:20
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
7) A rhythm of work and rest is essential to life. God invites us into a deliberate pattern of
regular rest. These periods of rest are intended to be restorative and are also opportunities to
intentionally take time to consider Christ and our relationship with Him.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
Exodus 20:8-11
John 15:4
Hebrews 4:10
1 John 3:19
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
Exodus 20:8-11
John 15:4
Hebrews 4:10
8) The use of wealth and our investments should be directed by God. We should allow God to
direct the use of all that He has provided through our work for the betterment of others and the
furthering of His kingdom. These provisions include our gifts, time, financial capability and
influence.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
1 Corinthians 4:7
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Isaiah 58:10
Acts 2:45
Romans 12:13
Hebrews 13:16
Philippians 4:15-19
oClick to explore these passages in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary:
1 Corinthians 4:7
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Acts 2:45
9) God's work multiplies through relationships and through the local church: We need to be in
relationship with other followers of Christ to provide support and accountability. We should
look for mentors and look to mentor others. We should commit to our local church body and
help to bring the world of work into the church and the church into the world of work.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
1 Timothy 3:15
1 Corinthians 12:27
Ephesians 4:12-13
Acts 2:42-47 & 11:26
Titus 2:3-8
Proverbs 27:17
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
oClick to explore this passage in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary: Acts 2:42-47
10) Work is a gift from God. We should always acknowledge that work is a gift from God, as is
our ability to be happy in it. Alternatively, labor and achievement that spring from our envy of
others is meaningless and will never bring contentment and joy. We look forward to the day
when we will work together in perfect harmony in the presence of God in the New Jerusalem.
oExplore this idea further by reading the following Bible passages:
Ecclesiastes 5:19
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
Isaiah 65:21-23
oClick to explore this passage in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes
