1 Peter 2:13-21 (NKJV)
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
Much of our lives are spent in secular employment. For man their jobs are drudgery boring and strife over pay and working conditions. What does the bible say about work ethic?
The Bible Opens With God At Work
Genesis 2:2 (NKJV)
2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
· God has given concept of work dignity, significance, and value.
· The first worker enjoyed job satisfaction.
Genesis 1:31 (NKJV)
31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
· Man was not sentenced to work because he fell into sin
God Taught By Example.
· A season of work and a season of rest.
Genesis 1:28 (NKJV)
28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Genesis 2:15 (NKJV)
15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Exodus 20:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Genesis 2:15 (NKJV)
15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Exodus 20:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
· The Father and Jesus continue to work.
John 5:17 (NKJV)
17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
Have A Kingdom Attitude About Your Job.
· Men and women are watching you at work. You must have a kingdom attitude about your job.
1 Peter 2:12 (NKJV)
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
· Your attitude toward the Boss
1 Timothy 6:1 (NKJV)
1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
Titus 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Society’s Attitude Toward Work
1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
Titus 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Society’s Attitude Toward Work
· It is a necessary evil.
· We work in order to get money to maintain a standard of living.
· We want more money for less work.
· The average worker is joyless and unfulfilled looking for the week end.
· The spirits of get not give prevails.
· One eye on the clock the other on the paycheck.
· The Christian’s motivation is to serve, that attitude makes for faithfulness, conscientious and hard working.
· When we talk about serving God that includes our work place also.
Colossians 3:24 (NKJV)
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Like Everyone In Society, The Christian Must Work To Live.
· The worker deserved his wages.
Luke 10:7 (NKJV)
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
· He is responsible to support his dependants.
1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV)
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
· He should look for a fair day’s pay for a day’s work
· However, money is not the primary motivation for working
The Get Rich Philosophy
· The get rich philosophy of modern man should have no place in the heart of a believer.
1 Peter 5:2 (NKJV)
2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
1 Timothy 6:9 (NKJV)
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
1 Timothy 6:9 (NKJV)
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
· If this happens, and God does prosper him, he is not to set his heart or put his hope in it
Psalms 62:10 (NKJV)
10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
The Christian Attitude Is A Contented Spirit.
· How envy works
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NKJV)
4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
· Be content with your pay
Luke 3:14 (NKJV)
14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."
14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."
· Heart free of the love of money
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
A Biblical Motive For Working
· More blessed to give than to receive
· That he may have something to give him who has need.
Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)
28 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.
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)
28 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.
Attitudes About Authority.
Romans 13:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
· Employers (masters)
Titus 2:9 (NKJV)
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
1 Peter 2:18 (NKJV)
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
· We are called to obedience
Ephesians 6:5 (NKJV)
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Not Just A Boss Who Is Good And Righteous But Also Some Who Are Harsh
· What are benefits to unjust suffering?
Ephesians 6:19-21 (NKJV)
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
· Example: Sarah and Hagar
Genesis 16:8-9 (NKJV)
8 And He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?" She said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai."
9 The Angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand."
8 And He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?" She said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai."
9 The Angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand."
· Fulfilling the command to obey your earthly master just as you would obey Christ
Ephesians 6:5 (NKJV)
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Ephesians 6:7 (NKJV)
7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Ephesians 6:7 (NKJV)
7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
· Whatever your hands find to do!
Exodus 9:10 (NKJV)
10 Then they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses scattered them toward heaven. And they caused boils that break out in sores on man and beast.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
10 Then they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses scattered them toward heaven. And they caused boils that break out in sores on man and beast.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
· By being trustworthy, you qualify to handle true riches.
Luke 16:10-11 (NKJV)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Titus 2:10 (NKJV)
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Titus 2:10 (NKJV)
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
· Refraining from complaining and arguing is a tall order
Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Titus 2:9 (NKJV)
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Titus 2:9 (NKJV)
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
· Your heavenly Father will always notice unrighteousness
Colossians 3:25 (NKJV)
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
· Our motivation to work should not be to gain promotion.
· We must be sincerely of heart not just when the boss is looking.
Colossians 3:22 (NKJV)
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Genesis 16:13 (NKJV)
13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, "Have I also here seen Him who sees me?"
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Genesis 16:13 (NKJV)
13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, "Have I also here seen Him who sees me?"
A Word To Employers
· There is a judge who stands at the door to see if there is fair play
James 5:9 (NKJV)
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
James 5:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
James 5:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
· God said this of a King who was unfair to his workers.
Jeremiah 22:13 (NKJV)
13 "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness And his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor's service without wages And gives him nothing for his work,
Jeremiah 22:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: "They shall not lament for him, Saying, 'Alas, my brother!' or 'Alas, my sister!' They shall not lament for him, Saying, 'Alas, master!' or 'Alas, his glory!'
19 He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, Dragged and cast out beyond the gates of Jerusalem.
13 "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness And his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor's service without wages And gives him nothing for his work,
Jeremiah 22:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: "They shall not lament for him, Saying, 'Alas, my brother!' or 'Alas, my sister!' They shall not lament for him, Saying, 'Alas, master!' or 'Alas, his glory!'
19 He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, Dragged and cast out beyond the gates of Jerusalem.
· The cries of the oppressed always reach the ears of God
James 5:3 (NKJV)
3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
Have The Attitude Toward You Employees
· Always do-good to those over whom you have charge.
Ephesians 6:8-9 (NKJV)
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Deuteronomy 15:12-15 (NKJV)
12 "If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
13 And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed;
14 you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him.
15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Deuteronomy 15:12-15 (NKJV)
12 "If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
13 And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed;
14 you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him.
15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.
· Don’t threaten them – a fair warning is justified.
Acts 4:21 (NKJV)
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV)
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV)
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
· Always be fair with your workers
Colossians 4:1 (NKJV)
1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
What God Says About The Lazy.
· What about those who are lazy, they can work but won’t.
Proverbs 10:5 (NKJV) 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
Proverbs 24:30-31 (NKJV)
30 I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.
Proverbs 26:13 (NKJV)
13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!"
Proverbs 26:16 (NKJV)
16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
Matthew 25:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 (NKJV)
6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
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