What the Bible Says About Work

The Bible makes it clear that work matters to God. Here are 9 key points about work drawn from the Bible.

1. God created all things, and even though creation has become fallen, God will restore it to perfection.

• Read more:
  • Genesis 1
  • Genesis 2
  • Isaiah 65
  • Revelation 21:1-22:5

2. Our work in every sphere matters to God now and eternally.

• Read more:
  • Genesis 1:27
  • Genesis 2:5 & 2:15
  • Isaiah 65:21-23
  • Ephesians 2:10
  • Revelation 21:24-27

3. God calls people to every kind of legitimate work and gives us skills and talents to fulfill the work. 

• Read more:
  • Exodus 31:1-5
  • Romans 12: 6-8
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28
  • Ephesians 4:11-16
  • Matthew 25:14-30
  • Calling and Vocation Overview

4. We are responsible for the quality, character and ethics of our work and for our faithfulness to God.

• Read more:
  • 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

5. We are meant to work yoked to Christ, following his morals, treating others fairly, and loving all people.

• Read more:
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
  • Matthew 11:29-30
  • Psalm 89:14
  • Exodus 20:2-17
  • Mark 12:31
  • Matthew 25:35-36

6. Our work should be centered on service to others, no matter what our work or role is.

• Read more:
  • 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

7. God invites us into a deliberate pattern of regular rest, for both restoration and relationship with Christ.

• Read more:
  • Exodus 20:8-11
  • John 15:4
  • Hebrews 4:10
  • 1 John 3:19

8. We should allow God to direct the use of all he has provided, including talents, time, money and influence.

• Read more:
  • 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

9. We need relationships with other followers of Christ, through the church, for support and accountability.

• Read more:
  • 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

The Theology of Work Project provides resources for Christians asking what the Bible says about work. For a more detailed look at what the Bible says about work, check out our free, online Bible commentary. It goes through the Bible book by book, providing practical insights about work, and includes video illustrations, sermons and interviews.

Note: This article originally appeared here on the Theology of Work blog.

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Theology of Work Project

The Theology of Work Project answers the question "What does the Bible say about work?" by producing Bible commentary, topical articles, and audio/video resources that examine faith and work from a Christian perspective. The Theology of Work Project is an independent, international organization dedicated to researching, writing, and distributing materials with a biblical perspective on non-church workplaces. We collaborate with other faith and work organizations, universities and seminaries to help equip workplace Christians for meaningful and fruitful work of every kind.

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