THE CHRISTIAN WORK ETHIC
2 Thessalonians 3.6-12
STILL Waiting On Jesus – Part 7
Luke 16.11 “So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine?” (csb)
Genesis 3.17–19 “… cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you … By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (esv)
REALITIES THAT DRIVE OUR APPROACH TO WORK:
OUR Faith ISN’T JUST A Sunday Matter
v. 6 “… live according to the teaching you received from us.” (niv)
v. 9 “… we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us.” (csb)
v. 6 “… we command … that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness …” (esv)
OUR Life ISN’T JUST A Spiritual Matter
v. 10 “… when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: ‘If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.’” (csb)
Proverbs 28.27 “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” (esv)
Proverbs 19.17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (esv)
Proverbs 16.26 “A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.”
OUR Time IS ALWAYS A Spiritual Battle
v. 11 “… some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”
Matthew 4.8–9 “… the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’” (esv)
John 4.34 Jesus: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (esv)