Definition and Importance
Work, in the biblical context, is an essential aspect of human life, ordained by God from the beginning of creation. It encompasses both physical labor and spiritual endeavors, reflecting the character and purpose of God. Work is not merely a means of sustenance but a divine calling that contributes to the flourishing of individuals and communities.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of work is introduced in the early chapters of Genesis. God Himself is depicted as a worker, creating the heavens and the earth in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). Humanity, created in the image of God, is entrusted with the responsibility to work and steward creation. Genesis 2:15 states, "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it."

Theological Significance
Work is integral to God's design for humanity. It is a means through which individuals can express creativity, exercise dominion, and fulfill God's mandate. Ecclesiastes 3:13 highlights the joy and satisfaction derived from work: "And also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God."

Work and the Fall
The fall of man introduced toil and hardship into work. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse upon the ground, resulting in laborious toil for sustenance. Despite this, work remains a vital part of human existence, and believers are called to approach it with diligence and integrity.

New Testament Perspective
The New Testament reinforces the value of work, emphasizing diligence and responsibility. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage underscores the spiritual dimension of work, viewing it as service to Christ.

Work and Community
Work is not only a personal endeavor but also a communal one. It contributes to the well-being of society and the support of others. Ephesians 4:28 encourages believers to work so that they "may have something to share with one in need." This reflects the biblical principle of generosity and stewardship.

Rest and Work
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest in the rhythm of work. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 calls for a day of rest, acknowledging the need for physical and spiritual renewal. This balance between work and rest is crucial for holistic well-being.

Eschatological Hope
In the eschatological vision, work finds its ultimate fulfillment. Revelation 22:3-5 depicts a restored creation where God's servants will serve Him, free from the curse of sin. This future hope encourages believers to view their present work as part of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion
Work, as presented in the Bible, is a divine vocation that encompasses both earthly and spiritual dimensions. It is a means of glorifying God, serving others, and participating in His creative and redemptive purposes. Through diligent and faithful work, believers reflect the character of God and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom.

The Fifth Commandment
... These spiritual fathers are to be honoured for their work's sake.' They come, like
the dove, with an olive branch in the mouth; they preach glad tidings of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13
... brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish
you; and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. ...
/.../homily x 1 thessalonians v.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... The same Christ who worked in them and through them in that day, is the same changeless
Christ who wills to work in and through His people in these last days. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... set forth, far different from that which treats of justification; as there is a
great difference between the substance and its working; between man and his work ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

Christ.
... doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me,
or else believe me for the very work's sake.". See, here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vii christ.htm

Visits Midway. Attends the Missouri State Convention. Reflections. ...
... Byrd, Glendale and Smithfield Churches. Gives up Office Work. Goes to Eureka, Ill.
Country Home. ... Byrd, Glendale and Smithfield Churches. Gives up Office Work. ...
/.../chapter xvii visits midway attends.htm

"But Jesus Sent Him Away" (Luke 8:00 38)
... How it warms our hearts and fills us with courage and hope! But for our work's
sake we must go apart and endure, sacrifice and suffer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-seven but jesus sent.htm

That God Giveth this Grace Freely Without any Means, and that it ...
... AND if thou askest me by what means thou shalt come to this work, I beseech Almighty
God of His great grace and His great courtesy to teach thee Himself. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the four and 2.htm

Free Grace
... obliged to declare this truth to all the world, could have induced me openly to
oppose the sentiments of those whom I esteem for their work's sake: At whose ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 128 free grace.htm

Presbyterians.
... you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord,
and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/presbyterians.htm

Work's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Work's (1 Occurrence). 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and to respect
and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. ...
/w/work's.htm - 6k

Esteem (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
And be at peace among yourselves. (KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/e/esteem.htm - 17k

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their
work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. (ASV DBY). ...
/e/exceeding.htm - 37k

Honor (240 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and to respect and honor them in love for
their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. (WEB). 1 ...
/h/honor.htm - 37k

Works (379 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WORK; WORKS. wurk, wurks: "To work" in
the Old Testament is usually the translation of `asah, or ...
/w/works.htm - 40k

Respect (204 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour
among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers ...
/r/respect.htm - 38k

World (2829 Occurrences)
... the Assyrian king Assurbanipal (7th century BC), several on which was inscribed
the Chaldean story of creation, and next year published his work, The Chaldean ...
/w/world.htm - 40k

Highly (48 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. ...
He came to king Solomon, and performed all his work. (See NIV). ...
/h/highly.htm - 20k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 14:20 Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. ... 1 Thessalonians
5:13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

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