Table of contents
No headers
- Theology of Work Project Knowledge Base
- About the Theology of Work Project knowledge base
- Needed: Cases/Illustrations/Examples
- How to use the Theology of Work Project Knowledge Base
- Key Topics Articles
- Key Topic #1 - Meaning and Value of Work
- Key Topic #2 - Calling
- Key Topic #5 - Economics and Society
- Key Topic #6 - Remuneration
- Key Topic #7 - Provision and Wealth
- Key Topic #9 - Relationships at Work
- Key Topic #10 - Competition
- Key Topic #11 - Financial Arrangements
- Key Topic #13 - Truth & Deception
- Key Topic #14 - Ethics and Work
- Key Topic #16 - Conflict
- Key Topic #17 - Leadership
- Key Topic #18 - Rest and Work
- Key Topic #19 - Evangelism and Work
- New Testament Articles
- Introduction to the Roman World of the Early Church
- Matthew and Work
- Introduction to Matthew
- Working as Citizens of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 1-4)
- The Kingdom of Heaven at Work in Us (Matthew 5-7)
- The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)
- “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)
- “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6)
- “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7)
- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8)
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9)
- “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10)
- Salt and Light in the World of Work (Matthew 5:13-16)
- Living Out the “Righteousness” of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:17-48)
- Wealth and Provision (Matthew 6)
- Moral Guidance (Matthew 7)
- The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
- Lord, Have Mercy (Matthew 8-9)
- Laborers Deserve Their Food (Matthew 10)
- Tales of Two Kingdoms (Matthew 11-17)
- Living in the New Kingdom (Matthew 18-25)
- Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-35)
- The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-30)
- The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
- Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:20-28)
- Words and Deeds (Matthew 21:28-41)
- Serving Upward and Downward (Matthew 24:45-51)
- The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
- Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
- The Body of Christ (Matthew 26)
- Jesus’ Death, Resurrection and Commissioning of His Followers (Matthew 27-28)
- Conclusion
- Key Verses and Themes
- Mark and Work
- Luke and Work
- Introduction
- The Kingdom of God Shows Up at Work
- Zechariah’s surprising day at work (Luke 1:8-25)
- The Good Shepherd appears among the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
- Jesus’ job description: king (Luke 1:26-56, 4:14-22)
- Jesus calls people at work (Luke 5:1-11; 27-32)
- The kingdom of God is like...work
- John the Baptist teaches workplace ethics (Luke 3:1-14)
- Jesus is tempted to abandon serving God (Luke 4:1-13)
- Healing
- Sabbath and Work
- The Ethics of Conflict
- God's Provision
- Wealth
- Power and Leadership
- Taxing Issues
- The Passion
- Conclusion
- John and Work
- Introduction
- The Word's Work in the World (1:1-18)
- Calling Disciple/Friends (1:35-51)
- The Wedding Planner (2:1-11)
- Jesus' Hand in All Things (3:1-36)
- Water Works (Chapter 4)
- Who Works When, and Why? (Chapter 5)
- Bread of Life (Chapter 6)
- Seeing and Believing (Chapter 9)
- Life, and Looming Death (Chapters 10-12)
- Servant Leadership (Chapter 13)
- Farewell Words (Chapters 14-17)
- Stranger in a Strange Land (Chapters 18-20)
- Beloved Disciples (Chapter 21)
- 1 Corinthians and Work
- Introduction
- The City of Corinth
- The Church in Corinth and Paul’s Letters
- All are called (1 Cor. 1:1-3)
- Spiritual Resources Available (1 Cor. 1:4-9)
- The Need for a Common Vision (1:10-17)
- Friends in Low Places (1 Cor.1:18-31)
- It Takes All Sorts (1 Cor. 3:1-9)
- Do Good Work (1 Cor. 3:10-17)
- Leadership as Service (1 Cor. 4:1-4)
- Working with Nonbelievers (1 Cor. 5:9-10)
- Bloom Where You are Planted (1 Cor. 7:20-24)
- Maintain the Proper Perspective (1 Cor. 7:29-31)
- Everyone Gets Their Fair Share (1 Cor. 9:7-10)
- God’s Glory is the Ultimate Goal (1 Cor. 10)
- Gifted Communities (1 Cor. 12:1 – 14:40)
- Our Work is Not in Vain (1 Cor. 15:58)
- We Share Our Resources with Those in Hardship (1 Cor. 16:1-3)
- Summary
- Key Verses and Themes
- 2 Corinthians and Work
- Introduction to 2 Corinthians
- Thank God for Relationships (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)
- Transparency (2 Corinthians 1:12-23)
- Working for the Joy of Others (2 Corinthians 1:24)
- The Priority of Relationships (2 Corinthians 2:12-16)
- Sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17)
- A Genuine Reputation (2 Corinthians 3)
- Leading and Serving (2 Corinthians 4)
- Performance and Accountability (2 Corinthians 5:1-15)
- Reconciling the Whole World (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
- Transparency Revisited (2 Corinthians 6:11)
- Working with Nonbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
- The Encouragement of Praise (2 Corinthians 7)
- Generosity Is Not Optional (2 Corinthians 8:1-9)
- Timely Fulfillment of Obligations (2 Corinthians 8:10-12)
- Sharing the Wealth (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
- You Can’t Outgive God (2 Corinthians 9)
- Assessing Performance (2 Corinthians 10-13)
- Conclusion to 2 Corinthians
- Key Verses and Themes in 2 Corinthians
- Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Work
- Colossians & Philemon and Work
- Introduction
- Background on Colossae and the Colossians
- God at Work, Jesus at Work
- God Worked in Creation, Making Humans Workers in His Image (1:1-14)
- Jesus, the Image of the Invisible God (1:15-29)
- I'm Doing Alright by Myself (2:1-23)
- Heavenly Living for Earthly Good: The Shape of our Reorientation (3:1-16)
- Doing our Work as for the Lord (3:17 & 3:23)
- Of Slaves and Masters, Ancient and Contemporary (3:18-4:1)
- Philemon
- Conclusions
- Key Verses and Themes
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians and Work
- Introduction
- Thessalonica and Its Church
- 1 Thess. 1:1-4:8 — Working Faith
- 1 Thess. 4:13-5:28 — Finishing Up
- 2 Thess. 1:1-2:17 — Keeping the Faith
- 1 Thess. 4:9-12, 2 Thess. 3:6-16 — Faithful Work
- 1 Thess. 4:9-12; 5:14; and 2 Thess. 3:6-15 — The Heart of the Matter
- Christians are expected to work, to the degree they are able
- Idleness is a matter for the Christian community, not just the individual
- Those truly unable to work should receive assistance
- The creation mandate remains in effect
- Christians are to work with excellence
- Manual labor and hard work is honorable
- Idleness leads to mischief
- Conclusion
- The Pastoral Epistles and Work
- Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles and Work
- 1 Timothy — Working for Order in God's Household
- True belief leads to a sound organization (1 Timothy 1:1–11, 18–20; 3:14–16)
- Prayer, peace and order are needed at work as in church (1 Timothy 2:1–15)
- Integrity and relational ability are key leadership qualities (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9)
- God’s Creation is Good (1 Timothy 4:1–5)
- Good relationships arise from genuine respect (1 Timothy 5:1–6:2; Titus 2:1–10)
- Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:3–10, 17–19)
- 2 Timothy — Encouragement for a Faithful Worker
- Titus — Working for Good Deeds
- Conclusions to the Pastoral Epistles and Work
- Key Verses and Themes
- Hebrews and Work
- Introduction to Hebrews
- Christ Created & Sustains the World (Hebrews 1:1-2:8)
- The Creation has Become Subject to Evil (Hebrews 2:14-3:6)
- Life in the Wilderness: Journey to the New World (Hebrews 3:7-4:16)
- Our Great High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10:18)
- Realizing the Faith (Hebrews 10:19-11:40)
- Enduring Hardship, Pursuing Peace (Hebrews 12:1-16)
- Shaking Things Up (Hebrews 12:18-29)
- Hospitality (Hebrews 13:1-3)
- Money Matters (Hebrews 13:5-6)
- Working Outside the Camp (Hebrews 13:11-25)
- Conclusion to Hebrews
- The General Epistles and Work
- Introduction
- James—Faith Works
- Depending on God (James 1:1-18)
- Working for the Benefit of Others in Need (James 1:22-28)
- Faith and Work(s) (James 2:14-26)
- Discriminating Against the Poor and Currying Favor with the Rich (James 2:1-13)
- Listening Well and Taming the Tongue (James 1:19-21 and 3:1-12)
- Business Forecasting (James 4:13-17)
- Business Oppression (James 5:1-6)
- Waiting for the Harvest (James 5:7-20)
- 1 Peter—Serving the World as Resident Alien Priests
- 2 Peter—Work and New Creation
- 1 John—Walking in the Light
- Jude
- Conclusions
- Key Verses and Themes
- Revelation and Work
- Old Testament Articles
- Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther and Work
- Introduction to Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther
- Restoration of the Temple (Ezra 1:1-6:22)
- Restoration of Covenant Life, Phase One: The Work of Ezra (Ezra 7:1-10:44)
- Restoration of the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-7:73)
- Restoration of Covenant Life, Phase Two: Ezra and Nehemiah Together (Nehemiah 8:1-13:31)
- Working Within a Fallen System
- God’s Hidden Hand and Human Response
- Conclusions
- Key Verses and Themes
- Job and Work
- Introduction
- Background and Outline
- Theology and Themes
- Prologue (Job 1-2)
- Job’s First Lament (Job 3)
- Job’s Friends Blame Job for the Calamity (Job 4-23)
- Wisdom Revealed (Job 28)
- Job’s Second Lament (Job 29-31)
- Dialogue with Elihu (Job 32-37)
- God appears (Job 38-42:9)
- Epilogue — Job’s Prosperity Restored (Job 42:7-17)
- Key Verses and Themes
- Ecclesiastes and Work
- Introduction to Ecclesiastes
- Working Under the Sun (Eccl. 1:1-11)
- Work is a Chasing After Wind (1:12-6:9)
- There is No Way to Find Out What is Good to Do (6:10-8:17)
- There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (9:1-11:6)
- A Poem on Youth and Old Age (11:7-12:8)
- Epilogue of Praise for the Teacher (12:9-14)
- Conclusions
- Song of Songs and Work
- Introduction to the Prophets
- Isaiah and Work
- Jeremiah & Lamentations and Work
- Introduction
- Jeremiah and His Times
- The Reluctant Prophet’s Call and Job Description
- An Overview of the Book of Jeremiah
- Work-related Themes
- Calling to Work (Chp. 1)
- Goodness and Defilement of Work (Chp. 2)
- Acknowledgement of God's Provision (Chp. 5)
- Injustice, Greed, the Common Good and Integrity (Chps. 5-8)
- Faith in God's Provision (Chps. 8-16)
- Work Within a Balanced Life (Chp. 17)
- Blessing the Wider Society Through Work (Chp. 29)
- The Goodness of Work Restored (Chps. 30-33)
- Slaves Set Free (Chp. 34)
- Taking a Stand at Work (Chp. 38)
- Jeremiah the Poet at Work: Lamentations
- Ezekiel and Work
- Introduction
- Ezekiel 1-17
- Ezekiel 18
- Principle #1: "If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right....[he] does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge" (Ezek. 18:5, 7a)
- Principle #2:"[He] commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment" (18:7b)
- Principle #3:"[He] does not take advance or accrued interest" (Ezek. 18:8a)
- Principle #4:"[He] withholds his hand from iniquity, [and] executes true justice between contending parties" (Ezek. 18:8b)
- Ezekiel 22
- Ezekiel 26-28
- Ezekiel 33
- Ezekiel 34
- The Covenantal Hope
- Daniel and Work
- Overview
- Is Daniel a Model for Christians Today?
- The Big Picture of the Book of Daniel
- Introduction: In Exile at Babylon U. (Chapter 1)
- Theme A: God will Overthrow Pagan Kingdoms and Replace Them with His Own Kingdom (Chapter 2)
- Theme B: Sufferings, Yet Rewards, for Faithful Witnesses to God in the Meantime (Chapter 3)
- Theme C: Humbling/Overthrow of the Pagan King (Chapter 4)
- Theme C Revisited: Humbling/Overthrow of the Pagan King (Chapter 5)
- Theme B Revisited: Sufferings, Yet Rewards, for Faithful Witnesses to God in the Meantime (Chapter 6)
- Theme A Revisited: God will Overthrow Pagan Kingdoms and Replace Them with His Own Kingdom (Chapters 7-12)
- Conclusions
- Key Verses and Themes
- Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther and Work
- Processes for applying the Bible to Work
- Tagged Pages
- Videos
- Return to TOW Project Main Site
