Useful Work as Christian Duty
Study Scripture: Gen. 2:15; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; Acts 20:33; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 12
Background Scripture: Gen. 2:15; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; Acts 20:33; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 12
Lesson #10 May 9, 2026
Key Verse
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
Acts 20:35
INTRODUCTION
In our Study Lesson we are examining a problem that has existed in the distant ages as well as in modern times. The issue is about work and whether or not it is a curse imposed on man because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, or whether it is a blessing.
When we look at history we note that in every day and age there are free- loaders who want to live off someone else’s work.
Over 2,000 years ago the same problem occurred in the city of Thessalonica for there were certain people in the church there who refused to work.
Today there is a big argument over abusers of welfare who take money from the government with no thought of working or playing their part or making any contribution even though they are perfectly able to work and make contributions to the society
We should first however look at what work is, and whether we must be thinking about whether work is more than just work for pay.
Someone who is in school might think that that is work. Some that stay at home with their children will tell you that that is work. Others will insist that looking for a job is work. Those who go to contribute to the hospitals or any charity will tell you that that is work
So we have to decide whether we are working for pay or not or whether we are to look on this subject as applying to people that have a vocation which covers all the different aspects of life.
It is quite likely that there were some in Thessalonica who believed that the Lord Jesus Christ would be returning to earth very soon after He departed from the earth and since he was coming back at any moment they might feel that anyactivity that one could call work would be counterproductive. This of course ignores the teaching of the parable of the sower and the seed, and the good fruit produced by good soil. One writer reported that he heard of a man who actually bought a new Cadillac that he could not afford but he put together the down payment to get the car thinking that he would never have to make another payment because the Lord’s return was imminent.
But we should recall that in the early church there is a reference in Acts 4:34- 35 to the practice of the early Christian community where it is said, “There was none among them who lacked, for all who were possessed of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostles feet and they distributed to each as anyone had need”.
It would appear therefore that there were some people who decided not to work anymore, but to live off the goodwill and the kindness of others. The Apostle Paul had to deal with that issue and he was very blunt in his instructions.
The Apostle simply dealt with the fact of some who were not willing to work and he does not tell us what was causing some of the Thessalonians to stop working. The Apostle Paul did not steer away from dealing with the problem of “idleness”, the refusal of some to work.
This matter of idleness must have been a relatively common occurrence in parts of the East for the Apostle in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 referred to what he had already told them of the tradition concerning idleness and work. He encouraged the Thessalonians in his first letter to work and so it appears idleness was a problem in that city and area.
It does not seem that Paul was concerned about those who were willing to work but for whatever reason were unable to work. His concern was clearly with those who were “ not willing” to work what preferred to be idle.
His letter which deals with certain people that were unwilling to work certainly challenges our attitudes for some don’t want to work simply because they are lazy, while others don’t want to work because they’d rather do whatever they want to spend their time on, pursuing interests rather than a vocation or a career. We know that some do not want to work hard at particular jobs because they are entitled to other jobs, and there are some that are spiritually minded who don’t want to work on so-called “secular” matters which they think are not connected to the kingdom of God.
The Apostle certainly appears to reject the reasons that people have that make them to not want to work, and he regards the reasons as just excuses.
The context is obvious therefore very important for the Apostle in 1 Thessalonians 4 had to deal with certain issues about the coming of Jesus and the status of “ those who are fallen asleep in Jesus” . The concept of the future seems to have had a significant effect on the attitude of the Thessalonians and Paul had to assure them that when Jesus returned “the dead in Christ will rise first” and so they should not be worrying about that matter.
Then in 2 Thessalonians the Apostle again had to return to the issue of the Second Coming and tells the Thessalonians of events that will precede the Second Coming, with a specific teaching in chapter 2.
The other issue that bothered the Thessalonians was about the Christians who refused to work and the Apostle began dealing with that issue asking the Thessalonian Christians to pray for him and his companions for deliverance from “unreasonable and evil men”.
For the Apostle clearly it was important for the Thessalonians to understand that heaven and its direction was very important in the world which is influenced by people resistant to the Word of God. We see in the Lesson Scripture that the Apostle was putting forward five basic reasons without even referring to the book of Proverbs which had a lot to say about the dignity of labour.
He stated first that people should work to earn their own living and Paul relates this behaviour in Thessalonians 4: 9-12 to ” brotherly love”. Working with their own hands would be demonstrating concern for those in the family of God who were unable to work and who would have to benefit from the resources of the community.
It was so important that this should be the accepted attitude that Paul and his party of missionaries refused to be a burden on the brethren and so he worked for a living He essentially had two jobs, , one as a tent maker and the other as an evangelist spreading the gospel and guiding those who heard the Gospel to. Spiritual maturity
Then second,the Apostle warned that those who did not want to work would very likely spend their time on less constructive activities, spending time as busybodies, interfering in things that were not their business.
Third, the Apostle added that the reputation of the Gospel was at stake for those who were idle and lived off the church and on others outside the church, draining the resources of everyone, were sending the wrong message about what it means to follow Jesus.
Next, in addition, when people worked they would set a positive example for others.
When they did not work they would become negative examples to others in the church and outside the church.
This violated the rule that they should live by, namely they should never grow weary in well-doing..
One therefore can see the emphasis of the Apostle, who was aiming to have the people work in the light of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Believers should obey His instruction to occupy until He returned.
The Father worked and rested on the 7th day. The Lord Jesus Christ worked and ministered healing even on the Sabbath despite the opposition to that practice. All the Apostles worked because they had a model set by God.
For the Apostles then being idle was a mark of rebellion and of course one didn’t have to be told twice that you should keep away from those that are in rebellion against God, those that walked in rebellion.
Idleness therefore was a mark of rebellion. Being a busy body was a mark of rebellion. Not working with your own hands was a mark of rebellion. And not following the example of the apostles who worked and did not depend on the support of others was a mark of rebellion.
The early church understood that working and sharing involve the question of justice for they recognized the needs of people who had to be helped so that they could eat and maintain life. They knew and accepted the teaching of Moses in Deuteronomy 15,
“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth,, I therefore command you “ open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land”.
So the teaching continued in Matthew 5: 40- 42, “Give to him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away”.
The issue therefore is being generous with the stipulation that they who are asking should not be “ idle” and busybodies who spend their time meddling throwing their weight around because they can
.
Clearly the Apostle is not trying to establish social services in the city of Thessalonica but trying to establish to the people that they are to do good to others even when they don’t have to. They must follow Christ to focus on the purposes of God who called us to fulfill those purposes. So we are encouraged to avoid cheating ourselves and one writer comments,
“There is no misunderstanding of these words. “You can work”, says the Apostle. “ You have an able body and a good mind., Now, go to work” and earn your own living”
It is a serious matter when you do not work. Those who refuse to do so are not allowing themselves to be fulfilled in the way God intended., they are cheating others as well and they are keeping busy only by meddling in other people’s affairs.
There is a proverb that comes to mind in this regard: “He that passes by and meddles with something belonging not to him is like one who takes hold of a dog by the ears (cf. Proverbs 26:17. Imagine grabbing a pit bull by the ears! That is what the Book of Proverbs says Meddlers are risking!”
THE TEXT
Genesis 2:15
Verse 15.
Genesis 2 1-3 give a summary of creation, in order to prepare the reader to understand the role of Adam and Eve have, given in verse 15.
It starts off mentioning that God finished all of creation and rested on the seventh day, calling it a Sabbath, a day of rest. It clearly is meant to say to man, that work was important to God, accountability of your time and what you do with it is important to God, but also there was a time set aside to rest once work was done.
This is why that Sabbath day was sanctified and made holy by God. It was set apart, just as how His people are also set apart from the world.
In verses 4 and 7, it mentions that rain was not something that existed like how it does today. It talks about a mist that existed about the earth, providing the precipitation that all plants needed to survive. It says man did not exist as yet to work the ground, but everything was set up so that man may be able to do work. The scriptures indicates that God formed man out of the ground, the earth, and breathed into him, giving him life.
In verses 9-9, we see God actively putting things in its place according to His will in order to show us how His will is sovereign. Whatever that was done, He, God, the Almighty, the Life Giver and Sustainer, it was He who did it.
A place to live was created for Adam. A place to work was created for Adam. All the benefits and freedom that a living being could want was provided for in the place that God created.
Verses 10-14 tell the story of Eden. It is a special place where man was to be able to commune with his God. The location set on earth must also be important, however, but after the flood, the land perspective changed and only Noah and his family were alive to even carry the names of the rivers forward even if it didn’t connect back to that physical location.
Now we come to verse 15, which gives us many interesting details about the work that man was created for.
Many things can be said of the Garden of Eden. One commentary says that Adam was placed in the Garden as a job,
to place him on his probation, and as the title of this garden, the garden of the Lord ( Gen 13:10 Eze 28:13 ), indicates, it was in fact a temple in which he worshipped God, and was daily employed in offering the sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise. [Jamieson, Fausset & Brown]
Some elements of this might be true as it was a place where you might consider it holy ground, from the design of the place. When sin occurred Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden.
However, all should be able to take away from the situation that God put Adam into a spectacular Paradise, not to just enjoy it, but to do work in it, by keeping it, by tending to it.
God did not create man to be idle. This indicates that God knew that work is something good for man and this was to be part of Adam’s perfect existence before the fall.
Exodus 20:9
Verse 9. Again, here we have a reminder of the laws that God gave to Moses in the Ten Commandments. Verses 1-17 cover this. The selection of verses focus on the concept of work and the work that man is created to accomplish, especially as it pertains to the work of God.
The fourth commandment and specially verses 8-11 (nine and ten) highlight the pattern of God doing work and how man is to emulate those actions.
The foundation or purpose of work is given here, how it applies to man, and those around that family or servants of God. It is clear what expectations we have in our duty to perform the work given to us by God. The reasons given by God are also clear about why we should observe this process, and how to observe this process. God indicates that 6 days should be all the time needed to fulfill the requirements of this life, whether we work for ourselves or for others.
This is also a day for the Lord of the Sabbath. It is not really for us to work as much as it is for us to ensure that we are working on our relationship with God. It is an opportunity for us to give praise to the One who sustains us and who has given us life.
One writer considers the seventh day of creation as a memorial of the creation of the world. A logical extension of this idea is that we should be encouraged to focus on God our Creator, and not just that but to build our trust and faith in the Almighty God for what He has done. This is another reason to separate the six days from the one day of rest, the Sabbath day. All of this activity and worship if God requires work.
The focus is that we have a duty to work. We have those six days in order to do so, but without a proper reminder of what work should point towards, we will just spend the time in vain pursuits, The goal of rest in the Sabbath day comes in to highlight the importance of work and worship.
This is why the two intervals of time should also not be merged or mixed together, as they give us vastly different aspects of Gods nature.
John 5:17
Verse 17. This particular Text deals with the healing at Bethesda. In this small sequence of events, we see Jesus performing a healing of a man who was lame. The one problem that the Jews had in this case was that the healing took place on the Sabbath day. The verses after verse 17 are very important, but we must stay true to the theme of the Lesson, that being, man must work, we see here that Jesus, the God-Man, continues to show that doing God’s work is paramount in the life of a Christian, despite what others might say or do in their profession of following the faith.
The dispute that arose from the activity of Jesus is whether it is lawful to heal someone on the Sabbath Day, or whether in general it is permissible to do good on the Sabbath Day. From the statement Jesus used, it indicates that the work of Redemption that the Father is doing has no rest involved in it. It is a work done for His sake,
His glory, and does not match up with the conventional theme of work in the same way we experience it. However, as demonstrated by Jesus, He healed the man on the Sabbath Day,
He like the Father in heaven is continually doing work, that is preserving the breath of all living beings, holding control of the universe so His creation is not under any form of chaos.
Then in the following verses His language stressed that He was equal with God. In His meaning, Jesus says that He like the Father are continually doing work that is good, that glorifies the Father above.
This also shows that He is claiming that He also is Lord of the Sabbath. Now, as children of God, servants who follow Jesus, can we do any less than what Jesus taught us to do?
Acts 20:33
Verse 33. Paul’s viewpoint in this particular matter is simple. May God bless us so that we share the same or a similar viewpoint when it comes to this world’s wealth, so that we may rightly and justly focus on storing up treasures in the Kingdom of God.
Paul through this life carries a certain indifference when it comes to things like titles and wealth. All of those things he believes should be used to glorify God, and a believer should only use it for that purpose.
He is not saying that there is a problem with being wealthy or holding titles, but it does come with certain responsibilities that might distract one from seeing and hearing God clearly. Also, false prophets make use of this world’s trinkets to entice believers thinking it is a way to God’s glory.
2 Thessalonians 3: 6 – 12
Verse 6. It is sad to say this, but this verse can easily be applied to many church congregations today, as many have forgotten their first love, the thing that sparked their zeal for Christ. The fire might still exist, but it is dimming.
In this verse we are told that some members of the church were walking disorderly. They did not follow the examples set by any elders or from those who visited the church and were seen as recognized leaders. They did not control themselves, all rules of Christianity there to help them mature were laid to the side, and so it seems religion became some of a shiny toy that has been forgotten.
It is important to encourage those that might feel the Christian fight is getting away from them, to walk with them as they go through their trials.
But for those who are not willing to talk it over with the brethren to help, and then begin to do things that Christian ought not to do, forgetting the Gospel which was preached to them, then it is their actions that name them as a disorderly person.
You have no doubt seen these people before in your churches; they are called “busy- bodies”, they are the ones that are idle, not moving anyone forward, not moving even themselves in the faith.
Since the focus of this Lesson is Christians have a duty to work, one who is a “busy body”, doing work that no doubt detracts from the work of Christ or one who is idle, sets a bad example for those that are young in the faith. It is not to say that these individuals cannot still be reached, it is more that they must be spoken with at the earliest of times as the root of the idleness must be found. If it was some misinterpretation of some doctrine read or heard then that could be addressed, but if it is some deep-rooted sin, that requires another type of intervention, either way the purpose of this disobedience must be found.
It is well known that if any man is idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find some mischief to get into. The mind of man, after the Fall has always been busy, and when there is no work of God to be found, then it goes to place that are not righteous and not just.
We are encouraged to not be meddlers of there people’s affairs not to trouble ourselves with other men’s matters.
But the servant who waits for the coming of the Lord, is one who is at the same time working as the Lord has commanded, so that they may receive the reward while working. They understand that being a Christian is a continuous process where God’s work is done until some is at rest.
Commands and exhortations are given to all, for the greater good of establish a strong work within every believer. These laws hold a person who is young, close to the word. Time fashions those laws into joyous command that are woven into the very being of that person, never to be denied the ability to see their God, as this is the new spirit within them.
The authority of Christ should be awe to all Christians, and should lock our minds to obeying the Almighty God, seeing His grace and goodness should shining light to bring us in.
Paul’s words are sure and true as he calls all believers to remove themselves from those disorderly believers.
Here is good advice for dealing with those that are disorderly,
First, Note that man who is suspected or charged with not obeying the word of God, or walking contrary thereto, that is, we must have sufficient proof of his fault before we proceed further. We must,
Secondly, Admonish him in a friendly manner; we must put him in mind of his sin, and of his duty; and this should be done privately (Mt. 18:15); then, if he will not hear, we must,
Thirdly, Withdraw from him, and not keep company with him, that is, we must avoid familiar converse and society with such, for two reasons, namely, that we may not learn his evil ways; … Another reason is for the shaming, and so the reforming, of those that offend, that when idle and disorderly persons see how their loose practices are disliked by all wise and good people they may be ashamed of them, and walk more orderly… if they be reclaimed and reformed by these censures, they will recover their credit and comfort, and right to church-privileges as brethren. [Matthew Henry]
Verse 7 – 9. The disciples or apostles have set a good example on how to conduct yourself in the faith. With that example being set, it is the duty of any Christian to walk in the traditions of the Apostles, and the doctrines they have preached, but also according to the good example they set before them.
The Apostles set a good example of how to be diligent. This model is vastly different from what is seen in a disorderly person. No apostle behaved in that disordered fashion. Though they may be tough and strict, they have never acted as those others, they have always reflected Christ.
The focus for them was always Christ and always putting Christ before others so that they might find a better, more fulfilling path to Salvation and Redemption.
Paul was known by the Thessalonians to work hard for whatever needs he had. He could have used his status to get support, but he wanted to set a good example of hard work and prove false any accusations that he preached the Gospel for personal gain.
We should ask ourselves, What are we doing as Children of God? Do we have the same attitude that Paul had for Christ?
Verse 10.
Paul also says this command given to the Thessalonians should be executed in his presence. When he was not there, that being, any who would eat, should also work, for that is our bond as believers in the family of God. Work is not done to prove something to someone, but to show the character of the Christian spirit.
This spirit of godliness can even be seen in the type of work that is done.
Paul commands and directs those that lead idle lives to change their ways, reform, and set their sights once again on Christ. The command given was to set people straight, and back on the road to capture the glory of God.
We work because it is our duty. God, Christ, and other prophets have shown us that this is a good thing. All Jews know that if you will not work, you should not eat, as labourer deserves the reward of sustenance.
In addition to the many benefits from work, work focusses a person on the task that must be done. When you are a Christian your focus aids in maturing you, and it should fill you with joy to take part in the plan of God, to see and be part of His plan coming into being.
Don’t fall into a position of unbelief, because when you work it might not meet the expectations of men. God is able to provide through our needs in any manner imaginable. We know He has a chosen plan for us, but we must be active. We can never lose track of the fact that God’s character is one of work, He is a busy God and always at work.
Verse 11. Idleness in the Thessalonian church was becoming a source of sin. It was not only because of the work that was not being done, but clearly and eventually because of the harm they do while they were idle. They distract others, creating that sinful influence.
Whatever their reason, nothing can justify a busybody. If God is constantly working, then what does it mean if you say you are a believer, and you do not work?
You give those who do not love God a reason to blaspheme His name. You will also put undo pressure on people who you call brothers and sisters to take up for your slack.
That diminishes them in many ways. Sin manifests itself in many forms, some not so obvious, but still very devastating.
With authority Paul commands those busybodies to work. Remove themselves from the business of others. Look for their own needs and be the example that they should be, following the example of the apostles, of God.
Verse 12. A serious issue demanded a serious response. The believers in Thessalonica must keep away from and have nothing to do with those who are unwilling to work. One writer notes the need for the strong command as well as exhortation not only from him but from the Lord Jesus Christ. The command and exhortation was that people live in quietness, work and eat their own bread.
CONCLUSION
A well known writer comments on the seriousness of this issue and why the Apostle Paul took this approach. He states :
« A social separation was a primary means of correction in the early church. Whatever community one was a part of meant everything to people in the ancient world—and it still means everything to people in many parts of our world today.
To be separated from one’s community in any sense was to be separated from life. Paul actually wanted a shunned individual to « be ashamed ». He wanted them to feel hunger, and he wanted them to feel shame.
It is important to note that Paul advocates such measures not for the sake of punishment but for the sake of correction. His measures are redemptive, motivated by love.
He reminds the church members that even a defiantly idle person is not an «enemy» but a brother.
If repeated instructions and warnings won’t bring an idle brother to his senses, perhaps hunger and shame will do the trick.
If one were to challenge Paul that such measures were overly harsh and unloving, he might respond by pointing out that such measures are necessary for such a harsh and unloving brother.
Suffice it to say that if you are wondering whether you are defiantly idle, if you care enough to ask a question, you’re probably not defiantly idle ».
So in this study lesson we have to consider how to discipline the unwilling for properly understood idleness represents serious rebellion against God.
We note again that the this discussion by Paul is not speaking about those who are unable to work or who can’t find work but it is speaking against those who are unwilling to work
Corrective measures must be redemptive for the need is to bring about repentance to is in the family of God that are erring.
So we remind the brethren what the apostle says in Colossians 3 :23-24 :
«Whatsoever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ ».
So you’re encouraged to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth, and therefore believers in Christ are to go to work to serve Christ who won an eternal inheritance and a new creation for you.Your labour is not in vain. The Apostle made it clear and sure, and he told that to you plainly in 1 Corinthians 15 :58 :
«Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain »