Topical Encyclopedia Labouring, in the biblical context, encompasses both physical toil and spiritual endeavors. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reflecting the human condition and the divine mandate for work. The Bible presents labour as both a consequence of the Fall and a means of fulfilling God's purposes.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, labour is first introduced in the context of creation. 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). This divine example sets a pattern for human work and rest. The Fall introduces toil as a part of the human experience. In Genesis 3:17-19, God tells Adam, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread until you return to the ground." Here, labour becomes a means of survival, marked by hardship and struggle. Despite the curse, work is also portrayed as a blessing and a means of stewardship. Ecclesiastes 3:13 states, "And also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God." The Proverbs frequently extol the virtues of diligent work, contrasting it with the folly of laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5). New Testament Context In the New Testament, labour takes on additional dimensions, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often used agricultural metaphors to describe the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of spiritual labour. In Matthew 9:37-38, He says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of labour in his epistles. He encouraged believers to work diligently, not only to provide for themselves but also to serve others. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul advises, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one." Paul also highlights the spiritual aspect of labour, urging believers to work for the Lord rather than for human masters. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "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." Spiritual Labour Labouring in the Lord is a recurring theme, emphasizing the eternal significance of spiritual work. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." The Book of Hebrews also speaks to the rest that follows faithful labour, drawing a parallel between the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and the believer's spiritual journey. Hebrews 4:9-11 encourages believers to strive to enter God's rest, indicating that spiritual labour is both necessary and rewarding. Conclusion Labouring, as depicted in the Bible, is multifaceted, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. It is both a duty and a privilege, reflecting God's design for humanity and His redemptive purposes. Through diligent work, believers are called to glorify God, serve others, and advance His Kingdom. Library Labouring More Abundantly Epiphanius of Pavia. Twenty-Eighth Day that all God's People May Know the Holy Spirit The Second State of Prayer. Its Supernatural Character. To the Rev. Andrew Brandram Unwise Interference. Heresies Hitherto Refuted; Opinions of the Docet??. Moreover, by his Own Power He not Only Performed those Miraculous ... That the Apostle Wrought what He Thought Would be Sufficient for ... Introduction Thesaurus Labouring (18 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Labouring (18 Occurrences). Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye labouring and burdened ones, and I will give you rest, (YLT). ... /l/labouring.htm - 11k Laborer (7 Occurrences) Labours (19 Occurrences) Laboureth (8 Occurrences) Behoveth (75 Occurrences) Occupation (9 Occurrences) Laboured (34 Occurrences) Well-leading (1 Occurrence) Worthily (8 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Labouring (18 Occurrences)Matthew 11:28 Mark 6:48 Acts 20:35 Romans 16:12 1 Corinthians 16:16 2 Corinthians 1:11 Philippians 1:27 Colossians 4:12 1 Thessalonians 2:9 1 Thessalonians 5:12 1 Timothy 5:17 2 Timothy 2:6 1 Kings 9:23 Proverbs 16:26 Ecclesiastes 3:9 Ecclesiastes 4:8 Ecclesiastes 5:12 Ecclesiastes 9:9 Subtopics Related Terms |