Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context In the biblical context, "labours" refers to the physical, mental, and spiritual efforts exerted by individuals in various aspects of life. The concept of labor is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting both the toil resulting from the Fall and the divine mandate for human stewardship and productivity. Old Testament References The concept of labor is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," indicating that labor was part of God's original design for humanity. However, after the Fall, labor became toilsome. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse on the ground, making labor a source of hardship: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground." The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of labor, emphasizing diligence and the rewards of hard work. Proverbs 14:23 states, "In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This highlights the value of industriousness and the tangible benefits it brings. New Testament References In the New Testament, labor is often associated with the work of the ministry and the spread of the Gospel. Jesus Himself speaks of labor in the context of the harvest of souls. 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 refers to his own labors in the service of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, he acknowledges the grace of God in his efforts: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Paul also encourages believers to be steadfast in their work for the Lord, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:58: "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." Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions Labor in the Bible is not merely a physical activity but carries spiritual and ethical dimensions. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage underscores the principle that all labor should be performed with integrity and dedication, as an act of worship to God. Rest and Sabbath The Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest from labor. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 instructs the Israelites to work for six days and rest on the seventh, reflecting God's own rest after creation. This principle of rest is reiterated in the New Testament, where Jesus offers spiritual rest to those who labor and are burdened (Matthew 11:28-30). Eschatological Perspective In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the labors of the faithful are acknowledged and rewarded. Revelation 14:13 states, "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'" This promise of rest and reward provides hope and encouragement for believers as they labor in this present age. Conclusion The biblical view of labor encompasses both the challenges and the dignity of work. It calls believers to engage in their labors with diligence, integrity, and a focus on eternal rewards, while also recognizing the need for rest and reliance on God's grace. Library Alcuin on True Missionary Labours. Labours of Pious Men in France. The Bishop's Labours and Reward. The Labours of John Cennick, 1739-1755. Different Theatres of Christ's Labours as Teacher. St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles. Love's Labours Differences as to the Theatre of Christ's Labours. Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ... But it is Tedious to Describe in Detail all My Labours one by One. ... Thesaurus Labours (19 Occurrences)...Labours (19 Occurrences). John 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. ... /l/labours.htm - 12k In-gathering (3 Occurrences) Result (73 Occurrences) Ephesus (20 Occurrences) Benefit (39 Occurrences) Labour (119 Occurrences) Labouring (18 Occurrences) Getting (151 Occurrences) Field (390 Occurrences) Resources What is living cosmology? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Labours (19 Occurrences)John 4:38 Romans 1:13 Romans 15:19 2 Corinthians 6:5 2 Corinthians 8:23 2 Corinthians 10:15 2 Corinthians 11:23 Colossians 4:13 1 Thessalonians 1:3 2 Timothy 2:6 Revelation 14:13 Exodus 5:13 Exodus 23:16 Deuteronomy 28:33 Proverbs 5:10 Isaiah 58:3 Ezekiel 24:12 Hosea 12:8 Haggai 2:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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