Work and Giving

A. Laying a foundation for the Christian lifestyle – personal example.
1. It begins with faith in Christ defined by God’s love.
2. All believers grow and mature from this initial point in their walk with Christ.
Conform; Submit; Learn; Teach; Relate; Work; Give
3. Remember His steadfast love is constant, it is no longer I that live but Christ in me,
and whatever we do is done for His glory.

B. Three principles found in Ephesians 4:28.
1. Our earnings should be of honest gain and not come at the expense of others.
2. We should put our own effort into work, using our “hands”, those talents that God
has given us.
3. We should accumulate provisions so that we can share our resources with those in
need.

C. Six concepts regarding work found in the Bible.
1. From the very beginning, God created man to be a “worker” (Gen. 1:28).
2. God has a specific place for you to function from for all of eternity (John 14:2-3).
3. Work includes rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).
4. There is a proper attitude to have while working (Eph. 6:5; Col 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18-
20).
5. Work is a means to provide for your own family (1 Tim 5:8). It is OK to plan
ahead (Proverbs 13:22).
6. The definition of work goes far beyond a job earning money (Prov. 31; John 9:4).

D. Six concepts regarding giving.
1. Giving is a lifestyle. It is part of the character of God and should be part of ours (2
Cor. 9: 6-15).
2. We cannot out-give God (John 3:16; John 15:13; Eph. 1:3).
3. Give and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38).
4. Giving is not guided by rules or laws. It comes from an obedient life responding to the heart of God (1 Sam 15:22; Hosea 6:6).
5. “Giving” is far more than writing a check once a month. It is a 24/7 activity (Gal. 6:9-10).
6. We give far more than just money (Psalm 29:1-2).