Christianity’s Impact on Work Ethic

Pre-Christian Perspective Christian PerspectiveGreco-Roman-Labor is demeaning -Labor is honorable

(2 Thess. 2:10; Ex. 20:9)-Labor is only for slaves -Laborer deserves his wages (1 Cor.

9:9; Deut. 25:4)-Free citizens do not labor -Labor is a calling (vocation)from God

John Tauler (14th Century)Martin Luther (16th Century)

Hebrew-Labor is honorable (Ex. 20:9)

-Work ethic enjoined Martin LutherJohn Calvin (16th Century)

Laborer deserves his wages (Deut. 25:4)

Dignity of labor produced a middle class

Property rights enjoined(Ex. 20:15)

Profit motive is honorable(Matt. 25:15-30)

I. The Design of Work (Gen. 2:1-3)

A. The Basis of God’s Work (Gen. 1:3)

• God designs His work as a master artist

• God delights in His work with affection.

• God delegates work to us by assignment

B. The Blessing of Work (Eccles. 4:24)

C. Life’s Burden is Not Work

D. The Balance of All Work (Exod. 20:9)

II. The Dignity of Work (2 Thess. 3:10-11)

A. Dignified Examples• Jesus• Paul• The Early Christians

( 2 Thess. 3:10)

B. Dignified Edification (Prov. 10:4)

• The Development of a Middle Class

• The Development of Paid Wages

Max Weber

III. The Display of a Christian Work Ethic (Deut. 6:10-12)

IV. The Delight of Work (Col. 3:23-24)

“A Christian work ethic seeks to honor God at work, to see

His kingship represented in the marketplace, it brings dignity to every job and a

blessing to every employer.”--Dr. Deron Cobb