Paul's reasons
for responsibility to work.


It is not just to survive.

Work By Faith
  • 2 Thess 3:10
           If any will not work, neither should he eat.
  • 1 Thess 4:11
           Do your own business and work with your own hands.
  • Colossians 3:23
           Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Don't be lazy or procrastinate.

Don't Be Idle
  • 1 Thess 5:14
           Warn those who are idle.
  • 1 Thess 3:7
           We were not idle when we were with you.
  • 1 Thess 3:11-12
           Some among you are idle. Such people we command...to settle down.

It is not just self-interest.

Set An Example
  • 1 Thess 4:12
           Work so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.
  • 2 Thess 3:9
           We did this...in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.

Sponging off society is not good.

Don't Be Burden
  • 1 Thess 2:9
           Not be a burden.
  • 2 Thess 3:8
           We worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
  • 1 Thess 4:11-12
           Work with your hands so that...you will not be dependent on anybody.

Contribute your share for livelihood.

Pay Your Way
  • 2 Thess 3:7-8
           Nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.
  • 2 Thess 3:11-12
           Such people we command to...earn the bread they eat.