Analyzing Labor Education in the Epistles of Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians: The Education of Labor in the Bible, #29

By Bible Sermons

From the perspective of the Apostle Paul, learn about professional development in 'The Letter to the Corinthians'. This enriching work education book will guide you through valuable advice.

Discover how to apply timeless principles in today's workplace. Learn how to overcome challenges, manage conflict and cultivate fruitful working relationships, while discovering your true purpose and calling in your career. This modern reinterpretation of the biblical letter will guide you on your path to career success with practical, easy-to-apply advice. Prepare to be inspired, challenged and transformed in your career with 'The Letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians'!

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seminit Publications
• Release date: Mar 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224575756

Bible Sermons

This bible study series is perfect for Christians of any level, from children to youth to adults. It provides an engaging and interactive way to learn the Bible, with activities and discussion topics that will help deepen your understanding of scripture and strengthen your faith. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Christian, this series will help you grow in your knowledge of the Bible and strengthen your relationship with God. Led by brothers with exemplary testimonies and extensive knowledge of scripture, who congregate in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and labor

Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians are three short but substantial books, which are part of Paul's letters in the New Testament. Because of their brevity, we combine their contribution to the theology of labor in a single chapter. However, the three letters have different themes, so we will study each letter separately.

Galatians and work

For ye, brethren, were called unto liberty; only use not liberty for a pretext to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal 5:13).

Introduction to Galatians

How do we who believe in Jesus Christ live? If the Christian life begins when we place our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, how do we express this faith in our daily lives, including our work?

For many of us, the answer to these questions lies in making our behavior coincide with certain basic rules. So, for example, when it comes to work we might adopt the following list of things to do: (1) be respectful of colleagues; (2) don't use inappropriate language; (3) don't gossip; (4) make decisions based on biblical values; and (5) talk about faith in Christ if possible. While this list could easily be much longer, it is a helpful guide that reflects biblical priorities.

However, such a list can pose a danger to Christians, whether at work or elsewhere. It is the danger of legalism, of making the Christian life a set of rules, rather than a free response to God's grace in Christ and a network of relationships centered on Him. Also, commonly, those who take the Christian life in a legalistic way tend to add things to their list that are not essential and perhaps not even right.

Paul and the Galatians

This is exactly what happened to the believers in Galatia in the middle of the first century. In response to the preaching of the apostle Paul, they had put their faith in Christ and began to live as Christians. But shortly thereafter they began to live according to a list of do's and don'ts. In this effort, the Galatians were influenced by outsiders who claimed to be Christians and insisted that the Christian life demanded keeping the law of Moses, as some contemporary schools of thought saw it. In particular, these Judaizers were inciting the Galatians to live as Jews in terms of circumcision ( Gal 5:2-12 ) and the ceremonial law ( Gal 4:10 ).

Paul wrote the letter we call Galatians to get the Christians in Galatia back on the right path. Although he did not address work issues directly, his basic instructions for the Christian life have much to say regarding our interest in faith and work. In addition, Galatians contains metaphors related to work, especially to the first century practice of slavery. According to Paul, Christians are to live in freedom, not in bondage to the law of Moses and other earthly powers (Gal 4:1-11). Ironically, however, those who avail themselves of their freedom in Christ should decide to serve one another out of love (Gal