What is the Biblical Definition of WORK?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#61
I don't see a a conflict in that and ...scripture which says..."faith without works is dead".
They go together in intent.
The word intends to show that works alone will NOT get us eternal salvation.
But, also that faith alone will not achieve that goal either.
Faith and works go together as part of being righteous.

The point is like repentance and baptism...they go together to become sin clean.
Once again.

We are saved by grace of God and only by that grace of Jesus Christ.

God has administered that grace to us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Then and this is important.

Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is how we are saved (Romans 10). Everything else is of secondary importance. The primary doctrine will always be solely about what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Faith and works is not a fundamental doctrine in Christianity. If love towards others (works) is not evident during the Christian life. Then it is possible that one's faith may not be a genuine faith. Loving others is the proof of your faith. Yet, grace precedes your faith.

Works do not save. Faith and works also does not save anyone. We are saved by the grace of God alone through Christ alone.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#62
No one is righteous, all have fallen short of grace, our best work is like filthy rags compared to God’s shiny white robe. All the works and deeds which you consider as “righteous” are the spiritual fruit of faith, for a tree is known by its fruit. We don’t work our way to be “righteous”, we work to MULTIPLY the talents God gave us.
In fact, righteousness is a free gift and we have the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Our salvation is a free gift and available to anyone who will receive that free gift.

The Holy Spirit is also freely given to those that believe.

Love flows from the indwelling Holy Spirit and is a gift given to us.

Hand up if you think you some how contributed to your own salvation?
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#63
Once again.

We are saved by grace of God and only by that grace of Jesus Christ.

God has administered that grace to us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Then and this is important.

Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is how we are saved (Romans 10). Everything else is of secondary importance. The primary doctrine will always be solely about what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Faith and works is not a fundamental doctrine in Christianity. If love towards others (works) is not evident during the Christian life. Then it is possible that one's faith may not be a genuine faith. Loving others is the proof of your faith. Yet, grace precedes your faith.

Works do not save. Faith and works also does not save anyone. We are saved by the grace of God alone through Christ alone.
Romans 5:1-11
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Now the question, how do we stay in God's grace?

1 John 1:5-10
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#64
Romans 5:1-11
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Now the question, how do we stay in God's grace?

1 John 1:5-10
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
You nailed that one.

An excellent selection of verses.

Amen.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,322
29,573
113
#66
The love of money is 'a' root of evil, the love of money itself, is definitely not the root of all evil.
It is expressed both ways in Scripture :) That is to say, using both
articles, depending on translation/version of
1 Timothy 6:10.

New International Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


New Living Translation
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money,
have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.


English Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that
some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.


Berean Study Bible
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.


Berean Literal Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, which some, stretching after, have
been seduced away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many sorrows.


King James Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


New King James Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


New American Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


NASB 1995
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


NASB 1977
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.


Christian Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.


American Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been
led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the root of all these evils is the love of money, and there are some who have
desired it and have erred from the faith and have brought themselves many miseries.


Contemporary English Version
The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so
much they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.


Douay-Rheims Bible
For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have
erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.


Good News Translation
For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that
they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.


International Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, in their eagerness
to get rich, have wandered away from the faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.


Literal Standard Version
for the love of money is a root of all the evils, which certain [ones] longing for
went astray from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows;


New American Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire
for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.


NET Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for
it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.


New Revised Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich
some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.


New Heart English Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from
the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Weymouth New Testament
For from love of money all sorts of evils arise; and some have so hankered after money
as to be led astray from the faith and be pierced through with countless sorrows.


World English Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from
the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Young's Literal Translation
for a root of all the evils is the love of money, which certain longing for did go
astray from the faith, and themselves did pierce through with many sorrows;
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#67
It is expressed both ways in Scripture :) That is to say, using both
articles, depending on translation/version of
1 Timothy 6:10.

New International Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


New Living Translation
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money,
have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.


English Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that
some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.


Berean Study Bible
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.


Berean Literal Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, which some, stretching after, have
been seduced away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many sorrows.


King James Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


New King James Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


New American Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


NASB 1995
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


NASB 1977
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it
have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.


Christian Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.


American Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been
led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the root of all these evils is the love of money, and there are some who have
desired it and have erred from the faith and have brought themselves many miseries.


Contemporary English Version
The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so
much they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.


Douay-Rheims Bible
For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have
erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.


Good News Translation
For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that
they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.


International Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, in their eagerness
to get rich, have wandered away from the faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.


Literal Standard Version
for the love of money is a root of all the evils, which certain [ones] longing for
went astray from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows;


New American Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire
for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.


NET Bible
For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for
it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.


New Revised Standard Version
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich
some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.


New Heart English Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from
the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Weymouth New Testament
For from love of money all sorts of evils arise; and some have so hankered after money
as to be led astray from the faith and be pierced through with countless sorrows.


World English Bible
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from
the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Young's Literal Translation
for a root of all the evils is the love of money, which certain longing for did go
astray from the faith, and themselves did pierce through with many sorrows;
That is a problem inherent in translations.
 
May 22, 2020
2,382
358
83
#69
Once again.

We are saved by grace of God and only by that grace of Jesus Christ.

God has administered that grace to us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Then and this is important.

Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is how we are saved (Romans 10). Everything else is of secondary importance. The primary doctrine will always be solely about what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Faith and works is not a fundamental doctrine in Christianity. If love towards others (works) is not evident during the Christian life. Then it is possible that one's faith may not be a genuine faith. Loving others is the proof of your faith. Yet, grace precedes your faith.

Works do not save. Faith and works also does not save anyone. We are saved by the grace of God alone through Christ alone.

Well....we should be specific;
Christ gave His life to establish the ...umbrella...if you will...of grace. Under that we can follow certain acts and receive sin cleansing.
Faith and works go together and are required of a follower of Christ.
 
Feb 24, 2022
1,346
288
83
#70
I am well aware that legalism generates all kinds of problems. Church history, in time, was based very much on legalism. Though the church would refer to it as doctrine. I do believe that most church organizations have have some trace of legalism.

A comprehensive summary of the N.T could very well be reduced to three or four doctrines.

1) The belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10)
2) The gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit and personal holiness
3) Loving others as Christ has loved us
4) The return of Jesus Christ
A comprehensive summary of the N.T is the Apostle's Creed. Any theology that deviates too far from that is off the right track.
 
Feb 24, 2022
1,346
288
83
#71
The Bible has a lot to say about/against greed; summed up:

You cannot serve both God and money.
Jesus talked about money more often than any other subjects. He wanted us to be master of money, not servant, for money is a good servant but a BAD master. We're managers of the resources God gave us. If one can manage earthly treasure, he can be trusted with heavenly treasure; but if he can't even manage earthly treasure, how can he be trusted with heavenly treasure?
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#73
Work is that which is done with the motive of merit.
It stands in contradistinction of grace (undeserved favor).
Our relation to God is one of grace and not work of merit, rather 'our work' is done out of a heart of thanksgiving.
All boasting is gone; all glory goes to Jesus.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#74
Not so. It was for blasphemy.
John 5:16
For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath.

John 5:18
For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#75
Work is that which is done with the motive of merit.
It stands in contradistinction of grace (undeserved favor).
Our relation to God is one of grace and not work of merit, rather 'our work' is done out of a heart of thanksgiving.
All boasting is gone; all glory goes to Jesus.
Excellent reply.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#76
Jesus talked about money more often than any other subjects. He wanted us to be master of money, not servant, for money is a good servant but a BAD master. We're managers of the resources God gave us. If one can manage earthly treasure, he can be trusted with heavenly treasure; but if he can't even manage earthly treasure, how can he be trusted with heavenly treasure?
I do not think that your post was correct.

Jesus may have referred to money but more often Jesus was talking about something else.

Here is an example below.

Luke 7:41-43
A moneylender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred denarii, and the other, fifty. When they were unable to repay, he canceled the debts of both. So which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I assume the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

Not really about money, more so, those who are forgiven more tend to love more.

Jesus actually spoke about the kingdom of heaven and God much more than money.

If you cycle through the parables you will find that you are incorrect.
 
Feb 24, 2022
1,346
288
83
#77
I do not think that your post was correct.

Jesus may have referred to money but more often Jesus was talking about something else.

Here is an example below.

Luke 7:41-43
A moneylender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred denarii, and the other, fifty. When they were unable to repay, he canceled the debts of both. So which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I assume the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

Not really about money, more so, those who are forgiven more tend to love more.

Jesus actually spoke about the kingdom of heaven and God much more than money.

If you cycle through the parables you will find that you are incorrect.
Yes, it's all about the kingdom, but He was using money to demonstrate what the kingdom of heaven is like, and nothing is more powerful than money that can reveal one's character. Jesus also said that if you can't understand earthly things, how can you understand heavenly things?
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,366
3,163
113
#78
John 5:16
For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on a Sabbath.

John 5:18
For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
Exactly, blasphemy. He also forgave sin, the prerogative of the Father alone. He even wound up the Pharisees by healing and forgiving (Matthew 9:1-7, Psalm 103). Today we would say that Lord Jesus doubled down on His claim to be divine.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,979
871
113
#79
Exactly, blasphemy. He also forgave sin, the prerogative of the Father alone. He even wound up the Pharisees by healing and forgiving (Matthew 9:1-7, Psalm 103). Today we would say that Lord Jesus doubled down on His claim to be divine.
Transgression of the Sabbath is not regarded as blasphemy.

Blasphemy, as defined in some religions or religion-based laws, is an insult that shows contempt, disrespect or lack of reverence concerning a deity (wiki)
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,366
3,163
113
#80
Transgression of the Sabbath is not regarded as blasphemy.

Blasphemy, as defined in some religions or religion-based laws, is an insult that shows contempt, disrespect or lack of reverence concerning a deity (wiki)
My point is that Lord Jesus was tried for blasphemy, not violating the sabbath. You think the Romans cared about the sabbath?