Practical Work Ethic Series

Practical Work Ethic

2 Timothy 2:1-26

I. Work’s Zeal (v. 1-7)

a. Enduring Hardship (v. 3-4; 2 Corinthians 4:10)

b. Maintaining Integrity (v. 5; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

c. Brings “first” fruits (v. 6)

II. Work’s Motivation (v. 8-13)

a. Jesus is alive (v. 8)

b. God’s Word is active (v. 9; Hebrews 4:12)

c. Salvation of others (v. 10; 2 Corinthians 1:6)

d. Rewards of service (v. 11-13)

III. Work’s Legitimacy (v. 14-19)

a. Well-prepared Christian (v. 14-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5)

b. Avoid the worldly views (v. 16-18; 1 Timothy 6:20)

c. Legitimate work is a stamp of God (v. 19; Matthew 5:16)

IV. Work’s Purity (v. 20-26)

a. Status doesn’t determine usefulness (v. 20-21)

b. Righteous lives produces purity (v. 22)

c. Pure in mind and heart (v. 23)

d. Lovingly leading others to the truth (v. 24-26)

REFERENCE SCRIPTURE

2 Corinthians 4:10—

10always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27—

25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified

Hebrews 4:12—

12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2 Corinthians 1:6—

6But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

1 Timothy 6:3-5—3If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

1 Timothy 6:20—20O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"--

Matthew 5:16—

16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.