Laborers with God
The Bible tells us that we are laborers with God, I Corinthians 3:8-9 says “now he
that plants and he that waters are one; and every man shall receive his own
rewards according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God, you
are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building”. We are to minister (Hebrews 6:10-
12) says “for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which
you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and
do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show that same diligence to
the full assurance of hope to the end. That you be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises”.
What is God’s desire for mankind? The Bible says that God “will have all men to
be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:4); and that God is
“not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter
3:9). We as His laborers must do all that we can do to bring this about.
Jesus commends and scolds the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 for their
faithfulness in their labors and their lack thereof, and warns them to repent or He
will take away their light.
We are stewards; Jesus spoke about the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), He said “for
the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own
servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, to
another two and to another one, to every man according to his several ability, and
immediately took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents, went and
traded with the same, and made them another five talents. And likewise he that
had received the two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one
went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money”. And after a long time the
lord of those servants came back to settle with them. He commends the one who
received five talents and gained another five, by saying well done my good and
faithful servant; and the one who received two talents and gained another two, he
said the same, but to the one that hid his talent, he said you wicked and slothful
servant. And he told them to cast that unprofitable servant into outer darkness.
Peter asked Him, Lord speak You this parable to us, or even to all? And the Lord
said, who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over
his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing” (Luke 12:41-43). We
are required to be faithful stewards (I Corinthians 4:2) says “moreover it is required
in stewards, that a man be found faithful”.
We are told to labor to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:11); and that faith works by
love. We are to believe the word of God (Mark 9:23) “Jesus said to him, if you can
believe, all things are possible to them that believe”. We are told to hear His voice;
He says many times “he that has ears to hear, let him hear”; and in John 10:27 He
says “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me”. We are to
obey God (Acts 5:29,32). We are to be an usable vessel (II Timothy 2:21) “if a
man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified
and fit for the master’s use, and prepared to every good work”.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has
ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus tells us what our
work is in John 6:27-29 which says “labor not for the meat which perishes, but for
that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give for
you, for Him has God the Father sealed. Then said they to Him, what shall we do,
that we might work the works of God. Jesus answered and said to them, this is the
work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent”. The foundation of God
stands sure, having this seal. The Lord knows them that are His. And, let every
one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity (II Timothy 2:19). James
says “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the
fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world” (James 1:27).
We are a soldier in the army of the Lord, a soldier is trained to obey his
commander, well Jesus is our commander and chief. We as followers of Jesus
should obey as He did. He said “I only do what I have seen and heard My Father
do” (John 8). Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life” (I Timothy 6:12); and declared that he had fought a good fight, and finished
his course, that he kept the faith (II Timothy 4:2). We are told to endure hardship,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3).
In Ephesians chapter 6:11-13 we learn that our battle is not with flesh and blood,
we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The armor is listed for us to put
on in verses 14-18. As we put on this armor, God fights within us.
Our fight is not in the natural, but in the spiritual, our sword is the word of God. Let’
s speak life over all those around us, even our enemies. Jesus said to pray for
those who use us; and our prayer should be that God would give to them the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; that the eyes of their
understanding be enlightened, that they may know what is the hope of His calling
(Ephesians 1:17-18).
Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), we as His followers
must do the same. He gave gifts to pastors, teachers, evangelist, apostles,
prophets to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13). Church leaders must work especially hard, to
stimulate all God’s people to be involved in the Lord’s work (I Corinthians 15:58)
says “therefore my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the works of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not
in vain in the Lord. The saints are to do the work of the ministry, but people are
looking for the pastors, teachers, to do all the work. All Christians should see
themselves as “God’s coworkers”.
Just like Isaiah said when he heard the voice of God saying whom shall I send, and
who will go for Us? Then said I, here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Jesus gave us the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) saying “all power is given
to Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you
always, even to the end of the world”. As we go forth, we are empowered (Mark 16:
20) says “and they went forth and preached every here, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following”.
The problem is that many people don’t go forth. Many people never witness to
anyone. Most of the times it is fear that they don’t know what to say, but the Bible
tells us that the Spirit will give us the right words to answer each one (Luke 12:12)
says “for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say”.
Psalms 82 tells us to “defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted
and needy. Deliver the poor and needy, rid them out of the hands of the wicked”
(verses 3-4). One might say how can I do this? Pray, prayer is the answer to all
things (I Timothy 2:1-4) which says “I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty. For this is good, and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the
truth”.
II Chronicles 7:14 says “if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.
The world is God’s harvest field, said Jesus. He said for us to pray the Father to
send laborers in His field (Matthew 9:37-38) “then said He to His disciples, the
harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray you therefore the Lord of
the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest”.
Let us take our labor with the Lord serious, and let us do the work that is set
before us. The early church prayed for boldness to speak the word of God, after
they were threatened not to speak any more in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:29-31)
“and now Lord, behold their threatenings and grant to Your servants that with all
boldness they may speak Your word. By stretching forth Your hand to heal, and
that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy child Jesus. And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of
God with boldness”. This is a prayer that we can pray, seeing that the world today
threatens us not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: December 30, 2008
The Bible tells us that we are laborers with God, I Corinthians 3:8-9 says “now he
that plants and he that waters are one; and every man shall receive his own
rewards according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God, you
are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building”. We are to minister (Hebrews 6:10-
12) says “for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which
you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and
do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show that same diligence to
the full assurance of hope to the end. That you be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises”.
What is God’s desire for mankind? The Bible says that God “will have all men to
be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:4); and that God is
“not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter
3:9). We as His laborers must do all that we can do to bring this about.
Jesus commends and scolds the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 for their
faithfulness in their labors and their lack thereof, and warns them to repent or He
will take away their light.
We are stewards; Jesus spoke about the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), He said “for
the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own
servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, to
another two and to another one, to every man according to his several ability, and
immediately took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents, went and
traded with the same, and made them another five talents. And likewise he that
had received the two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one
went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money”. And after a long time the
lord of those servants came back to settle with them. He commends the one who
received five talents and gained another five, by saying well done my good and
faithful servant; and the one who received two talents and gained another two, he
said the same, but to the one that hid his talent, he said you wicked and slothful
servant. And he told them to cast that unprofitable servant into outer darkness.
Peter asked Him, Lord speak You this parable to us, or even to all? And the Lord
said, who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over
his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing” (Luke 12:41-43). We
are required to be faithful stewards (I Corinthians 4:2) says “moreover it is required
in stewards, that a man be found faithful”.
We are told to labor to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:11); and that faith works by
love. We are to believe the word of God (Mark 9:23) “Jesus said to him, if you can
believe, all things are possible to them that believe”. We are told to hear His voice;
He says many times “he that has ears to hear, let him hear”; and in John 10:27 He
says “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me”. We are to
obey God (Acts 5:29,32). We are to be an usable vessel (II Timothy 2:21) “if a
man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified
and fit for the master’s use, and prepared to every good work”.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has
ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus tells us what our
work is in John 6:27-29 which says “labor not for the meat which perishes, but for
that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give for
you, for Him has God the Father sealed. Then said they to Him, what shall we do,
that we might work the works of God. Jesus answered and said to them, this is the
work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent”. The foundation of God
stands sure, having this seal. The Lord knows them that are His. And, let every
one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity (II Timothy 2:19). James
says “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the
fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world” (James 1:27).
We are a soldier in the army of the Lord, a soldier is trained to obey his
commander, well Jesus is our commander and chief. We as followers of Jesus
should obey as He did. He said “I only do what I have seen and heard My Father
do” (John 8). Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life” (I Timothy 6:12); and declared that he had fought a good fight, and finished
his course, that he kept the faith (II Timothy 4:2). We are told to endure hardship,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3).
In Ephesians chapter 6:11-13 we learn that our battle is not with flesh and blood,
we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The armor is listed for us to put
on in verses 14-18. As we put on this armor, God fights within us.
Our fight is not in the natural, but in the spiritual, our sword is the word of God. Let’
s speak life over all those around us, even our enemies. Jesus said to pray for
those who use us; and our prayer should be that God would give to them the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; that the eyes of their
understanding be enlightened, that they may know what is the hope of His calling
(Ephesians 1:17-18).
Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), we as His followers
must do the same. He gave gifts to pastors, teachers, evangelist, apostles,
prophets to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13). Church leaders must work especially hard, to
stimulate all God’s people to be involved in the Lord’s work (I Corinthians 15:58)
says “therefore my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the works of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not
in vain in the Lord. The saints are to do the work of the ministry, but people are
looking for the pastors, teachers, to do all the work. All Christians should see
themselves as “God’s coworkers”.
Just like Isaiah said when he heard the voice of God saying whom shall I send, and
who will go for Us? Then said I, here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Jesus gave us the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) saying “all power is given
to Me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you
always, even to the end of the world”. As we go forth, we are empowered (Mark 16:
20) says “and they went forth and preached every here, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following”.
The problem is that many people don’t go forth. Many people never witness to
anyone. Most of the times it is fear that they don’t know what to say, but the Bible
tells us that the Spirit will give us the right words to answer each one (Luke 12:12)
says “for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say”.
Psalms 82 tells us to “defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted
and needy. Deliver the poor and needy, rid them out of the hands of the wicked”
(verses 3-4). One might say how can I do this? Pray, prayer is the answer to all
things (I Timothy 2:1-4) which says “I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty. For this is good, and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the
truth”.
II Chronicles 7:14 says “if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.
The world is God’s harvest field, said Jesus. He said for us to pray the Father to
send laborers in His field (Matthew 9:37-38) “then said He to His disciples, the
harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray you therefore the Lord of
the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest”.
Let us take our labor with the Lord serious, and let us do the work that is set
before us. The early church prayed for boldness to speak the word of God, after
they were threatened not to speak any more in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:29-31)
“and now Lord, behold their threatenings and grant to Your servants that with all
boldness they may speak Your word. By stretching forth Your hand to heal, and
that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy child Jesus. And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of
God with boldness”. This is a prayer that we can pray, seeing that the world today
threatens us not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: December 30, 2008
