The parable of the workers in the vineyard pokes right at our instinct for comparison and grievance. Christ doesn’t train us to negotiate God’s generosity—He teaches us to receive it, and then to live out that same generosity toward our neighbor.
Thesis 7: “The works of the righteous would be mortal sins were they not feared as mortal sins by the righteous themselves out of pious fear of God.”
Thesis 8: “All the more are human works mortal sins when they are done without fear and in unadulterated, evil self-security.”
“Do not steal” reaches further than obvious crimes. God protects your neighbor not only from robbery, but also from the quiet, respectable ways we can take—through dishonesty, carelessness, or taking advantage. And Christ frees us to live differently: with clean hands, open hearts, and practical love.
Thesis 5: “The works of human beings—we speak of works which appear to be good—are thus not mortal sins as if they were crimes.”
Thesis 6: “The works of God—we speak of those that are done through human beings—are thus not merits as if they were sinless.”
Prices aren’t a judgment on your worth, and they aren’t an excuse for greed. They’re one of the ordinary ways God lets people coordinate life in a world with limits—so needs get met, work gets rewarded, and neighbors can deal with one another honestly.
Thesis 3: “Although the works of human beings always seem attractive and good, it is nevertheless probable that they are mortal sins.”
Thesis 4: “Although the works of God always seem unattractive and evil, they are nevertheless really immortal merits.”
When Scripture speaks about “calling,” it usually doesn’t mean chasing the perfect job or discovering a hidden destiny. It means something steadier and better: God places you where neighbors can be loved—through ordinary work, daily responsibilities, and quiet faithfulness.
Thesis 1: “The Law of God, which is the most beneficial doctrine of life, is not able to advance man toward righteousness but rather stands against him.”
Thesis 2: “Much less could the work of men, that is to say even works which are done over and over again with the help of natural law, move someone toward righteousness.”
God doesn’t hand you your life and say, “Don’t mess this up.” He says, “You’re not alone—and you’re not the owner.” Everything belongs to Him, and that’s good news: it steadies anxious hearts, humbles our pride, and frees us to manage His gifts with quiet faithfulness for the good of our neighbors.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
