What are the 5 duties of man in the Bible?

     The Bible is not silent about the purpose of man. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals why He created humanity and what He expects of us. Every man and woman exists for a divine purpose, and fulfilling that purpose is the essence of a meaningful life. King Solomon summarized it well:

  “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV).

     This verse is a compass that points to the duty of man before God. However, the Bible expands this truth into several key responsibilities. Below are the five major duties of man in the Bible, explained in depth.

1. To Love and Worship God

     Man’s first duty is to love and worship God above all else. God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7), meaning our ultimate reason for existence is to honor Him.

a. Loving God with the Whole Heart

 Jesus declared: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37).

     This is the greatest commandment. Loving God means more than just having emotions toward Him—it is a total devotion that influences our decisions, priorities, and lifestyle.

b. Worship as a Lifestyle

     Worship is not only singing in church but a life of surrender. Paul wrote:

  “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1).

     This means everything we do—our work, relationships, and actions—should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Example: Abraham’s Worship

     Abraham showed his love and worship by obedience when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1–12). His act demonstrated that God was above even his most precious possession. True worship is giving God first place in everything.

2. To Obey God’s Commands

     Love for God must be expressed in obedience. Jesus said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).

a. The Universal Duty

     Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 12:13 remind us that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. Obedience is the proof of reverence.

b. Blessings of Obedience

     Deuteronomy 28 shows that obedience brings blessings—prosperity, protection, and fruitfulness—while disobedience brings curses.

c. The Example of Noah

     Noah obeyed God when He commanded him to build the ark (Genesis 6:22). Though the world mocked him, his obedience saved his household. This shows that obedience to God is not always popular, but it brings divine reward.

d. The Seriousness of Disobedience

     Adam and Eve’s disobedience in Eden brought sin and death into the world (Genesis 3). This reveals that disobedience breaks fellowship with God and has lasting consequences.

3. To Love Others

     The second greatest commandment is to love people.

  “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39).

a. Love as the Fulfillment of the Law

     Paul said: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10).

     Love restrains us from hatred, bitterness, and selfishness.

b. Practical Love

     1 John 3:18 tells us to love not with words only but with actions. Helping the needy, forgiving those who wrong us, and showing compassion are expressions of this duty.

c. Example of the Good Samaritan

     In Luke 10:25–37, the Good Samaritan went beyond cultural boundaries to show mercy to a wounded man. This illustrates that our love must extend even to those who are different from us.

d. Loving Even Enemies

  Jesus commanded: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” (Matthew 5:44).

     This radical love reflects the heart of God and sets Christians apart in a world full of hatred.

4. To Work and Be Responsible

    God created man with the duty of stewardship and labor.

  “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15).

a. Work as God’s Design

     Work is not a punishment; it existed before sin. Responsibility, diligence, and productivity are divine assignments.

b. Warnings Against Laziness

     Proverbs 6:6–11 warns against slothfulness by pointing to the diligence of ants. Laziness leads to poverty, but hard work brings honor (Proverbs 12:24).

c. Responsibility in Providing

  Paul stated: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

God calls men to provide for their families and contribute positively to society.

d. Example of Joseph

     Joseph, despite being a slave and prisoner, worked diligently. His faithfulness in responsibility promoted him to the palace (Genesis 41:39–44). His life shows that diligence in work aligns us with God’s favor.

5. To Seek God’s Kingdom and Live Righteously

     The last duty of man is to pursue the things of God above worldly pursuits. Jesus commanded: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

a. Kingdom Priority

     Seeking God’s kingdom means prioritizing spiritual growth, evangelism, and righteousness over material gain. It is living with eternity in view.

b. Righteous Living

     God’s standard of holiness is clear: “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). Righteous living is a duty that reflects God’s nature in us.

c. Example of Daniel

     Daniel chose righteousness over compromise in Babylon (Daniel 1:8). His dedication to prayer and godly living led to divine wisdom and influence. He is an example of one who sought God’s kingdom first in a corrupt world.

d. The Great Commission

     Seeking the kingdom also involves spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20). Every believer has a duty to make disciples, sharing the message of salvation to advance God’s reign on earth.

     The five duties of man in the Bible can be summarized as:

1. To love and worship God – placing Him above all else.

2. To obey God’s commands – proving our love through obedience.

3. To love others – showing kindness, forgiveness, and mercy.

4. To work and be responsible – fulfilling stewardship and diligence.

5. To seek God’s kingdom and live righteously – prioritizing eternity over earthly gain.

     When man fulfills these duties, he lives in alignment with God’s design. A life that neglects these duties is empty, but a life that embraces them finds true joy, meaning, and eternal reward.

  As Micah 6:8 beautifully summarizes: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”