Embracing God's Gift of Productive Work
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! This week is an exciting one for Emmanuel Baptist Church as we kick off Camp 120, our kids' camp for second through fifth graders. It's a time to invest in the next generation and pour the gospel into their lives. We are grateful for the hard work of Jenny Lou Jackson and her team, and we are already seeing God at work.
Today, we are starting a new sermon series that builds on last week's message from Titus. We are focusing on the good work that God has given us to do, emphasizing the importance of being productive and fruitful in our lives. This teaching is not just about serving in church roles but extends to our everyday work and responsibilities. God wants us to be productive and to provide for urgent needs, ensuring that our lives are not unproductive or unfruitful.
We explored the parable of the talents, where God expects a return on the investment He has made in us. The parable teaches us that God wants us to be productive and profitable in our work. This is not just about financial gain but about fulfilling our purpose and making a meaningful impact in the world.
Work is a gift from God, given to us even before the fall. It is a way to reflect God's image, as He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. We are made to work and to rest, to be fruitful and to have dominion over the earth. This balance is crucial for our well-being and spiritual health.
We also discussed the importance of family decisions regarding work, whether a parent stays home or both work outside the home. These decisions should be made prayerfully and with a focus on honoring God.
Finally, we touched on the spiritual battle we are in, a war against the values of the kingdom of God. We are called to live out the gospel in a watching world, to teach it to our families, and to proclaim it to a dying world. We must be both truth-tellers and merciful, speaking the truth in love and reaching out to those who are lost.
### Key Takeaways
1. Investing in the Next Generation: Camp 120 is a significant opportunity to pour the gospel into the lives of our children. It's a reminder that investing in the next generation is crucial for the future of the church and the kingdom of God. We should continually seek ways to mentor and guide the younger generation in their faith journey. [27:16]
2. The Gift of Work: Work is not a curse but a gift from God, given to us even before the fall. It is a way to reflect God's image and fulfill our purpose. When we work, we are participating in God's creative and sustaining activity in the world. This perspective transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship. [40:09]
3. Balancing Work and Rest: Just as God worked for six days and rested on the seventh, we are called to balance work and rest. This rhythm is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Observing a day of rest helps us recharge and refocus on God, ensuring that our work remains fruitful and meaningful. [41:47]
4. Family and Work Decisions: Decisions about work and family should be made prayerfully and with a focus on honoring God. Whether a parent stays home or both work outside the home, the key is to make these decisions as a team and to prioritize the well-being of the family. This approach helps maintain a healthy balance and ensures that work does not become an idol. [47:18]
5. Spiritual Warfare and the Gospel: We are in a spiritual battle against the values of the kingdom of God. As believers, we must live out the gospel in a watching world, teach it to our families, and proclaim it to those who are lost. This requires both truth-telling and mercy, speaking the truth in love and reaching out to those who are held captive by sin. [52:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:48] - Introduction to Camp 120
[27:16] - God's Provision and Praise
[28:22] - Investing in the Next Generation
[29:02] - New Sermon Series Introduction
[30:07] - The Importance of Productive Work
[31:11] - Providing for Urgent Needs
[32:09] - The Parable of the Talents
[33:18] - God's Expectation of Productivity
[38:27] - The Gift of Work
[40:09] - Balancing Work and Rest
[41:47] - Observing a Day of Rest
[47:18] - Family and Work Decisions
[49:04] - Influence in Arts and Education
[50:58] - Spiritual Warfare and the Gospel
[52:58] - The Devil's Strategy
[54:51] - Living Out the Gospel
[56:22] - Teaching the Gospel to Our Families
[57:57] - Proclaiming the Gospel to a Dying World
[59:38] - Outreach Event at Nibrock
[01:00:56] - Paul's Example of God's Patience
[01:02:43] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
2. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
3. Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 2:15 tell us about the purpose of work before the fall of man?
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created to do in Christ Jesus?
3. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what was the master's expectation of his servants regarding the talents he entrusted to them? [32:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the balance between work and rest, and why is it important? [41:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of work being a gift from God, as mentioned in Genesis 2:15, change our perspective on our daily tasks? [40:09]
2. What does it mean to be God’s handiwork created for good works, and how can this understanding impact our approach to our jobs and responsibilities? [44:26]
3. In the Parable of the Talents, why was the servant who hid his talent rebuked, and what lesson can we learn from this about using our gifts and resources? [32:40]
4. How can the principle of balancing work and rest, as modeled by God, influence our weekly routines and overall well-being? [41:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current work or daily responsibilities. How can you view them as acts of worship and opportunities to reflect God's image? [40:09]
2. Think about a time when you felt unproductive or unfruitful. What changes can you make to ensure that your work aligns with God's purpose for your life? [31:36]
3. How do you currently balance work and rest in your life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are observing a day of rest each week? [41:47]
4. When making decisions about work and family, how can you ensure that these choices honor God and prioritize the well-being of your family? [47:18]
5. Identify one way you can invest in the next generation, whether through mentoring, teaching, or another form of guidance. How can you start this week? [28:22]
6. In what ways can you live out the gospel in your workplace or community, especially in a world that may be hostile to Christian values? [54:51]
7. Consider the spiritual battles you face in your daily life. How can you equip yourself to stand firm and proclaim the gospel to those around you? [52:58]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of work, productivity, and living out the gospel as discussed in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Investing in the Next Generation
Investing in the next generation is crucial for the future of the church and the kingdom of God. Camp 120 is a significant opportunity to pour the gospel into the lives of our children. This initiative reminds us that mentoring and guiding the younger generation in their faith journey is essential. By doing so, we ensure that the values and teachings of the gospel are passed down, creating a strong foundation for future believers.
As we engage with the younger generation, we should seek ways to mentor them, share our experiences, and provide them with the tools they need to grow in their faith. This investment is not just about teaching them biblical knowledge but also about modeling a Christ-centered life. Our actions, words, and attitudes can have a profound impact on their spiritual development. [27:16]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Who is a young person in your life that you can mentor or guide in their faith journey? How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Day 2: The Gift of Work
Work is not a curse but a gift from God, given to us even before the fall. It is a way to reflect God's image and fulfill our purpose. When we work, we are participating in God's creative and sustaining activity in the world. This perspective transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, allowing us to see our work as a meaningful contribution to God's kingdom.
Understanding work as a gift helps us approach our responsibilities with gratitude and purpose. It reminds us that our efforts, no matter how mundane they may seem, are valuable in God's eyes. By embracing this mindset, we can find joy and fulfillment in our work, knowing that we are partnering with God in His ongoing creation. [40:09]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you view your daily work as an act of worship? What specific tasks can you approach with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude today?
Day 3: Balancing Work and Rest
Just as God worked for six days and rested on the seventh, we are called to balance work and rest. This rhythm is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Observing a day of rest helps us recharge and refocus on God, ensuring that our work remains fruitful and meaningful.
Balancing work and rest requires intentionality and discipline. It involves setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and trusting that God will provide for our needs. By honoring this rhythm, we acknowledge our dependence on God and create space for Him to refresh and renew us. This balance allows us to be more effective in our work and more present in our relationships. [41:47]
Exodus 20:8-10 (ESV): "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure you have a healthy balance of work and rest in your life? How can you intentionally observe a day of rest this week?
Day 4: Family and Work Decisions
Decisions about work and family should be made prayerfully and with a focus on honoring God. Whether a parent stays home or both work outside the home, the key is to make these decisions as a team and to prioritize the well-being of the family. This approach helps maintain a healthy balance and ensures that work does not become an idol.
When making family and work decisions, it is important to seek God's guidance and wisdom. This involves open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support one another. By prioritizing the well-being of the family and honoring God in our decisions, we create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. [47:18]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: How can you involve God in your family and work decisions? What steps can you take to ensure that your decisions honor Him and prioritize the well-being of your family?
Day 5: Spiritual Warfare and the Gospel
We are in a spiritual battle against the values of the kingdom of God. As believers, we must live out the gospel in a watching world, teach it to our families, and proclaim it to those who are lost. This requires both truth-telling and mercy, speaking the truth in love and reaching out to those who are held captive by sin.
Living out the gospel involves being intentional in our actions and words. It means standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition, and showing compassion to those who are struggling. By embodying the values of the kingdom of God, we become a light in the darkness, drawing others to the hope and truth of the gospel. [52:58]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the gospel in your daily life? How can you show both truth and mercy to those around you, especially those who are lost?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God just knows what we need it's that's right it's okay to praise God this morning that's why we're here you clap in church we're here to praise the Lord and he is at work he's might pray every day thank you guys we need that God will move mountains through prayer the Bible says if you just have the faith of a mustard seed you can tell this mountain to go and be thrown into the sea in it it will." [27:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants to use you to impact this world for Christ now a lot of times we point to to these verses and we said well you need to serve in the nursery you should be in the parking lot you should be leading a life group so you're productive this is which what that which is good that Paul's talking about here and then that is all true but primarily what you're gonna see today when we look at these verses what Paul is talking about is your work that you just do in life." [30:07] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We live in a world at war far more sinister and dangerous than the war between ukraine and russia far more sinister and dangerous than the war between hamas and israel there are greater things at stake it's a it's a world at war against the kingdom of god and make no mistake god is already the victor but god in his patience and long suffering has not returned but he will return and he will return riding on a white horse and the bible says a sword will be coming from his mouth imagery of the judgment and the power of god." [50:58] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We live in a world that does not value putting people over profit we live in a world that does not value family over function we live in a world that is counter to the values of the kingdom of god we live in a world that is at war against the purposes of the kingdom the purpose of the kingdom of this world is to bring glory to god to bring honor to him to give worship to him and the way that we work the way that we support others and help those in need." [50:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let me ask you, has there been that time when you repented of sins and put your faith in Christ? If not, today I invite you to come to faith, to trust in Christ. For those in the room, man, we should be a burden to prayer, praying for those in our lives that don't know Christ. So in just a moment, I'm going to pray in all of our campuses. We're going to invite you to come forward to pray, to come forward to give your life to Christ." [01:02:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Work is good because it was given before the fall, and number two, work is good because God gave us work. You don't work because the man's coming to take up taxes in April. You don't work just because you want a bigger house or a nicer car. You don't work just because your kids want to go to college. You work because you're made in the image of God. God worked. We worked. God worked for six days in creation, and then He rested on the seventh." [40:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God made you to work for six days, and on the seventh day you should rest. We're going to come back to that. Notice what he says in Genesis 2. This is still before the fall, before sin entered the world. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it, and to take care of it. God put you on this earth to take care of it, to create, to invent, to build, to rule, to have dominion over this world that we live in, and to work it, to be fruitful, to be productive for six days." [40:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Work is good because it fulfills our purpose it fulfills our purpose in life in Ephesians chapter 2 the Bible says for we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do now I know I've preached this passage many times and and we typically look exclusively at this at doing Christian activity witnessing leading a life group a Sunday school class and certainly that's the purpose of God's handiwork you're talking about here because he prepared it in advance but also our work can be wor- shopped when you do it in the right way with the right heart." [44:26] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We live in a world at war with the beliefs of the kingdom of god that there is one way to heaven that when jesus said i am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me he meant it john 10 tells us the thief comes to steal kill and destroy in first peter chapter five verse 13 peter says the devil is like a roaring lion roaming about looking from whom he may devour satan wants to totally devour you he wants to destroy your marriage he wants to devour your kids he wants to try to steal god's plan and purpose for their life." [52:58] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We should teach the gospel to our family not just on sunday we come get a little snack of christianity now let's pray before our meals let's open up the bible to our kids at home and teach them the glorious gospel by which we have been saved let's talk about world missions about being a light at school and at work and in our community and then third we should proclaim the gospel to a dying world this world is dying and we have the hope of a gospel we need to share it with those we truly care about." [56:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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