Money Matters: The Necessity Of Work

Today’s focus is on the foundational truth that work is not a curse, but a blessing designed by God for our good and His glory. From the very beginning, God created humanity with the intention that we would be active, productive, and engaged in meaningful labor. Work was present in paradise, before the fall, as seen in Genesis 2:15, where Adam was placed in the garden to work and care for it. The distortion of work into drudgery or a necessary evil is a result of misunderstanding God’s purpose, not His original design.

Our culture often idolizes the idea of escaping work, aiming for a life of leisure or early retirement, but this is not the biblical vision. Retirement, in itself, is not wrong, but it should be seen as a transition to new forms of meaningful service, not an end to purposeful activity. Legitimate work—work that is honest and honors God’s commands—is a means by which we reflect God’s own character, as He Himself is always at work. When we engage in our vocations with integrity and diligence, we participate in God’s ongoing creative and redemptive work in the world.

Scripture is clear that those who are able should work to provide for themselves and their families, and that idleness leads to disruption and even spiritual danger. The church is called to compassion, but not to enable laziness; rather, we are to encourage responsibility and stewardship. Work builds self-esteem, develops character, and provides a platform for witness. The workplace is one of the greatest mission fields available to us, where our conduct and attitude can point others to Christ.

Profit, when gained honorably, is not condemned by God. In fact, it is necessary for meeting our needs, caring for our families, paying our obligations, and enabling generosity. The parable of the talents affirms that God expects us to steward resources wisely and to be productive. Wealth, in itself, is not evil; it is the love of money and misuse of wealth that Scripture warns against. When biblical standards guide our work and business practices, everyone benefits—employers, employees, and the wider community.

Ultimately, every aspect of our lives, including our work and finances, is to be surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our daily labor is an act of worship, an offering to God, and a means of loving our neighbor. When we allow Christ to transform our hearts, our work becomes a testimony to His grace and a blessing to those around us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Work is a Divine Blessing, Not a Curse God designed us for work, and it was part of His good creation before sin entered the world. Viewing work as a curse distorts God’s intent; instead, we are to see our labor as a means of participating in His creative purpose and experiencing joy in meaningful contribution. [31:43]
• 2. Responsibility and Compassion Must Be Balanced Scripture commands those who are able to work to do so, providing for themselves and not burdening others. True compassion does not enable idleness but encourages growth, responsibility, and dignity, while still caring for those genuinely unable to work. [37:16]
• 3. The Workplace is a Mission Field Our jobs are not just for earning a living; they are opportunities to influence others for Christ. By living with integrity, diligence, and love in our workplaces, we shine as lights in a world that desperately needs the hope and example of Jesus. [49:36]
• 4. Profit and Success Can Be Honorable Making a profit through honest work is not synonymous with greed. When we steward resources wisely, we are able to provide for our needs, care for our families, pay our obligations, and practice generosity—reflecting God’s provision and character. [54:20]
• 5. Biblical Values Transform the Marketplace Merely stating values like integrity or excellence is not enough; they must be lived out from a heart transformed by Christ. When biblical standards govern our work, both employers and employees are blessed, and our witness in the world is strengthened. [63:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [25:58] - Introduction and Community Connection
• [26:33] - Why Money Matters to God
• [27:14] - God’s Desire for Joy in Finances
• [28:14] - Series Overview: Earning, Spending, Borrowing, Saving, Generosity
• [29:11] - The Necessity and Purpose of Work
• [31:43] - Work in God’s Original Design
• [34:01] - Legitimate Work: Blessing, Not Curse
• [35:34] - Paul’s Teaching on Work and Idleness
• [39:17] - The Dangers of Idleness and Busybodies
• [41:56] - Work as Worship and Service
• [45:09] - How Work Builds Self-Esteem and Character
• [49:36] - The Workplace as a Mission Field
• [53:35] - Healthy Profit is Honorable
• [57:47] - The Purpose of Profit: Provision and Generosity
• [61:26] - Biblical Standards Bless the Marketplace
• [64:15] - Christ’s Lordship Over All of Life
• [66:21] - The Greatest Commandments Applied to Work
• [68:49] - Work as Worship: Surrendering All
• [69:31] - Zacchaeus: A Transformed Life
• [71:40] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
• [76:19] - Prayers for Families and Needs
• [78:01] - Communion and Giving
• [82:34] - Announcements and Opportunities
• [85:58] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Genesis 2:15 (ESV) — > The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

2. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (ESV)
> Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

3. 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 2:15, what was Adam’s role in the garden before sin entered the world? How does this challenge the idea that work is a result of the fall?
2. In 2 Thessalonians 3, what specific instructions does Paul give to those who are idle or unwilling to work?
3. How does Colossians 3:23-24 describe the attitude we should have toward our work, regardless of our job or position?
4. The sermon mentions that the workplace is one of the greatest mission fields. What reasons are given for this, and how does this relate to our daily work?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Work is not a curse to work. In fact, it's by God's design and God's blessing that we get to work, that we are creatures of work.” Why is it important to see work as part of God’s original good creation, and not as a punishment?
2. Paul’s command in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,” is strong. What does this reveal about the balance between compassion and responsibility in the church?
3. The sermon points out that profit and success, when gained honorably, are not condemned by God. How does the parable of the talents (Matthew 25) support this idea, and what does it say about stewardship?
4. The message says, “Our daily labor is an act of worship, an offering to God, and a means of loving our neighbor.” How does this perspective change the way we approach our jobs, even if they seem ordinary or difficult?

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges the cultural idea that the goal of life is to escape work and retire into leisure. How do you personally view retirement or the idea of “not working”? What would it look like to see retirement as a transition to new forms of meaningful service?
2. Think about your current job, schoolwork, or daily responsibilities. In what ways do you see your work as a blessing, and in what ways do you struggle to see it that way? What could help you shift your perspective?
3. The message says, “The workplace is one of the greatest mission fields available to us.” Can you think of a specific opportunity you have (or have had) to be a witness for Christ at work or in your daily routines? What made it challenging or encouraging?
4. The sermon warns against enabling idleness in the name of compassion. How can you personally balance helping those in need with encouraging responsibility and growth? Have you ever struggled with this balance?
5. Colossians 3:23-24 says to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” What is one practical way you can approach your work this week as an act of worship to God, even if it feels mundane or difficult?
6. The message affirms that making a profit through honest work is honorable and necessary for generosity. How do you view money and profit in your own life? Are there any attitudes or habits you feel God is calling you to change?
7. The sermon closes by saying, “Ultimately, every aspect of our lives, including our work and finances, is to be surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” Is there an area of your work or finances that you have not fully surrendered to God? What would it look like to take a step of surrender this week?