Transforming Work into Worship: Fulfilling God's Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to our series "One Life: Making the Most of It." Today, we delve into a topic that affects us all: work. Often seen as a necessary evil, work is actually a divine gift. The way we view our work can significantly impact our lives. Many of us spend a third of our lives working, so it's crucial not to waste this time. The key is to see work not just as a means to earn a living but as a way to fulfill God's purposes.
In Genesis, we learn that we are created in God's image, and just as God is a creator and worker, we are designed to work and create. Work is not a punishment but a divine assignment. The Hebrew word "Avodah" means both work and worship, indicating that our work can be an act of worship when done for God. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into meaningful missions.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work with all our hearts as if working for the Lord, not for human masters. This shift in perspective can bring joy and purpose to our daily tasks. When we understand that our work is for God, it changes our motivation and commitment. We are not just employees; we are co-workers with God, partnering with Him in His divine plan.
Moreover, our work can be a powerful testimony to others. The way we conduct ourselves at work can make the teachings of Christ attractive to those around us. We are called to be the best employees, giving our best effort and maintaining integrity. This not only honors God but also serves as a witness to our colleagues.
In conclusion, don't waste your work. See it as a divine assignment, a way to worship God, and a mission field where you can make a difference. Include God in your work, and let His presence and power guide you. This will not only transform your work life but also bring you closer to fulfilling God's purpose for your life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Work as Worship: The Hebrew word "Avodah" means both work and worship, indicating that our daily tasks can be acts of worship when done for God. This perspective transforms mundane activities into meaningful missions, aligning our work with divine purpose. [50:30]
2. Divine Assignment: Understanding that our work is a divine assignment from God changes our motivation and commitment. We are not just working for a paycheck but fulfilling God's purposes. This shift can bring joy and purpose to our daily tasks. [51:50]
3. Best Employees: As Christians, we are called to be the best employees, giving our best effort and maintaining integrity. This not only honors God but also serves as a powerful testimony to our colleagues, making the teachings of Christ attractive. [02:36]
4. Co-Workers with God: We are co-workers with God, partnering with Him in His divine plan. This means that whatever work we do, we are doing it with God, bringing His presence and power into our daily tasks. [04:01]
5. Mission Field: Our workplaces are mission fields where we can make a difference. By including God in our work and letting His presence guide us, we can transform our work life and bring others closer to God. [08:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:16] - Introduction to Work
[40:55] - Work Beyond a Paycheck
[41:35] - Different Types of Work
[43:11] - Don't Waste Your Work
[45:23] - Biblical View of Work
[46:29] - Created in God's Image
[47:26] - God's Work in Creation
[48:20] - Work as a Gift from God
[49:49] - Avodah: Work and Worship
[51:07] - Work for God
[52:04] - Changing Your Perspective
[53:25] - Bringing Joy to Your Job
[55:02] - Including God in Your Work
[57:10] - God's Plan for Your Work
[58:11] - Sacredness of All Work
[01:00:10] - Spirit-Filled Work
[01:01:12] - Integrity at Work
[01:04:01] - Co-Workers with God
[01:05:02] - Career as Calling
[01:08:14] - Mission in Everyday Work
[01:10:03] - Challenge: Don't Waste Your Work
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV)
> "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
2. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
> "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
3. Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV)
> "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities did God give to mankind when He created them? How does this relate to the concept of work? [46:29]
2. In Colossians 3:23-24, what attitude should we have towards our work, and who are we ultimately serving? [51:07]
3. How does the example of Bezalel in Exodus 31:1-5 illustrate the idea that work can be a divine assignment? [59:14]
4. What is the significance of the Hebrew word "Avodah" and how does it connect work and worship? [49:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-28) change our perspective on the work we do? [46:29]
2. What does it mean to work "with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23-24), and how might this change our daily work habits? [51:07]
3. How can seeing our work as a form of worship (Avodah) transform mundane tasks into meaningful missions? [49:49]
4. In what ways can our work serve as a testimony to others about our faith in Christ? [51:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current job or daily tasks. How can you shift your perspective to see these activities as part of God's divine assignment for you? [51:50]
2. Think about a specific task you find mundane or challenging. How can you approach this task as an act of worship to God? [49:49]
3. Identify one way you can demonstrate integrity and excellence in your work this week. How might this serve as a witness to your colleagues? [02:36]
4. How can you include God more in your daily work routine? What practical steps can you take to invite His presence and guidance? [55:02]
5. Consider a colleague or classmate who might be observing your behavior. How can you intentionally show them the love and teachings of Christ through your work? [01:02:22]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt joy and purpose in your work. What was different about that experience, and how can you replicate that feeling in your current tasks? [53:25]
7. How can you pray for your workplace or school environment this week? What specific needs or challenges can you lift up to God? [01:07:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Work as Worship
Our daily tasks can be transformed into acts of worship when done for God. The Hebrew word "Avodah" means both work and worship, indicating that our work is not separate from our spiritual life but an integral part of it. When we approach our work with the mindset that it is an offering to God, even the most mundane tasks can become meaningful missions. This perspective helps us align our work with God's divine purpose, making every effort an act of devotion.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work with all our hearts as if working for the Lord, not for human masters. This shift in perspective can bring joy and purpose to our daily tasks. When we understand that our work is for God, it changes our motivation and commitment. We are not just employees; we are co-workers with God, partnering with Him in His divine plan. [50:30]
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV): "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going."
Reflection: Think about a task you usually find mundane or tedious. How can you approach it today as an act of worship to God?
Day 2: Divine Assignment
Understanding that our work is a divine assignment from God changes our motivation and commitment. We are not just working for a paycheck but fulfilling God's purposes. This shift can bring joy and purpose to our daily tasks. When we see our work as a calling from God, it transforms our attitude and the way we approach our responsibilities.
In Genesis, we learn that we are created in God's image, and just as God is a creator and worker, we are designed to work and create. Work is not a punishment but a divine assignment. This perspective helps us see our work as part of God's larger plan, giving us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. [51:50]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Reflect on your current job or role. How can you see it as a divine assignment from God, and what changes can you make to align your work with His purposes?
Day 3: Best Employees
As Christians, we are called to be the best employees, giving our best effort and maintaining integrity. This not only honors God but also serves as a powerful testimony to our colleagues, making the teachings of Christ attractive. Our work ethic and behavior at work can be a reflection of our faith and a witness to those around us.
The way we conduct ourselves at work can make the teachings of Christ attractive to others. By being diligent, honest, and respectful, we can demonstrate the values of our faith in a practical and impactful way. This not only brings glory to God but also opens opportunities for us to share our faith with others. [02:36]
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
Reflection: Consider your work habits and interactions with colleagues. What specific changes can you make to better reflect Christ in your workplace?
Day 4: Co-Workers with God
We are co-workers with God, partnering with Him in His divine plan. This means that whatever work we do, we are doing it with God, bringing His presence and power into our daily tasks. This partnership with God elevates the significance of our work and helps us see it as part of His greater mission.
When we understand that we are working with God, it changes our perspective on our tasks and responsibilities. We are not alone in our work; God is with us, guiding and empowering us. This realization can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that our work contributes to God's kingdom. [04:01]
1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV): "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: How can you invite God into your daily work and see yourself as His co-worker? What difference would this make in your approach to your tasks?
Day 5: Mission Field
Our workplaces are mission fields where we can make a difference. By including God in our work and letting His presence guide us, we can transform our work life and bring others closer to God. Our actions and attitudes at work can be a powerful testimony to our faith and an opportunity to share God's love with others.
Seeing our workplace as a mission field helps us recognize the opportunities we have to impact others for Christ. Whether through our work ethic, our interactions with colleagues, or our willingness to share our faith, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. [08:14]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think about your workplace. How can you be a light for Christ in your interactions and work habits? What specific actions can you take to make your workplace a mission field?
Quotes
1. "The way you view the work that you do is gonna impact the life that you live. The way you view the work that you do is gonna impact your life. So here's the title of my message today: Don't waste your work. Don't waste your work. If your work is a third of your life, you better not waste it or you're gonna be wasting your life." [43:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How you view what you do is going to impact your life. And you don't want to view it like everybody else because you're not like everybody else. Because you are a child of God. You actually have a biblical worldview about how you live your life and how you do life. It's not shaped by what culture says. It's actually shaped by what God says." [45:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you see your work the way God sees your work, it'll actually turn your work into worship. He'll actually help you put some joy into your job, right? He'll take the mundane things and turn it into a mission field for you." [45:55] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your work is not only from God, but your work is for God. When you are running your business, that's Avodah. You are doing that for God. When you are teaching those kids, that's Avodah. You are doing that for the Lord. When you are going to school, that's Avodah. When you are closing that business deal, it's all for God." [51:07] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. So he is saying whatever you do, whatever work that you do, do it with everything you've got. Give your best to it as if you were working for God and not for people because your work is for God." [51:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you change your who, it changes the way you view the work you do. When you understand who you are doing it for, when you understand who your boss is, it's not that person, it's not that supervisor that drives you crazy and picks at what you do. No, it's Jesus. That's your boss." [52:36] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If we exclude Him from our work, we're actually excluding His power and His presence from working at our work. And you're wondering why you're so exhausted by your employment, by why you're worn out at work. It's because you have forgotten to take the ever-living, all-powerful, almighty, joy-giving God with you to your nine to five." [55:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God has a plan for your work life, for your company, for your career, for your business. And according to Jeremiah 29:11, His plan is to prosper you. His plan is to give you a hope and a future with everything that you put your hand to. You can actually pray, 'May the favor of the Lord be upon us and establish the work of our hands.'" [56:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you begin to understand that your work that you're gonna do this week, it all comes from God and you're working for God, all of a sudden your career gets clarity. You begin to see it as sacred work because it's from God and it's for God. And can I tell you, it's just as sacred as what I do as a pastor." [57:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Your work is not only from God, it's not just for God, but it's also you get to work with God. Like you get to partner with God in a holy work. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, 'We are God's co-workers in God's service.' Co-workers means working with. You get to work with God in God's service." [01:04:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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