Work as Worship: A Divine Calling

 

Summary

In today's session, we explored the profound significance of work from a biblical perspective, emphasizing that our vocational calling is a sacred duty unto God. Drawing from Ephesians 6:5-8, we delved into the idea that our work is not merely a secular activity but a divine assignment that holds eternal value. This understanding was a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation, which revived the notion that all work, whether in the field or the office, is a means to glorify God. The Reformation's emphasis on the Protestant work ethic reminds us that we are saved not to sit idly but to work diligently for God's glory.

We began by examining the concept of "work assigned" in Genesis, where God created man in His image and assigned him the task of ruling over creation. This mandate to work was given before the fall, indicating that work is part of God's perfect will for humanity. However, with the fall came "work hindered," as seen in Genesis 3, where sin introduced toil and hardship into our labor. Despite these challenges, work remains a divine calling, and idleness is considered a sin.

Moving to Psalm 128, we discussed "work blessed," where those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways find satisfaction and blessing in their labor. This blessing is not only eternal but also temporal, as it brings personal joy and fulfillment. Ecclesiastes further explores the idea of "work enjoyed," highlighting that without a God-centered perspective, work can feel meaningless. However, when we recognize our work as a divine assignment, it becomes a source of joy and purpose.

In Ephesians 6, we learned about "work rewarded," where God promises to reward those who work as unto Christ, regardless of earthly recognition. Finally, in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, we saw "work reinforced," emphasizing that work is a command and a testimony to the world of our faith in a working God.

Key Takeaways:

- Work as Divine Assignment: Our work is a sacred calling from God, assigned to us as part of His perfect will. This understanding elevates our daily tasks from mundane to meaningful, as we are called to reflect God's image through our labor. [05:21:28]

- The Impact of the Fall on Work: Sin introduced toil and hardship into our work, yet it remains a divine mandate. Recognizing this helps us persevere through challenges, knowing that our labor is still a means to glorify God. [05:27:55]

- Blessing in Obedience: Those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways find satisfaction and blessing in their work. This blessing is both eternal and temporal, bringing joy and fulfillment as we align our labor with God's purposes. [05:36:09]

- Finding Joy in Work: Without a God-centered perspective, work can feel meaningless. However, when we see our work as a divine assignment, it becomes a source of joy and purpose, transforming our daily tasks into acts of worship. [05:50:53]

- Eternal Reward for Faithful Work: God promises to reward those who work as unto Christ, regardless of earthly recognition. This assurance encourages us to remain faithful in our labor, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from God. [05:58:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:19:01] - Introduction to Work's Eternal Significance
- [05:19:35] - Ephesians 6:5-8: Work as a Sacred Calling
- [05:21:28] - The Protestant Work Ethic
- [05:23:39] - Work Assigned: Genesis and Creation Mandate
- [05:27:55] - Work Hindered: The Impact of the Fall
- [05:35:00] - Work Blessed: Psalm 128
- [05:43:01] - Work Enjoyed: Ecclesiastes
- [05:53:33] - Work Rewarded: Ephesians 6
- [05:59:11] - Work Reinforced: Thessalonians
- [06:03:34] - The Finished Work of Christ
- [06:05:36] - Closing Remarks and Resources

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:5-8
- Genesis 1:26-28
- Psalm 128:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ephesians 6:5-8, what instructions are given to slaves regarding their work, and how are they encouraged to view their labor? [05:20:10]

2. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what was the original purpose of work as assigned by God to humanity? How does this relate to being made in God's image? [05:24:14]

3. Psalm 128:1-2 describes a blessing for those who fear the Lord. What connection does the psalm make between fearing the Lord and finding satisfaction in one's work? [05:36:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the impact of the fall on work, as seen in Genesis 3? What are the consequences of sin on labor? [05:29:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of work as a divine assignment change the way one might approach their daily tasks? Consider the implications of seeing work as a reflection of God's image. [05:21:28]

2. The sermon mentions the Protestant work ethic as a recovery of the biblical view of work. How does this ethic influence the way Christians might view their vocational calling today? [05:22:07]

3. In what ways does the promise of eternal reward for faithful work, as mentioned in Ephesians 6, provide motivation for believers to persevere in their labor? [05:58:04]

4. How does recognizing the challenges introduced by the fall help believers persevere through difficulties in their work? What role does this understanding play in glorifying God through labor? [05:27:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current job or daily tasks. How can you begin to view them as a divine assignment rather than just a means to an end? What changes in attitude or practice might this require? [05:21:28]

2. Consider a time when work felt particularly challenging or meaningless. How might a God-centered perspective have changed your experience in that situation? What steps can you take to cultivate this perspective in the future? [05:50:53]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and sincerity in work. How can you ensure that your work is done with a sincere heart, as unto Christ, rather than merely for human approval? [05:56:01]

4. Identify an area in your work where you struggle with idleness or procrastination. What practical steps can you take to overcome these tendencies and align your work habits with God's purposes? [05:28:34]

5. Think about a specific task or project you are currently working on. How can you intentionally seek God's blessing and satisfaction in this work, as described in Psalm 128? [05:36:09]

6. How can you encourage others in your workplace or community to see their work as a means to glorify God? What conversations or actions might help foster this understanding? [05:22:07]

7. Reflect on the idea of work being rewarded by God. How does this promise influence your motivation and commitment to your current responsibilities? What changes might you make to ensure your work is pleasing to God? [05:58:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Work as a Sacred Calling
Our work is not just a means to an end but a divine assignment given by God. This perspective elevates our daily tasks from mundane to meaningful, as we are called to reflect God's image through our labor. In Ephesians 6:5-8, we are reminded that our work is a sacred duty unto God, not merely a secular activity. This understanding was a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation, which emphasized that all work, whether in the field or the office, is a means to glorify God. By viewing our work as a divine calling, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our daily tasks, knowing that we are contributing to God's kingdom. [05:21:28]

"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." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach your work today as a sacred calling from God, rather than just a job or task to complete?


Day 2: Persevering Through Toil and Hardship
The impact of the fall introduced toil and hardship into our work, yet it remains a divine mandate. Recognizing this helps us persevere through challenges, knowing that our labor is still a means to glorify God. In Genesis, God assigned work to humanity before the fall, indicating that work is part of His perfect will. However, sin brought about difficulties in our labor, as seen in Genesis 3. Despite these challenges, we are called to persevere, understanding that our work is still a divine calling and a way to reflect God's image. [05:27:55]

"And to Adam he said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, "You shall not eat of it," cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.'" (Genesis 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What specific challenges are you facing in your work today, and how can you invite God into those struggles to find perseverance and purpose?


Day 3: Blessing Through Obedience
Those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways find satisfaction and blessing in their work. This blessing is both eternal and temporal, bringing joy and fulfillment as we align our labor with God's purposes. Psalm 128 speaks of the blessings that come to those who fear the Lord, highlighting the satisfaction and joy that can be found in our work when we are obedient to God's commands. By aligning our work with God's purposes, we can experience both temporal and eternal blessings, finding joy and fulfillment in our labor. [05:36:09]

"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." (Psalm 128:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you align your work with God's purposes today to experience His blessings and joy?


Day 4: Finding Joy and Purpose in Work
Without a God-centered perspective, work can feel meaningless. However, when we see our work as a divine assignment, it becomes a source of joy and purpose, transforming our daily tasks into acts of worship. Ecclesiastes explores the idea of finding enjoyment in our work, emphasizing that without a God-centered perspective, work can feel futile. By recognizing our work as a divine assignment, we can find joy and purpose in our daily tasks, transforming them into acts of worship and service to God. [05:50:53]

"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you transform your daily tasks into acts of worship today, finding joy and purpose in your work?


Day 5: Assurance of Eternal Reward
God promises to reward those who work as unto Christ, regardless of earthly recognition. This assurance encourages us to remain faithful in our labor, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from God. Ephesians 6 reminds us that our work is ultimately for the Lord, and He promises to reward our faithful labor. This assurance allows us to remain steadfast in our work, even when we do not receive earthly recognition, knowing that our ultimate reward is from God. [05:58:04]

"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." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you focus on working for God's approval rather than seeking recognition from others in your work today?

Quotes



"your work matters to God whenever the people of God have come back to the work word of God they always come back to the fact that your vocational calling is a sacred calling unto God as Martin Luther once said there are no small occupations that everything that you do whatever that is whether you're a white collar or blue collar worker whether you work in a field or in an office wherever God calls you to put your shoulder to the plow and Aspire in the field and to work you are to do that as unto the Lord" [05:20:12]

"work because God is a working God and if Adam is to be like God then Adam must work because God is a working God God is not a sitting God in the sense of being inactive though he is is enthroned in the heavens he is working the Affairs of Providence every moment of every day and God is answering prayer God is opening blinded eyes to see the truth of the gospel God is opening hardened Hearts to receive the message of of Saving Grace H God is overturning the the resistance of the world to the gospel every second God is working God's not passive is active" [05:25:01]

"sin has left a devastating effect upon man's assignment of work and so in verse 17 we read these startling words cursed severely judged is the grand because of you because of your original sin in toil you will not eat of it all the days of your life this word toil in the original Hebrew uh speaks of pain hardship sorrow backbreaking sweat producing labor and work and so the creation mandate the work assigned will continue but now you're going to be pushing the Rope uphill now there will be diff difficulty in a fallen world because of God's curse upon the world" [05:29:28]

"despite the curse that is upon work the Earth and our labor on the earth there nevertheless is a blessing that God pronounces upon the worker and the one who works to provide for his family and to provide for others and so beginning in verse one he begins how blessed in the Hebrew it's in the plural which is oh the blessedness is the the multiplicity of of blessing the fullness of of blessing how blessed is is everyone and he now mentions three things number one who fears the Lord synonymous with saving Faith synonymous with the one who stands in reverential awe in the presence of God" [05:35:36]

"this work that God has given us to do has assigned to us that is hindered by the curse it is so empty if you do not fear God it is so meaningless to go to the office if you do not live with an eternal perspective if you only only do this for your employer how empty and vain it is if you do not do this for the ultimate Sovereign of the universe no matter how mundane or trivial it might appear to be to the world then it's just going to be vanity of vanities all is Vanity" [05:43:01]

"there is no enjoyment in work independent of the one who assigned it to you there is no enjoyment from work without the realization that this is the will of God for my life and there is no enjoyment from God without really realizing that there are no easy jobs on the planet that it is all been affected by the curse if you're trying to find a job that is easy you'll have to go to another planet or it's really not a job" [05:51:52]

"God promises a reward whether it's in this lifetime or in the Life to Come nevertheless God is an impartial all knowing judge and when he sees you doing your work as unto Christ he notes it and he will reward it so in Ephesians chapter 6 I'm just going to have to quickly go through this slaves and let me just say this applies equally to all employees who are under an employer slaves be obedient to those who are your Masters according to the flesh be obedient is in the present tense meaning you are to be always obedient to them" [05:53:33]

"show up early and do what you're told to do with a good attitude and you'll end up being the president of the company how simple is that that that's what Paul is saying here to the slaves just show up early and do what you're told to do and do it with a great attitude be obedient to those who are your Masters according to the Flesh and notice how it is to be carried out with fear and trembling I don't have time to do word studies uh on this but fear Phobos phobia and trembling literally you take this so serious that there is an inner uh trauma" [05:57:58]

"whatever good thing each one does he referring to the slave or the employee will receive back from the Lord now your master may pass you over for the promotion your master may pass you by for the raise that's okay in this sense the Lord himself sees he knows he's recording it and he will reward you now it may not be in this lifetime or it may be in this lifetime that's left to his Sovereign discretion but one way or another whether now or later he will pay you back because you work for him and he's a he is a benevolent Master" [05:58:04]

"there were people so looking for the return of Christ they were quitting their jobs they were withdrawing out of society like sometimes we may feel like doing the way the culture is going and Paul has to address this no you cannot stop working and so he says in verse 11 make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business stop sticking your nose into everyone else's business you just do what has been given to you to do and he says and work with your hands just as we commanded you so it's a command to work" [05:59:11]

"if a man will not work then neither let him eat because his hunger pains will give him a new perspective on work it'll be a new motivation for him to get working if there's no free handout after I graduated from Seminary they gave me the responsibility of being over the benevolence Ministry to to give money to people who had no means and so they gave me let's just say it's $20,000 in my budget so I thought okay I came up with a list of work assignments rake the leaves take out the trash sweet the gym" [06:02:34]

"you'll never work your way to heaven there's only one way to go to heaven and that's by the work of another the Lord Jesus Christ and his finished work and his sinless life and substitutionary sin bearing death upon the cross and it is only by the finished work of Jesus Christ is salvation offered to anyone and everyone as a free gift and you must come to him with an empty hand and humble yourself and say have mercy upon me The Sinner Jesus only died for one kind of person and that's a sinner he didn't die for good people he died for really bad people" [06:05:36]

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Transcript
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