Work as Worship: Embracing God's Design for Labor

Devotional

Day 1: Work as Worship: Serving Christ in All We Do

Every task, whether seen or unseen, is an opportunity to honor Christ. The Bible teaches that our work is not just for earthly masters or for the approval of others, but ultimately for the Lord Himself. When we approach our daily responsibilities with this mindset, even the most mundane chores become acts of worship. God sees the heart behind our labor, and He values faithfulness over recognition. Let your work today be a reflection of your devotion to Christ, knowing that He is your true Master and that nothing done for Him is ever wasted. [53:38]

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: In what specific way can you approach your work today—whether at your job, at home, or in service to others—as an act of worship to Christ rather than just a task to complete?

Day 2: Faithfulness in the Unseen: God Never Forgets

There are seasons when our efforts seem to go unnoticed, and we may feel underappreciated or forgotten. Yet, God is never unrighteous to forget the labor of love done in His name. Every act of kindness, every prayer offered, and every sacrifice made for others is remembered by Him. Even when no one else sees, God keeps the books in heaven and promises a reward for those who serve faithfully. Let this truth encourage you to persevere in doing good, trusting that your heavenly Father values every moment of faithful service. [01:11:07]

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV):
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."

Reflection: Who is one person you can quietly serve or encourage today, trusting that God sees and values your unseen faithfulness?

Day 3: The Call to Obedience: Following Christ’s Example

Obedience is at the heart of the Christian life, modeled perfectly by Christ Himself. Whether in the family, workplace, or community, God calls us to submit to authority with a willing spirit, not out of mere duty but as a reflection of our relationship with Him. This obedience is not blind or unthinking, but it is marked by respect, humility, and a desire to honor God above all. As you face instructions or requests today, consider how your response can mirror Christ’s own obedience to the Father, bringing glory to God in your attitude and actions. [55:38]

Colossians 3:22 (ESV):
"Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."

Reflection: Is there an area where you have resisted or grumbled against authority? How can you choose a Christlike, obedient attitude in that situation today?

Day 4: Living for Eternity: The Coming Day of Reward

Life is short, and eternity is long. The Bible reminds us that there will be a day when each believer stands before Christ to give an account for how they lived and served. This is not a day to fear, but a motivation to live purposefully, investing our time and talents in what truly matters. God promises crowns and rewards for faithful service, and He desires that we live with eternity in view, not wasting our days on selfish pursuits but laboring for the King of Kings. Let the reality of the coming judgment seat inspire you to make today count for Christ. [01:16:39]

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV):
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Reflection: If you knew you would stand before Christ tonight, what is one change you would make in how you spend your time or use your gifts today?

Day 5: The Blessing of Work: God’s Good Design

Work is not a curse, but a blessing given by God from the very beginning. Whether in employment, ministry, or daily tasks, God designed us to be productive and to find purpose in serving others. Rest is important, but the call to fruitful labor remains until He calls us home. Rather than longing for a life of ease or retirement from meaningful service, embrace the opportunities God gives you each day to make a difference for His kingdom. Remember, your primary calling is to express the glory of Christ through the gospel in all you do. [01:19:18]

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

Reflection: How can you view your daily work—whether paid or unpaid—as a gift from God and an opportunity to reflect His character to those around you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a reminder of the beauty and blessing of work, not just as a means of provision, but as a calling from God Himself. From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, work was part of God’s good design for humanity—given before the fall, not as a curse, but as a gift. As we reflect on Labor Day, it’s important to remember that our labor, whether seen or unseen, is ultimately for the Lord. The world may see work as a burden or something to be avoided, but God’s Word calls us to see it as an opportunity to serve Him and others with diligence, integrity, and joy.

The book of Colossians, especially chapter 3, challenges us to live out our faith in every area of life, including our work. We are reminded that Christ is supreme over all things, and that our lives—including our daily tasks—should reflect His preeminence. Whether we are employees, employers, or serving in any capacity, our true Master is Christ. This means that our attitude, effort, and faithfulness in our work matter deeply to God. We are called to obey those in authority over us, not just when they are watching, but with sincerity and wholeheartedness, knowing that God sees and rewards what is done in secret.

The passage also addresses the relationships within the home and workplace, urging us to live with humility, sacrificial love, and a spirit of submission that mirrors Christ’s own example. For those in positions of authority, the call is to treat others justly and fairly, remembering that we too have a Master in heaven who will one day call us to account. The reality of the coming judgment seat of Christ should sober us and inspire us to use our days wisely, investing our time and talents in what is eternal rather than what is fleeting.

Ultimately, every act of service, no matter how small or unnoticed by others, is seen and valued by God. He promises to reward faithful labor, and He does not forget the sacrifices made in His name. As we look forward to that day when we stand before Him, may we be found faithful, having lived and worked for the glory of the King of Kings.

Key Takeaways

1. Work is God’s Good Design, Not a Curse Work was instituted by God before the fall, making it a fundamental part of our purpose and dignity as His creation. Rather than viewing labor as a necessary evil, we are invited to see it as a means of worship and stewardship. Our daily tasks, no matter how mundane, are opportunities to reflect God’s character and creativity in the world. [39:00]
2. Obedience and Integrity in Service True Christian service is marked by obedience and integrity, not just when others are watching, but especially when no one sees. The call is to serve “not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” This means our motivation is not human approval, but a reverent desire to honor the Lord in all things, even in the unseen corners of our work. [53:38]
3. The Ultimate Audience: Serving Christ Above All Every believer, regardless of their earthly position, serves Christ as their true Master. This perspective transforms our work from mere duty to divine calling, infusing even the most ordinary tasks with eternal significance. Knowing that our reward comes from the Lord, we are freed from the need for human recognition and empowered to labor with joy and perseverance. [66:37]
4. Faithfulness in Obscurity is Not Forgotten by God Many acts of service go unnoticed by people, but none escape God’s attention. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness, a prayer offered in secret, or years of faithful labor in a difficult place, God promises to remember and reward every labor of love done in His name. This truth encourages us to persevere, even when appreciation is lacking or results seem small. [71:07]
5. A Coming Day of Account and Reward There is a day coming when every believer will stand before Christ to give an account for how they have lived and served. This is not a judgment of salvation, but of stewardship—how we have used the gifts, time, and opportunities entrusted to us. The prospect of hearing “Well done” from our Lord should motivate us to live purposefully, investing our lives in what truly matters for eternity. [75:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:58] - Children’s Presentation and Reflections
[39:00] - The Blessing and Origin of Work
[41:53] - Review of Colossians: Faith and Deliverance
[44:54] - Walking in Christ: Marks of Genuine Faith
[46:05] - Sanctification and the Word Dwelling Richly
[47:25] - Singing with Grace and Overflowing Hearts
[49:00] - Living All of Life in the Name of Jesus
[50:48] - Christ’s Lordship in the Home and Family
[51:37] - Instructions to Servants and Employees
[53:38] - Working Heartily: Obedience and Integrity
[55:38] - Historical Context: Slavery and Service
[57:09] - The Mission of the Church: Gospel Focus
[66:37] - Serving Christ as the True Master
[71:07] - God’s Reward for Faithful Service
[72:25] - The Blessing of Work and the Myth of Retirement
[73:49] - Masters: Justice and Accountability
[75:16] - The Judgment Seat of Christ
[76:39] - Living for Eternal Reward
[79:18] - Closing Prayer and Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:22–4:1 (ESV) — > 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
> 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
> 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
> 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
> 1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV) — > For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) — > For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 3:22–24, what is the attitude and motivation that Christian workers are called to have in their daily tasks?
In the sermon, what examples were given of “eye-service” or “people-pleasing” in the workplace? ([53:38])
What does Paul say to those in authority (masters) in Colossians 4:1, and how does this relate to the way they treat others?
How does Hebrews 6:10 encourage believers who feel their faithful service goes unnoticed? ([01:11:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that work is part of God’s good design and not a curse? How does this change the way Christians should view their jobs? ([39:00])
What does it mean to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”? How might this perspective affect someone’s effort and integrity at work? ([53:38])
The sermon mentions a coming day when every believer will stand before Christ to give an account (2 Corinthians 5:10). How should this future reality shape our daily choices and priorities? ([01:15:16])
For those in positions of authority, why is it important to remember that they too have a Master in heaven? How does this truth impact leadership and fairness? ([01:13:49])

Application Questions

The sermon reminded us that work is a gift from God, not a punishment. How does your current attitude toward your job or daily tasks reflect this truth? Is there an area where you need to ask God to change your perspective? ([39:00])
Think about a time when you were tempted to do your best only when someone was watching. What practical steps can you take this week to serve with integrity, even when no one else sees? ([53:38])
The passage calls us to serve “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” What would it look like for you to approach your work or responsibilities with this kind of wholeheartedness? ([53:38])
Are there “unseen” acts of service or faithfulness in your life that you feel have gone unnoticed? How does the promise of God’s reward in Hebrews 6:10 encourage you to keep going? ([01:11:07])
If you are in a position of authority (at work, home, or church), how can you treat those under your care with justice and fairness, remembering that you also answer to God? ([01:13:49])
The sermon spoke about the coming judgment seat of Christ and the desire to hear “Well done” from the Lord. What is one area of your life where you want to be more faithful with the time, gifts, or opportunities God has given you? ([01:15:16])
Retirement and rest were discussed as biblical, but not as an excuse to stop serving. How can you continue to use your time and abilities for God’s glory, even in seasons when your work situation changes? ([01:12:25])

Sermon Clips

Did you know that that verse should really be, verse 17, and you can turn your eyes back to the text, it really should be the overwhelming verse that controls every thought, decision, plan, idea, menu, activity that you engage yourself in. Let's look at that verse again together. It says this, Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Do it all in His name. In other words, it must be that if I can't do it in His name, with thanksgiving, if there's a doubt about that, then I shouldn't do that or pursue that plan or activity. [00:49:33] (45 seconds) #DoAllInJesusName

I think the focus of a good servant on this Labor Day challenge would be simply this. As believers, we don't just serve our human boss, our human authority. We serve the Lord. So our focus is this, that our real master is Christ. He is our leader. He is the one to whom we ultimately and today give an account. He is the one that we want to one day hear in heaven, well done. [01:07:26] (34 seconds) #EveryDeedCountsForGod

All your deeds, did you know this? Even if it's just a cup of water or an unseen gift of charity will be remembered and rewarded. Sometimes we fall into the trap of saying, I wish somebody would see what I wish I was more greatly appreciated for what I do. [01:08:08] (18 seconds) #LaborWithoutHumanPraise

What is the focus of the servant? Well, I know one thing, that the Lord shall reward. We shall receive the reward of inheritance, for we don't serve necessarily just this human plane, but we serve the Lord and He doesn't miss anything. That cup of water, that note that you sent, that casserole that you baked, that lonely hour where you prayed for someone, maybe just a distant relative, that they would come to know Christ in that moment of prayer. God remembers. [01:09:39] (46 seconds) #WorkWhileItIsDay

God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love in which you have showed in his name, that you have ministered to the saints and do minister. God will not forget this moment. Sometimes we think that we are forgotten about, underappreciated, undervalued. God is unrighteous. God is keeping the books in heaven, knowing, verse 24, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ. [01:11:34] (36 seconds) #RestIsBiblicalWorkIsBlessing

So we are to work, for the night is coming when no man can work. John chapter 9 and verse 4, he said, well, did the Lord have to work? He surely did. He said, I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work. [01:12:34] (19 seconds) #PrepareForTheBemaSeat

Every one of us, 2 Corinthians 5, 10, every one of us, no exceptions here. No one's getting out of this. As a believer, God will call us together and he will sit upon that platform. He will call your name without exception and he will bring you before him. Are you trembling yet? Well, you probably ought to be. All of us need this fear of God because he will look us in the eye individually and he will ask us, well, he knows, right? He will award us according to our works. [01:15:09] (38 seconds)

Every one of you has been given a gift. Every one of you has been given today, the day that God has given us. And we can fritter it away. But oh, what a terrible thing it is to enter eternity with this thought on our hearts. I wish, I wish that I had given him more. [01:16:16] (22 seconds)

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