Work as Worship: Glorifying God in Our Labor
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of work in our lives as Christians. I began by discussing the origin of work, tracing it back to the creation story in Genesis where God Himself worked to create the heavens and the earth. I highlighted that God's work in creation points to who He is and that He has given us the responsibility to work and take care of His creation. I also invited those unsure about their salvation to come forward and learn about the relationship Jesus Christ desires for them to have with Him and His Father.
In the second part of my sermon, I focused on the idea that God desires to prosper our work. I explained that God created the earth perfectly, but He also left it with untapped potential for cultivation that we can unlock through our work. I emphasized that God has given us the ability to create and innovate, and He desires for us to use these abilities to bring Him glory. I also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards our work, as our attitude can reflect who God is in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- God created us to work and take care of His creation. Our work is a form of worship and service to Him. ([34:59])
- God desires to prosper our work. He has given us the ability to create and innovate, and He wants us to use these abilities to bring Him glory. ([18:29])
- Our attitude towards our work reflects who God is in our lives. We should strive to maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging work situations. ([19:14])
- God has left the earth with untapped potential for cultivation that we can unlock through our work. This means that our work has significance and purpose. ([20:01])
- As Christians, we should strive to be hard workers, as this reflects positively on our faith and can be a form of witness to others. ([22:21])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1 #!!00:31!!#
2. Genesis 1:28 #!!19:14!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Genesis 1:1 tell us about the origin of work?
2. In Genesis 1:28, what command does God give to Adam and Eve regarding their work?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Genesis 1:1 challenge our perception of work as a result of the fall?
2. What does the command in Genesis 1:28 imply about God's intention for our work?
Application Questions:
1. How does understanding work as part of God's original design change your perspective on your current job or tasks?
2. In what ways can you see your work as a form of worship to God?
3. How can you apply the command in Genesis 1:28 to "subdue" the earth in your current work or tasks?
4. Can you identify a specific way you can use your work to bring glory to God this week?
5. How can you demonstrate a Christ-like attitude in your workplace, even when the tasks are challenging or mundane?
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Through Work
Our work is not just a means to an end, but a form of worship to God. When we understand that our daily work is a way to worship God, it changes our perspective and attitude towards it. Our workplaces become sanctuaries where we can honor God through our diligence, creativity, and integrity. [34:59]
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."
Reflection: How can you change your perspective to see your work as a form of worship to God?
Day 2: God's Creation Reflects His Work
God's creation is a testament to His work. He created the world with purpose and intention, and each aspect of creation reflects His divine craftsmanship. As we work, we mirror God's creative nature and contribute to His ongoing creation. [01:55]
Psalm 104:24 - "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."
Reflection: How does your work reflect God's creative nature?
Day 3: God Desires to Prosper Your Work
God desires to prosper our work. He has given us the ability to create and innovate, and He delights in seeing us use these gifts to bring Him glory. Our work is not just about earning a living, but about contributing to God's kingdom. [19:14]
Deuteronomy 28:12 - "The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands."
Reflection: How can you use your work to bring glory to God?
Day 4: Work Gives Us Significance
Work gives us a sense of significance. It allows us to contribute to society, use our talents, and find purpose. When we see our work as significant, it becomes more than just a job, but a calling from God. [20:55]
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."
Reflection: How does your work give you a sense of significance?
Day 5: Our Work Reflects Our Faith
Our work is a reflection of our faith. When we work diligently and with integrity, we show others the love of Christ. Our work is not just about what we do, but how we do it. It's an opportunity to be a light in the world. [22:21]
Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Reflection: How can you use your work to reflect your faith and show others the love of Christ?
Quotes
1. "God spoke to you today, won't you come? For those that might say, 'Hey Pastor Aaron, I'm not sure about my salvation,' I would love to show you from the word of God how that you can have the relationship that Jesus Christ desires for you to have with him and his father." - 34:13
2. "God did not create us as cavemen to go knock a woman over the head and drag her out of the cave and tell her you're going to go wherever I tell you you're going to go. That is not a Biblical picture. When God created Adam and Eve, he created them to work together." - 15:32
3. "We should be a people that doesn't just throw trash out the window into our beautiful creation that God's given us. We should try to take care of the environment that God has given us. We need to take responsibility for the creation that God has given us because he called us to be stewards over his creation." - 24:56
4. "God has you exactly where you are at and where you work so that others can see Christ through you. But if our attitude is, 'Well, I just got to make another paycheck so I can supply for the needs of my house, I can't stand this job, it's awful,' what kind of testimony is that of who God is in your life?" - 17:43
5. "God desires to prosper your work. While God created Earth perfectly, he also created it with leaving a blank slate for people to become innovative and to use their creative minds that he gave them to use creation to bring him glory. He's given you an imagination, he's given you abilities for you to use to bring him glory." - 17:43
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