“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1st Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
God, through HIS Word, has a lot to say about labor:
The words, “work” “worker” “workers” “labor” “laborer” and “laborers” occur 518 times in the Bible!
“Labor” = 92x
“Laborer” = 5x
“Laborers” = 8x
“Work” = 374x
“Worker” = 17x
“Workers” = 22x
God has a lot to say about work! We will look at this doctrine under three basic headings:
God has a lot to say about work…
God has a lot to say about “secular” work… and,
God has a lot to say about HIS “Kingdom” work!
There are logical questions that come to mind about this subject, so I will frame my sermon around several of them. Here are the questions and some verses that will help us find the answers.
I hope you will think about these questions and look up the verses as you prepare to hear God’s Word on Sunday!
What was God’s original design for mankind in the area of work?
Genesis 2:15
How did the fall of man affect God’s original design?
Genesis 3:17-19
What is the relationship between labor and God’s provision for the human race in general, and HIS people in particular?
2nd Thessalonians 3:10
How does our relationship with Jesus affect our outlook on this subject?
Ephesians 4:28
Why does call some of HIS people to vocational ministry and others to volunteer ministry in HIS Kingdom work?
Acts 13:1-2
What does it mean to you that you, personally, have been called into God’s Kingdom work?
Nehemiah 4:6; Hebrews 9:14
But, what if I do not know what I am doing? Does God help HIS people accomplish HIS work?
Ephesians 4:10-12
Why do so many people promise to get involved in God’s work but never seem to actually get involved?
Matthew 21:28-31a
Everyone hates to waste time and effort. How do we know that the time and effort we put into the LORD’S work will not be wasted?
1st Corinthians 15:58
One-thousand years from now, will it really matter if we were involved in God’s Kingdom work?
Revelation 14:13
What if we work hard in the LORD’S work but no one notices what we are doing?
Matthew 5:16
There are lots and lots of things that need to be done in HIS Kingdom work; so, how do we know which of them is the most important?
Matthew 9:35-38
I realize that this is a lot to read and think about! I hope you will take some time to think through this as you think about how the Word of God fits into our busy and everyday life!
As Tom Rains often says, “I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!
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