Scripture References: Colossians 3:17, 23-24; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 3:17-19; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Luke 5:1-11
Intro: Welcome. Many of us experience frustration with work – feeling unemployed, underemployed, overworked, or that our work lacks meaning. Work often "doesn't work" for us, a consequence of the Fall (Gen 3). But work was originally good! Today, we continue building a healthy theology of work by redefining "the Lord's work" – seeing how your daily job can be redeemed and recognized as vital ministry.
Key Points:
- Redefining "The Lord's Work": Historically, a false divide emerged between "sacred" work (pastors, monks) and "secular" work. But the Reformation recovered the biblical truth of the priesthood of ALL believers (1 Pet 2:9). If you are obeying God's call in your specific vocation, you ARE doing the Lord's work.
- Motivation Over Task: It's not what you do, but why you do it (for God's glory, in faith) that makes it holy. Making good shoes or cleaning floors can be as pleasing to God as preaching (Luther, Tyndale).
- No Sacred/Secular Split: God values all legitimate work done faithfully. The Spirit first filled craftsmen in Exodus, not just priests or prophets.
- You Have a Ministry (Eph 4:11-12; 2 Cor 5:18-20): Church leaders equip you for your ministry. Every believer is an ambassador with the ministry of reconciliation. Your workplace, home, and community are your primary mission fields.
- Obedience is Key (Luke 5:1-11): When Jesus called the disciples, He didn't devalue their fishing profession. He met them there, demonstrated His power through it, and then called them. The point isn't the specific job, but obedience to His call, whether He calls you to stay in your trade or from it to something else.
- Fulfilling the Cultural Mandate (Gen 1:28): God's first command involved developing the world – building families, cities, culture, harnessing creation through work. Our daily vocations are a primary way we fulfill this mandate.
Conclusion: Work, though impacted by the Fall, is being redeemed by Christ. Embrace the truth that your daily vocation, when done in faith and obedience to God's call, is the Lord's work. You are a priest, a minister, an ambassador right where God has placed you, participating in His cultural mandate.
Call to Action: See your job through a new lens this week – as your God-given ministry assignment. Ask Him: "Lord, what have You called me to do here? Who have You called me to?" Live with a sense of being "sent" into your workplace or daily tasks. Prepare your heart to be commissioned next week for the specific work God has called you to.
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