Theology of Work Series: Recent Episodes
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We hear the second sermon in the Theology of Work series from pastor Jason titled: “My Habits are my Chains,” from Colossians 3:22-25 where He shares with us, that:
1) we are told by Paul to work as if unto God no matter at what task even if my boss is not watching (this being integrity).
2) He shared that we will not be satisfied in our work if we work for idols- no fruits of the Spirit in that case;
3) but that when we work for God we receive the Fruits of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This week we look into Jesus' invitation to rest, as Sabbath rest was meant to be. From Matthew 11:28-30.
From Genesis 3:16-19 we can see why existence is with so laden with much toil and labor, namely due to the curse after the sin, humanity is now dealing with: 1) labor pains; 2) relational difficulties especially between man and wife; 3) fruitlessness in labor; 4) all under the shadow futility, cast by mortality. The gospel and passages from the New Testament address each of these (from various parts).
This week pastor Jason shares from First Corinthians 15:9-11, where he shares Paul's views of his apostleship and the difficulties therein a gift. "I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me."
In this message we explore the inner motives for individuals or group of people to work hard to outdo one another: Genesis 11:1-9 "to make a name for ourselves," and "to prevent scattering over the earth." Ironically, their very aim is thwarted and the event of the Pentecost from Acts 2 is reviewed as an event that does precisely the opposite to the confounding of speech in the man-centered endeavor vis-a-vis worship, that allow for understanding in the midst of diverse languages.
This week pastor Charlie preaches from Nehemiah 1:11. Nehemiah was a Jew and an intercessor, although at the time he was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. Much in the same way, our careers can vary and be plural, while our calling as Christ's people is singular. The world tries to have one's identity be defined by the former, but it is rather by the latter that we find security and stability of being.
Genesis 2:4-15
1) Notice that God had designed work into existence (long before money came into currency)
2) No "menial" work in the Kingdom of God (notice that Adam's job was to work the ground)
3) Working hard is part of worship (enjoyment of God)
4) Hard work can reach a point where it becomes like play (process of enjoyment)