Col 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I. Biblical Approach to Work is 180 Degrees from the World’s Approach

The World’s Reasons to Work

1.      To meet my needs, earn a living. (Mt. 6:11, 25-33)

2.      To make a lot of money by working hard (1 Tim. 6:6-10; Haggai 1:6-7)

3.      To satisfy my desires for power, pleasure & possessions (1Jn. 2:16-17)

4.      To develop my sense of worth, significance or ego (Mt. 6:26; Jer 9:23-24)

5.      Help the economy by obtaining the means to be a good consumer (Dt. 28:38-42)

6.      To find security, significance, self-worth outside of God (Gen.  3:6)

7.      To use the talents God has given (1 Pt. 4:10)

8.      To gain a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. (Ecc. 2:24-26)

9.      Produce something of intrinsic, lasting value. (Ecc. 2:11; 2 Pt. 3;10-11; Jn. 6:27)

The World Looks for Work to Provide Those Things We Should Seek From God.

Biblical Reasons to Work

1.      Obeying God (created with capacity for work - Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15...became difficult after the Fall) - Work is commanded

2.      The channel through which God provides for our needs (II Thes. 3:16-15)

3.      It enables us to give generously (Eph. 4:28; II Cor. 9:11)

4.      A testimony with unbelievers/Friendship evangelism (1Thes. 4:11-12)

5.      It develops our character and skills for God (1 Sam. 16:21)

6.      It provides opportunity to be polished and refined (James 1:2-4)

7.      It provides opportunity for reward by God (1 Pet. 2:18-20)

II.  Investing in the Heavenly Stock Market

How do I exchange the truth that I know, my talents, my money and time to gain eternal rewards?

III. Remember that God Cares More about How the Job is Done than What Job We Have

How God Wants us to Go About Our Work:

- Obediently with sincerity of heart (Col. 3:22)

- With integrity (1 Pet 2:12)

- Submissively (unjust/unreasonable 1 Pet. 2:13-20)

- With humility (Prov. 27:2)

- Selflessly (Phil. 2:12-16)

- Contentedly (Phil.  2:14, 15; 4:11)

- Joyfully/worry-free  (Phil. 4:4-6)

- Diligently (Prov. 12:11; 14:23; 18:9)

- Done in balance (Matt. 6:33)

• Let temporal things serve your use, but the eternal be the object of your desire. -- Thomas a Kempis
• Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.  - C.S. Lewis

IV. Focus on Serving your Boss/Employer

V.  Become a Better Witness...by Working Biblically

We Can be a Positive Witness of our God at Work if We Are:

- Gossip free (Eph. 4:29)

- Free of selfish ambition (James 3:13-17)

- Work in wisdom (Eph. 5:15-16)

- Done in love - Doing what’s in the best interest of those you work with (Matt. 7:12)

- Done with good works in mind (Matt. 5:16)

- Done as a light (Phil. 2:15)

- Done in excellence (Ecc. 9:10)

Discussion

1.      Think of someone you have ever worked with that you respect.  What traits do you admire?

2.      How do I keep work in balance and ensure it doesn’t crowd out God’s best?

3.  On a personal level, what’s the worst thing that can happen at work?

4.  If I work a lot of hours, am I sinning?  What should I do if I’m “overworked?”

5.  Should I seek a promotion at work?

6.  How important is it for my job to fit my design?

7.  What do I do if I don’t enjoy my work?

Sources

Randy Alcorn -  Money, Possessions, and Eternity

Bill Cobb - TOYL Seminar - Work as Worship - Biblical View of Work

Walt Hendrichsen - Booklet - Why Go to Work?

Thomas Nelson Word of Life Study Bible - Selected articles on work