Proverbs: Work

Intro

Good morning! My name is Ken, and I serve as one of the elders here. I haven’t delivered a sermon in nine years, but I’ve been serving in ministry the whole time—from pastoring to managing a condo complex. I’ve wondered if my work was spiritually significant, a feeling many of us share. Today, we'll explore the big idea that God desires to be glorified in our work, no matter where we are.

Scripture References

Proverbs 8:22, Proverbs 3:19-20, Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15, Genesis 3:17-19, Proverbs 26:13, Proverbs 6:6-11, Colossians 3:23, Romans 12:11, Ephesians 4:28, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 18:9, Proverbs 16:3, Ephesians 2:8-9

Key Points

• Work is Divine and Human:
  • God is a worker. Creation is the result of His masterful, intelligent design (Prov 3:19-20). He works wisely, and so should we.
  • Humans are made to work. God put man in the Garden "to tend and keep it" (Gen 2:15). He infused in us a yearning to explore, create, and develop. We find purpose and provision through labor.
• The Fall and the Two Dangers:
  • Sin cursed the ground, making work toilsome (Gen 3:17-19). This led to two extremes: laziness and workaholism.
  • Laziness makes excuses ("There's a lion in the road!" Prov 26:13).
  • Workaholism makes work an idol and our identity. We trade our souls for success, but our true identity is as God's child, regardless of our job title.
• Four Characteristics of Working Wisely:
  1. Work by Faith: Do everything "as unto the Lord," your unseen supervisor (Col 3:23).
  2. Work Diligently: Like the ant, don't be a sluggard (Prov 6:6). God has provided what you need, so go get it. Everyone must participate.
  3. Work for the Colony: Ants have two stomachs: one for themselves, and a second to bring food back for the colony. Work not only to nourish yourself but also to have something "to give to him who has need" (Eph 4:28).
  4. Work with Excellence: Do your work well, not just heartily (Prov 22:29). Whether you're a CEO or a burger flipper, strive for excellence because you are working for God, not men.
• The Pulpit of Your Work:
  • My own experience as a pastor-turned-drywall-worker taught me this: "That job is your pulpit." We can minister in whatever "garden" God has placed us in. When we commit our work to the Lord, our thoughts and purpose become established.
  • Joseph is a model for working diligently and with excellence, even in the worst circumstances. God vindicated him and promoted him from prison to the palace because he stayed faithful.

Conclusion

What if reaching the world was as simple as going to work? We can glorify God in our everyday jobs and minister to those around us. This is a sacred calling.

Calls to Action

• Commit your work to the Lord: Today, pray and put your job in His hands. Ask Him to change your thoughts and perspective.
• Do a self-check: Where is your identity? In your title or in Christ?
• Receive the Gift of Grace: We cannot earn salvation through our work; it is a gift from God. Come to the communion table and receive the gift Jesus has prepared.