Work

"The gospel works on every aspect of us—mind, will, and feelings—and enables us to both deeply appreciate the work of non-believers and yet aspire to work in unique ways as believers. We see that being a Christian leads us to see our work not as merely a way to earn money, nor as primarily a means of personal advancement, but truly a calling—to serve God and love our neighbor."

~Timothy Keller

Let's Discuss

What do you remember most about your first job?

Today's Point:

Our work gains meaning when it's done to honor Christ.

Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23)

Let's Discuss

How do people in our culture view work?

Solomon's Work Sumary:

1) You can't take it with you

2) You can't trust the kids when you're gone

Without a kingdom purpose, our work can feel meaningless. In the next verses we see that our work is a gift from God.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

While God has created us to work, He did not create us ONLY for work.

What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

Let's Discuss

How can your current job be used for the kingdom of God?

Activity - "Work Perspective"

Complete the activity on page 43 to better understand how human wisdom falls short.

(5 minutes)

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Let's Discuss

What are some practical ways our group can help one another maintain a proper perspective of work?

Live it Out

Be Thankful: Acknowledge that the job you have and the work you do is from God. Give Him thanks!

Rest: Balance your work with rest. Your work is important, but it should never consume you. Block out time daily for rest,and set aside a day for rest.

Work for Christ: Consider the ways you can honor Christ and bring an eternal perspective to your work. Don't consider just the things you do; consider the people you interact with. Look for ways to point to Christ in your work-related relationships.

"Christians have a new world-and-life view that shapes the character of our work. "

~Tim Keller

Task 5

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Task 6

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Task 7

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Task 9

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