WHY WORK?

Genesis 3:17-18

● 17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

Why do we work?

● Many are in a viscous cycle – work to eat and eat to work.

● Genesis 3:17-18 is often called the Judeo-Christian Work Ethic

● Are you ever discouraged at work? Ready to quit? Why do we get up and go to work?

Wrong Reasons

● Some work to get more THINGS● John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which

perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

● We work for things that won't last,wear out, become useless before we get them paid for

Wrong Reasons

● Some work to get more THINGS● 2 Peter 3:10-11 10 But the day of the Lord will

come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Wrong Reasons

● Some think their work is useless● Galatians 4:11 I am afraid for you, lest I have

labored for you in vain.

● 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Wrong Reasons

● To keep up with the neighbors

● Matthew 6:5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

● Many buy what they don't need or want trying to impress people they don't even like.

Right Reasons

● Part of the Plan of God● Genesis 3:17-18 17 Then to Adam He said,

"Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

Right Reasons

● Part of the Plan of God● God expects us to work, earn our way● God condemns those who will not work● 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were

with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

● We must not be lazy, freeloaders● The world does NOT owe us food and shelter● Of course some need our compassion

Right Reasons

● Able to help others in need● Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no

longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need

● Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

● Victims of earthquake, tornado, floods● The blind, diseases the hinder work

Right Reasons

● Because we trust God● Not – in order to get from God – It is not a

debt that God owes us● Not – to earn heaven, salvation, eternal life● 1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we both labor

and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Right Reasons

● Because we trust God● Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget

your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

● 1 Thessalonians 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

I Want To Be A Worker

● I want to be a worker for the Lord● I want to love and trust His holy Word.● I want to sing and pray ● And be busy every day● In the vineyard of the Lord.