Key Verses – Matthew 25:14 - “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1● Cultural Messages on Earning

○ Your value is measured by your position, your paycheck, the kind of car you drive, or the house you live in. ○ A little more money will solve all your problems.

2● The Mind and Heart of God

○ Our value is not measured by what we earn or do, but by who we are: beloved sons and daughters of God.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 3:1a - See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ……

○ Work is a blessing; it was created before the Fall and is an important part of what we are created for.

Genesis 1:28 & 2:15 – 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

○ God expects work to be a significant part of our lives.    Exodus 20:9 - Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

3● The Diligent Earner – is one who works hard with Commitment, Purpose, and a Grateful Attitude.

A○ Why we work

■ Work is part of being Created in God’s Image.

Genesis 1:27 - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

John 5:17 - In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

■ Work is part of the “good deeds” that others see in you that Points them to Jesus & brings glory to God.

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:12 - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

■ We Work To provide for ourselves and those dependent on us.

1 Timothy 5:8 - Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

■ We Work To have something to share with those in Need.

Ephesians 4:28 - Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

■ We Work To win the respect of others and not be dependent on anyone.

1 Thessalonians 4:11b-12 – 11b …… You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

B○ How we work

■ We Work Wholeheartedly.    Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

■ We Work Without complaining, grumbline, or arguing.

Philippians 2:14-15 - 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

■ We Work With gratitude for God’s gifting & ability. 

Deuteronomy 8:18a - But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth….

C○ Warning: it’s possible to become enslaved to work…

■ We become Enslaved to Work When we place our self-worth, value, & identity in work rather than in God.

1 John 3:1a - See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ……

■ We become Enslaved to Work When we become too concerned with the praise of men.

Matthew 23:5-7 - 5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

■ We become Enslaved to Work When earning becomes our security rather than God. 

1 Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.