Working for God's Glory

Colossians 3:23-24; Revelation 22:3

Theme: God created us to work for his glory, both in this life and in the life to come.

Introduction:

Work is a common and essential part of our lives. We spend most of our waking hours working, whether at home, at school, or at our jobs. Many people find there identity in there work or job.

But what is the purpose of work?

Why did God create us to work?

How should we view work as Christians?

What will work be like in heaven?

In today's message were are going to explore these questions and see what exactly the Bible says about work, we will look at two passages that teach us about working for God’s glory, both in this life and in the life to come: Gen. 1:26-28; Colossians 3:23-24 and Revelation 22:3.

Lets start by reading from Gen. 1:26-28 and Gen. 2:15

Genesis 1:26–28 NKJV

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 2:15 NKJV

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

Point 1:

Work is a gift from God

The Bible tells us that work is part of God’s original design for humanity.

He created us in his image and likeness, and gave us the mandate to rule over his creation and to fill it with his glory. (Genesis 1:26-28)

He also placed man in the garden of Eden, and assigned man the task of working it and taking care of it. (Genesis 2:15)

Work is not a result of the fall, but a gift from God.

He gave mankind work as a way of expressing creativity, fulfilling our potential, and serving his purposes.

Application:

We should thank God for the gift of work.

We should see work as an opportunity to honor him and to reflect his image.

We should not view work as a curse or a burden, but as a blessing and a privilege.

Now lets read from Col. 3:23

Colossians 3:23 NKJV

23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Point 2:

Work is a service to God

The Bible also tells us that work is a service to God.

Whatever we do, we should do it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

Our work is not ultimately for ourselves, or for our bosses, or for our customers, or for anyone else. It is for God.

He is the one who sees our work, evaluates our work, and rewards our work. (Colossians 3:24)

Colossians 3:24 NKJV

24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Our work is not only a service to God, but also a witness to others.

By doing our work with excellence, integrity, and joy, we can show others the reality and relevance of our faith.

We can glorify God and point others to him through our work.

Application:

We should do our work as a service to God.

We should seek to please him and honor him in everything we do.

We should not work for selfish reasons or worldly motives, but for eternal values and heavenly rewards.

Point 3:

Revelation 22:3 NKJV

3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

Work is a preparation for heaven

The Bible also tells us that work is a preparation for heaven.

Our work on earth is not the end of our story, but the beginning of our destiny.

Our work on earth has eternal significance and implications.

The Bible gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like in Revelation 21-22.

It describes a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with his people forever.

It also says that there will be no more curse, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more death. (Revelation 21:4; 22:3)

But it also says that there will be work in heaven.

It says that God’s servants will serve him in his presence. (Revelation 22:3)

It does not tell us exactly what kind of work we will do in heaven, but it implies that it will be meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful.

Our work in heaven will be an extension and completion of our work on earth.

It will be a continuation and consummation of God’s plan and purpose for his creation.

It will be a celebration and worship of God’s glory and grace.

Application:

We should view our work as a preparation for heaven.

We should use our work as a way of growing in our relationship with God and with others.

We should look forward to our work in heaven as the ultimate fulfillment of our calling and destiny.

Conclusion:

Work is a gift from God that reflects his image and character.

Work is a service to God that honors his name and advances his kingdom.

Work is a preparation for heaven that anticipates his presence and praises his glory.

Let us celebrate Labor Day by working for God’s glory, both in this life and in the life to come.