Working for God
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Lesson 7
God has a plan for your life
God has a plan for your life
God has a very specific plan for each of our lives. If, we are doing something else then we have missed doing what we should be doing. "When we are in the wrong place, the right place is empty."
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
In the book of Jeremiah, God tells us, 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you' (Jeremiah 29:11). Just like an architect devises plans before building a house, God has outlined our lives with intention. When we align our work with His plan, we contribute to a grand design beyond our understanding, ensuring that our efforts serve His greater purpose.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Again we see the plan that the lord wants to unfold for each one of us, the whole of gods creation is constantly working its all part of Gods design
The Christian cannot have his God without being willing to work in His service. Even Adam was not allowed to be idle in the Garden of Eden, but he was given something by God to do.
What God the Father planned for you, and God the Son purchased for you on the cross, God the Spirit personalises for you and applies to your life as you yield to Him.
Warren W. Wiersbe
Truth on Its Head: Unusual Wisdom in the Paradoxes of the Bible (We Live in a Working World)
God created it that way. From the mineral kingdom through the vegetable, animal, and human kingdoms, each level of creation makes its contribution to the others. The vegetable kingdom reaches down into the mineral kingdom for sustenance, and the animal kingdom sustains life partly from the vegetable kingdom. The human kingdom reaches down to the vegetable and animal kingdoms where the Lord has placed just what we need for maintaining a healthy life. Trees and flowers and brooks and hummingbirds and cows and rays of sunshine are all working for us day and night whether we realize it or not. Whenever this essential cycle of mutual subsistence is broken, the human family suffers. Most people take this miracle natural cycle for granted day after day, but Christian believers joyfully sing “This is my Father’s world” and give Him thanks for His wisdom and generosity.
We must not make the mistake of thinking that employment is punishment and that we must labor because our first parents sinned. Adam worked in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the human race Gen 2:15 It was not until the man and the woman disobeyed God that work became toil (Gen. 3:17–19). The Lord wanted mankind to live in a beautiful and fruitful garden, but sin changed all of that. And we will not be in God’s garden until we see Jesus (Rev. 21–22). Meanwhile, each of us has divinely assigned work to do and we must faithfully do it. “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might” (Eccl. 9:10). Ecclesiastes 5:19 tells us our work is a gift from God, and that we should rejoice in the privilege of working. We may change vocations several times on our journey of life; but if we are in the will of God, we will find satisfaction in what the Lord assigns us to do. According to Jesus, doing the Father’s will is nourishment, not punishment (John 4:31–34); and if we do His will from the heart, it will pay rich dividends in many ways, besides giving us a salary.
When God created the world, the angels praised Him and shouted for joy Job 38:4–7 and we ought to join them, in spite of what the human race has done to exploit and destroy God’s creation. Even when we reach the time of retirement when regular work is no longer a part of life, the Lord still has service plans for us. When a team of doctors told me and my wife it was time to stop traveling in ministry, we wondered what our next assignment would be. It did not take long to find out, for lay church leaders and busy pastors began to ask for counsel and times of instruction, and this mentoring ministry has been most delightful. I’m still writing (or you would not have this book) and my wife and I are doing what we can to encourage God’s people and help build God’s church.
I have counted twenty-six verses in the book of Proverbs that deal with laziness (the sluggard) and whose promises and warnings are applicable today. From early childhood, I was taught to do my share of the work at home; and when I was old enough, I earned money doing odd jobs in our neighborhood, mowing lawns, washing windows, and such. I may not have earned a great deal of money, but the discipline and exercise did me good and my parents never had to give me an allowance. I tell people that it’s a good thing I’m retired or I could not handle all the work I have to do!
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
It is of eternal importance that we diligently seek God's will to find out what His plan for our lives is. Because God has a specific plan and we have been specially made to fulfil that plan, we will be happiest when carrying out that plan and the plan is the calling on our life. A square peg dose not fit in a round hole, and you cant force a jigsaw piece to fit in the wrong place
Seek the true faith, by all manner of means, but do not spend a whole life in finding it, lest you be like a workman who wastes the whole day in looking for his tools.
Charles Spurgeon
So one way to discover your calling is to ask,
What choices can I make in life to bring God the most glory?
The way of the world
The way of the world
It is the way of fallen and unsaved man to seek power and glory in his work situation. The world measures a person by his position in society and his wealth.
The world also puts this great pressure on the Christian to follow its way.
Read Matt 6:19-21 and explain how Jesus warns us not to lay up treasure on earth which can be destroyed but rather lay-up treasures in heaven. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Its important that we try to get a correct work life balance you cant put God in a box
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Of all the calamities that have been visited upon the world, the surrender of the human spirit to this present world and its ways is the worst, without any doubt.
A. W. Tozer
Jesus our great example
Jesus our great example
Read John 4:34 Jesus had one purpose in His life on earth, that was to fulfil the work that His Father had given Him to do.
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
Read John 17:4 Jesus glorified God on earth and finished the work given to Him to do.
4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
Read John 19:30 As He hung dying on the cross Jesus cried out, "It is finished." Jesus had fulfilled perfectly the plan for His life as a man on earth - He never wavered from it.
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Read Philippians 2:5-8 The King of glory came to serve.
Phili 2:5-8
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Read John 13:3-5 Jesus humbled Himself to the lowest position in the room.
Read John 13:12-17 He tells His disciples to follow this example.
God has given us, through His Son Jesus, the most perfect example of how to work and serve Him and one another.
During His ministry, Jesus often took time to pray and recharge amidst His labor. This practice serves as a reminder that rest is an essential component of our work life, allowing us to refocus and recharge. The balance between work and rest enables us to be effective servants. Just as Jesus sought solitude to connect with His Father, we must also take time to renew our spirits, ensuring that we can serve others with energy and enthusiasm that is fuelled by divine connection.
Jesus worked as a carpenter for many years before His ministry began, teaching us that all work, even the seemingly ordinary, can have profound significance. His dedication to craftsmanship shows how we, too, should approach our responsibilities. When we put our heart into our work, whether at our jobs or in our homes, we reflect a divine purpose. Just as Jesus took pride in His work, we are called to approach everything we do with excellence, showing the world a glimpse of God’s character through our actions.
How should we labour for God?
How should we labour for God?
A fantastic portion of scripture that sums up this question is in proverbs 31 lets watch this video while i catch my breath
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Im truly blessed that ive found my gem and thats my gorgeous wife Anita and i don’t apologise for bragging I wouldn't be here if it wasn’t for her
FINDING YOUR PLACE
FINDING YOUR PLACE
Once we realise that we all have an important place of responsibility before the Lord in all areas of ministry, we can concentrate a little more on the specific area in which God wants us to be particularly involved. Many people have a real struggle finding their "ministry" as if looking for a mystical "some-thing" on the horizon. They imagine themselves in all kinds of strange situations that are absolutely foreign to their nature and makeup, thinking that God is going to have them do the thing they do the worst, and enjoy the least. They are like apple trees imagining themselves producing strawberries. It is ridiculous even to imagine. God wants His people to rest in the fact that He has not called them to be something that they are not. God wants us to be our unique selves all the while rendering honest service to Him. We do not have to struggle to be what we are. An apple tree does not have to struggle to produce apples, it comes naturally. A hand in the body does not have to strive to be a hand, it is a hand! As members of the body of Christ, God simply wants us to be released to be what we are.
There are, however, some things that we must recognise that will help us to be released in our areas of function in the body. There are ten things we all must recognise, that will help us to find and enjoy our place of function.
Recognise that you personally have an important place of function and responsibility before the Lord
Recognise that you personally have an important place of function and responsibility before the Lord
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
There is something that God has for every member to do. He has given you this function as it has pleased Him
There is something that God has for every member to do. He has given you this function as it has pleased Him
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
you can read the whole portion of 1 cor 12 later on
2. You need to recognise that God has made you perfectly suited to what He has called you to do. (Eph. 2:10) ( I Cor. 12:27). Your intelligence, your emotional make-up, your physical aptitudes and your very appearance are perfectly designed with your function in mind.
A hand is made to grasp, a foot is made to walk, and each member of the body of Christ is uniquely made to fulfil their ministry.
The Greek word translated “workmanship” is poiema—from which we get our word “poem.” Thus, we are God’s poetry.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
3. Recognise that it is God who equips you with the gifts necessary to fulfil your ministry (Rom. 12:3,6; I Pet. 4:10). God gives the necessary spiritual gifts and the faith that we need to accomplish His charge. We need not fear that we will not be able to do what He has asked.
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
4. Recognise the headship of Jesus Christ and be subject to Him in all things (Eph 1:21-23; 4:15; 5:23). No matter what ministry we have, all ministry depends on being in right relationship to the Head. If we are not able to walk in daily obedience to the Lord, we should not expect to be used in areas of responsibility in the body of Christ.
5. Recognise that all ministry equals and begins with service Luke 22:26-
27). The word ministry itself means "service". If we are looking for ways in which we can serve and strengthen others, we are going to find much to do in the body of Christ. Anyone seeking to exalt himself will find God working against him, but if he is attempting in his service to make others successful, God is going to exalt him (James 4:6
6. Recognise the area of service to which God is calling you (Rom. 12:3-5).
As we become more familiar with the various ministries, and the type of people that must function in those ministries, we are better able to rightly assess and evaluate our own ministry. We are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but we are to recognise the faith and grace that God has given to us.
7 Recognise that no one ministry is more important than another I Cor 12:21,25). We tend to rate ministries on the basis of their spheres of influence. We tend to make mental lists of that which is more important. God does not do that. God values them all equally. God's judgment of us is not based on what we are, but on how faithful we are with what He has given us to do. There will be one commendation for all, "Well done, though good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21).
8. Recognise that all ministry develops over a period of time. No-one begins with a fully developed ministry. Paul, Stephen, Philip, Timothy and Peter are all good examples of the development of ministry over a period of time. Begin by serving in obvious areas and God will give you further direction, promotion and recognition. Many make the mistake of desiring a title before they will function. Begin serving with whatever your hand finds to do, and your gift will make room for itself. Remember, promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6).
9. Recognise that we will only be as successful as we are willing to sacrificially apply ourselves (Rom. 12:10). There is a cost involved for everything that we do in the Kingdom of God. It is the violent who are going to take the Kingdom (Matt. 11:12). It is those who are willing to press in that are going to be successful (Luke 16:16). Anyone who wants to be used of God must separate himself unto God (Rom. 12:2).
10. Recognise that God is going to give you special grace or divine enablement to do His will (Phil. 2:13). No-one can truly be successful in his place of function without the grace of God. We are totally dependent on Him, but it is wonderful to know that His grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9), abundant (I Pet. 4:10-11), and free (Matt. 10:8).
The new testament church and its ministries Bill Scheidler
The Bible is full of encouragement and guidance of how we are to serve God.
1.Do it with all your heart. Read Deuteronomy 10:12.
Do not labour because you feel you “have to” but because you love God.
2.Not to impress men. Read Ephesians 6:7.
Do not waste your time trying to impress men, do it as unto the Lord.
3.We must not just listen to the Word but also act upon it, otherwise we deceive ourselves. Read James 1:22.
4.Do everything in love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Even if we give our bodies to be burned, if it is not done in love, it is worthless.
5.We must be fervent in spirit. Read Romans 12:11.
We must put our whole heart into God's work. No work is too trifling to be well done.
6.Do everything in the name of Jesus. Read Colossians 3:17.
This is a wonderful guide for us. If you cannot do what you are doing in the name of Jesus because it is a bit wrong, then do not do it.
7.God must initiate and guide the work. Read Psalm 127:1.
Many Christians are very busy doing good work "for God." If it is not God that has shown you to do the work, then it is in vain.
8.Work according to your talents and abilities. Matthew 25:14-30.
God will judge us according to how we have exercised our God given gifts and talents. You can do anything you ought to do.
9.God given work is important.
No one can do his work well who does not think it of importance. Remember it is God who has given you the job.
E. What kind of work must we do?
1.Sharing the Gospel. Read Mark 16:15.
This is the great commission Jesus gave us. We can do this wherever we are. At home, in school, at work or in the streets.
2.In the church.
Go to your pastor and ask him to pray with you to find what God wants you to do in the church.
For example:
Teaching in Sunday School; running a home fellowship; looking after the sick; preaching on Sundays; doing evangelism; practical work around the church buildings and gardens; Start small prayer groups. Give God the little you have and He will do the rest.
F. Rewards
There are many wonderful promises from God to His workers.
1.Read 1 Corinthians 3:14 This life on earth will have a radical effect on our eternity with God.
2.Read Daniel 12:3 We will shine as stars for ever and ever.
3.When we go home to Jesus let us not go empty handed but rather hear from the Master Himself, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Read Matthew 25:23.
4.Read Matthew 5:16 This is the purpose of all good works - to glorify our heavenly Father.
Memory Verse
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Notes
Judgement of believers' works
Believers to be judged for their works. Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 6:8, Colossians 3:24, Romans 14, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
Time:Between the rapture and the second advent. Luke 14:14.
Place:In heaven. Romans 14:10 2 Corinthians 5:10
Basis:Works, both good and bad. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14, Colossians 3, Matthew 16:27, Romans 2:6, 2 Timothy 4:14.
Result:Reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one's soul for any wrongdoings properly confessed and forgiven. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Believers will be judged concerning:
1.Doctrines. Romans 2:14-16, Romans 14
2.Conduct to others. Matthew 18, Romans 14
3.Carnal traits. Colossians 3, Romans 1-2, 8:1-13, 14:1-23
4.Words. Matthew 12:32-37, Romans 14.6
5.Things that affect others; slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness, dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings. Romans 1:29-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3, Ephesians 4:1-32, 5:1-33 Romans 12:1-21 14:1-23
6.Things that affect themselves; neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality. Romans 2:14-16 Hebrews 2:1-4 Galatians 5:1-26 6:1-10 Colossians 3.
7.Things that affect God; refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to yield to the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12 Romans 12 Ephesians 4:1-32 5:1-33.
Work for Christ
The field is large. Matthew 13:38 The need is great. John 4:35
The time is now. Galatians 6:10 The call is urgent. Matthew 20:6
The work is varied. 1 Corinthians 12:12The partner is the Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:1
The means are provided. Luke 19:15