Unique Theology

Introduction

Importance of the series — unique theology, unique perspective, unique witness (everyone is a theologian)

Christian hating his IT job…Why is that?

The Purpose of Work

The purpose of work was the glory of God. (Gen. 1:26-28)

2 other things to learn from v. 26 — your identity as image bearer of God + the gender God gave you is a good thing

3rd idea — We were created to steward the creation (cf. 2:15)

Doesn’t mean that we panic about climate change but does mean we ought to care for creation

Our work would glorify God as we multiplied and filled the earth with worshippers who cared for the creation

The Pain of Work

The pain of work is our punishment for sin. (Gen. 3:17-19)

Everyone experiences pain with their work; nothing is totally life-giving.

It’s impossible to perfectly steward the creation in a fallen world.

Paper bags v. plastic bags (both do harm)

Many other examples can be given

There is no “dream job” where you “never work a day in your life”

Your “dream job” when you graduate ought to be the door that God opens which best positions you to make disciples

in a city with a strong church

in a city where you’ll help with a church plant

overseas with a church trying to reach unreached peoples

well paid to live simply and give generously could be multiple options

Changes our attitude — Christians should simultaneously be the most joyful people in their workplace w/out also idolizing a perfect job

Christian learning to love his job because it gave him opportunities to be a light

The Privilege of Work

The privilege of work will (likely) be part of our reward. (Isa. 65:17-25)

I say likely b/c v. 20 shows this is using metaphor to paint a larger picture of the curse of the fall being no more (cf. Rev. 22:3)

Whether the pain of work is removed by not having work, or it only being a joy isn’t 100% clear, but I believe our created purpose to work means we will.

John Piper — “When you take sin out of the heart and out of the world, which will happen in the age to come, the line between work and play becomes almost invisible.”

Exhortation

Non-Christians — Turn to Jesus for life abundant and eternal.

No amount of work, no matter however lucrative, can bring you abundant life.

No amount of work, no matter how good, can bring you eternal life.

Christians — Let the pain of work push you to Jesus and the privilege of work point you to heaven.

Pain — reminds you of your sin and need for grace, take your burdens to him

Privilege — no joy in work can compare to what awaits God’s people