Opening Up Proverbs (Session 8)

Sermon  •  Submitted
0 ratings
· 23 views

Chapter 8 (Book) Covering a Theology of Work

Notes
Transcript
Handout
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
View more →

Wisdom at Work

The theology of work

Don’t be a Sluggard

Characteristics of a Sluggard

The Sluggard is Lazy (6:6)

The Sluggard delights in sleep and recreation (6:9-10)

The Sluggard lacks initiative (6:7)

The Sluggard procrastinates (6:8)

The Sluggard is self-deceived (6:9-10)

The Sluggard is looking for easy money (28:19; 14:23)

The Sluggard is a destructive force (18:9)

God has ordained severe consequences for sluggardliness

Don’t provide material aid to sluggards

Be diligent

Characteristics of the wise worker

He works hard (6:6)
He takes initiative and works well without supervision (6:7)
He prepares for the future (6:8)
He patiently pursues success (28:19)
He is a good steward of his resources (27:23-24)
He performs his duties with excellence and even artistry (22:29)

God rewards the diligent

He will enjoy financial success
He will enjoy success and fulfilment in his vocation
He will enjoy the fruit of his labor
He will be rewarded in the final judgement

Proverbs does not promote communism

Warnings to the diligent

Work is only good when it is exercised under God’s lordship
Don’t make work an idol

Exhortations to various classes people

Young people should establish habits of diligence from an early age
Homemakers should remain faithful in their work
Older people should continue working
Don’t be a spiritual sluggard

Conclusion

God has given you work to do for his glory
God Gives you rest
FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Compare the teaching about work in Proverbs to that contained in the New Testament (; ; ; ).
2. How is God’s pattern of work and rest in a pattern for mankind?
Opening Up Proverbs For Further Study

3. How has the Fall affected human labour (Gen. 3:17–19)?

3. How has the Fall affected human labor ()?
TO THINK ABOUT AND DISCUSS
1. Is every vocation equally honourable? Are there some vocations a wise person should avoid?
Jim Newheiser, Opening up Proverbs, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008), 119.
2. How do you plan to apply the principles in Proverbs so that you can enjoy greater success in your vocation?
3. What counsel would you give to someone who is unemployed or underemployed?
4. How can the government and the church help needy people without violating biblical principles?
5. How does the work of Christ bring us rest (see ; )?
6. How can a believer find greater satisfaction in his or her work?
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more