Thank God It’s Monday (Part 1):Thank God It’s Monday (Part 1):

A Theology of WorkA Theology of Work

Colossians 3:22-4:1Colossians 3:22-4:1

Our VocationOur Vocation• Only let each person lead the life that the Only let each person lead the life that the

Lord has assigned him, and to which God has Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him. (1 Corinthians 7:17)called him. (1 Corinthians 7:17)

The Gospel & WorkThe Gospel & Work• 12 12 And some tax collectors also came to be And some tax collectors also came to be

baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” what shall we do?” 13 13 And he said to them, And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” ordered to.” 14 14 Some soldiers were Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:12-14)your wages.” (Luke 3:12-14)

Loving Your Neighbor through WorkLoving Your Neighbor through Work

• 28 28 One of the scribes came and heard them One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; 30 30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ [Deut. 6:4-5][Deut. 6:4-5]

Loving Your Neighbor through WorkLoving Your Neighbor through Work

• 31 31 The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ [Lev. 19:18] There NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ [Lev. 19:18] There is no other commandment greater than is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

• Martin Luther said, “God doesn’t need your Martin Luther said, “God doesn’t need your good works. Your neighbor does.” good works. Your neighbor does.” - Tom Nelson, - Tom Nelson, Work MattersWork Matters

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• In the beginning God In the beginning God createdcreated the heavens the heavens

and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

• God saw all that God saw all that He had madeHe had made, and behold, it , and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. there was morning, the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31)(Genesis 1:31)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• 1 1 Thus the heavens and the earth were Thus the heavens and the earth were

completed, and all their hosts. completed, and all their hosts. 2 2 By the By the seventh day God completed seventh day God completed His workHis work which which He had done, and He rested on the seventh He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. day from all His work which He had done. 3 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. His work which God had created and made. (Genesis 2:1-3)(Genesis 2:1-3)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• ““My Father is working until now, and I Myself My Father is working until now, and I Myself

am working.” (John 5:17)am working.” (John 5:17)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• 26 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our

image, according to Our likeness; and let image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 27 God God created man in His own image, in the image created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• 28 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, God blessed them; and God said to them,

“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)(Genesis 1:28)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• 2 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach When the Sabbath came, He began to teach

in the synagogue; and the many listeners in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? these performed by His hands? 3 3 “Is not this “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?...”the carpenter, the son of Mary?...”(Mark 6:2-3)(Mark 6:2-3)

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• ““Our Savior Christ before He began His Our Savior Christ before He began His

preaching was a carpenter, and got his living preaching was a carpenter, and got his living with great labor. Therefore let no man with great labor. Therefore let no man disdain to follow Him in a common calling disdain to follow Him in a common calling and occupation. For as He blessed our nature and occupation. For as He blessed our nature with taking upon Him the shape of man, so in with taking upon Him the shape of man, so in His doing He blessed all occupations and His doing He blessed all occupations and arts.” arts.” - Leland Ryken, - Leland Ryken, Redeeming the Time: Redeeming the Time: A Christian Approach to Work and LeisureA Christian Approach to Work and Leisure

1. Work is GODly1. Work is GODly• ““I glorified You on the earth, having I glorified You on the earth, having

accomplished the work which You have given accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4) Me to do.” (John 17:4)

2. Work is Good2. Work is Good• Now no shrub of the field was yet in the Now no shrub of the field was yet in the

earth, and no plant of the field had yet earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to upon the earth, and there was no man to work the ground. (Genesis 2:5)work the ground. (Genesis 2:5)

• The LORD God planted a garden toward the The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. (Genesis 2:8)whom He had formed. (Genesis 2:8)

2. Work is Good2. Work is Good• Then the LORD God took the man and put Then the LORD God took the man and put

him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

2. Work is Good2. Work is Good• 6 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of Now we command you, brethren, in the name of

our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received according to the tradition which you received from us. from us. 7 7 For you yourselves know how you ought For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, an undisciplined manner among you, 8 8 nor did we nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; so that we would not be a burden to any of you; (2 Thess. 3) (2 Thess. 3)

2. Work is Good2. Work is Good• 9 9 not because we do not have the right to not because we do not have the right to

this, but in order to offer ourselves as a this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our model for you, so that you would follow our example. example. 10 10 For even when we were with you, For even when we were with you, we used to we used to give you this ordergive you this order: if anyone is : if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. either. 11 11 For we hear that some among you For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. work at all, but acting like busybodies.

2. Work is Good2. Work is Good• 12 12 Now such persons Now such persons we command and exhortwe command and exhort

in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. fashion and eat their own bread. 13 13 But as for But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. good. 14 14 If anyone does not obey our If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. that he will be put to shame. 15 15 Yet do not Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

3. Work is Going to Continue3. Work is Going to Continue• 20 20 No longer will there be in it an infant who No longer will there be in it an infant who

lives but a few days, or an old man who does lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his days; for the youth will die at not live out his days; for the youth will die at the age of one hundred and the one who the age of one hundred and the one who does not reach the age of one hundred will does not reach the age of one hundred will be thought accursed. be thought accursed. 21 21 They will build houses They will build houses and inhabit them; they will also plant and inhabit them; they will also plant vineyards and eat their fruit. (Isaiah 65)vineyards and eat their fruit. (Isaiah 65)

3. Work is Going to Continue3. Work is Going to Continue• 22 22 They will not build and another inhabit, They will not build and another inhabit,

they will not plant and another eat; for as the they will not plant and another eat; for as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will long enjoy people, and My chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.” (Isaiah 65:17-22)the work of their hands.” (Isaiah 65:17-22)

• There will no longer be any curse; and the There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him… and His bond-servants will serve Him… (Revelation 22:3)(Revelation 22:3)

3. Work is Going to Continue3. Work is Going to Continue• Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in

the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)(Colossians 3:17)

• Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)(1 Corinthians 10:31)

3. Work is Going to Continue3. Work is Going to Continue• ““Let your light shine before men in such a Let your light shine before men in such a

way that they may see your good works, and way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)(Matthew 5:16)

Luther and WorkLuther and Work1.1. The priesthood of all believers did not turn The priesthood of all believers did not turn

everyone into church workers, but turned everyone into church workers, but turned every kind of work into a sacred calling every kind of work into a sacred calling (1 Peter 2)(1 Peter 2)

• 11 11 … make it your ambition to lead a quiet life … make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 12

so that you will behave properly toward so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. outsiders and not be in any need. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Luther and WorkLuther and Work

2.2. Work is not so much about what we do, but Work is not so much about what we do, but what God does in and through our vocationswhat God does in and through our vocations

• The “mask of God”The “mask of God”

Luther and WorkLuther and Work• 23 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as

for the Lord rather than for men, for the Lord rather than for men, 24 24 knowing knowing that from the Lord you will receive the that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Luther and WorkLuther and Work• 1 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the Every person is to be in subjection to the

governing authorities. For there is no authority governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are except from God, and those which exist are established by God. established by God. 2 2 Therefore whoever resists Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. condemnation upon themselves. 3 3 For rulers For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; (Romans 13:1-3)praise from the same; (Romans 13:1-3)

Luther and WorkLuther and Work• 4 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But for it is a minister of God to you for good. But

if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. one who practices evil. 5 5 Therefore it is Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 6 For For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. (Romans 13:4-6)this very thing. (Romans 13:4-6)

Luther and WorkLuther and Work• ““God gives his gifts of healing usually not God gives his gifts of healing usually not

through out-and-out miracles (though he through out-and-out miracles (though he can) but by means of the medical vocations. can) but by means of the medical vocations. He proclaims his word by means of human He proclaims his word by means of human pastors. He teaches by means of teachers. He pastors. He teaches by means of teachers. He creates works of beauty and meaning by creates works of beauty and meaning by means of human artists, whom he has given means of human artists, whom he has given particular talents.” particular talents.” - Gene Edward Veith Jr., - Gene Edward Veith Jr., God at Work God at Work (a “must-read”)(a “must-read”)

Hidden in Our NeighborHidden in Our Neighbor• 31 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory,

and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. His glorious throne. 32 32 All the nations will be All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; the sheep from the goats; 33 33 and He will put the and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. 34 34

Then the King will say to those on His right, Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25)foundation of the world. (Matthew 25)

Hidden in Our NeighborHidden in Our Neighbor• 35 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something For I was hungry, and you gave Me something

to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Me.’ 37 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

Hidden in Our NeighborHidden in Our Neighbor• 39 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and When did we see You sick, or in prison, and

come to You?’ come to You?’ 40 40 The King will answer and say The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:31-40)(Matthew 25:31-40)

Thank God It’s Monday (Part 1):Thank God It’s Monday (Part 1):

A Theology of WorkA Theology of Work

Colossians 3:22-4:1Colossians 3:22-4:1