Defining Our Labor as God Defines It
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TITLE: Defining our Labor as God Defines It
SUBJECT: Labor
PROPOSITION: This lesson will discuss how God defines the relationship of people to their labor.
OBJECTIVE: That each would understand that labor is good, but it does not define us.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Ephesians 4:28
2. About the Text:
1) Man was created for labor.
2) Genesis 2:15
3) Labor day was meant to honor laborers.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Our Value is not Defined by What we Accomplish and How Much We Earn
1. No one can pay you what you are worth.
2. You cannot accomplish what you are worth.
3. Luke 12:15 – “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’”
4. 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
II. The Greatest Thing About Labor are the Relationships We Make
1. It isn’t our take home pay, but the people we meet.
2. Proverbs 18:1 – “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
3. We were made for relationships – “It is not good that man should be alone” (Gen.2:18).
4. Phil.2:3-4 – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
III. We Are Not Defined by our Labor, but by Jesus Christ
1. Galatians 2:20
2. Matthew 22:39-40
IV. God Gives Our Labor Meaning
1. Colossians 3:23-24 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
2. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Wherefore my beloved brethren, be you ….”
3. Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
CONCLUSION:
1. How does God define the relationship of people to labor?
1) Not by what we earn or accomplish.
2) By the relationships we make.
3) By Jesus Christ.
4) By our relationship with Him.
2. Invitation