Monday, February 22, 2010

Your Work Matters to God, Part 31 of 45

TEXT: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: Anyone who is unwilling to work shall not eat. We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12).

IDEA: By work we love ourselves.

PURPOSE: To show that through our work we receive fulfillment and satisfaction.

What are the two parts of the Great Commandment?

In those two parts, who are the objects of our love?

I. It is assumed that we will love ourselves.

Is that a valid assumption?

If people really do NOT love themselves, why does that happen?

II. Each of us has a responsibility before God to care for ourselves.

In what areas are we responsible for our well-being?

• physically
• emotionally
• relationally
• spiritually
• intellectually
• morally

We are responsible to work.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 states that we are to "keep away from idle brothers and never tire of doing what is right."

What is going on in this passage? What is the result of people not working? Do you think that is true today?

III. How does work contribute to loving ourselves?

Do you think it is more likely that someone who has a job will feel better about himself or herself than someone who is out of work?

Is it the work itself or the way someone regards work that can make a difference in what their work means to them?

Conclusion:

Ecclesiastes 3:13 and 5:19 state that when we can be happy in our work (find satisfaction in our toil), that is a gift from God. We should be grateful to God for work to do to fill our days.