Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“Wisdom at Work” Chapter 8
The Theology of Work
Ø God works
Ø His image-bearers work
Ø The fall corrupted work and labor
Ø Christ is reversing the effects of the fall
Ø Work is meaningful and significant before God.
Don’t Be a Sluggard
Ø Characteristics of a sluggard:
o The sluggard is lazy
o The sluggard delights in sleep and recreation
o The sluggard lacks initiative
o The sluggard procrastinates
o The sluggard is self-deceived
o The sluggard is looking for easy money
o The sluggard is a destructive force
Ø God has ordained severe consequences forsluggard behavior
Ø Don’t provide material aid to sluggards
Be Diligent
Ø Characteristics of the wise worker:
o He works hard
o Takes initiative and works well withoutsupervision
o Prepares for the future
o Patiently pursues success
o A good steward of his resources
o Performs duties with excellence and artistry
Ø God rewards the diligent
o Will enjoy financial success
o Enjoy success and fulfillment in his vocation
o Enjoy the fruit of labor
o Will be rewarded at the final judgment
Ø Proverbs does not promote communism
Ø Warnings to the diligent:
o Work is only good when exercised under God’slordship.
o Don’t make an idol out of work.
Exhortations to Various Classes of People
Ø Young people should establish habits of diligencefrom an early age.
Ø Homemakers should remain faithful in their work.
Ø Older people should continue working.
Ø Don’t be a spiritual sluggard.
Conclusion
Ø God has given you work to do for his glory.
Ø God gives you rest.
Ø Further reading on work/vocation
o Work Matters by Tom Nelson
o Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller
o The Gospel at Work by Traeger and Gilbert
o Business for the Glory of God by WayneGrudem
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