God's Gifts
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
John 6:27; Col. 3:23; Eccl. 5:18-20
“Off to Work I Go”
I've never worked in a mine, but Disney's seven whistling dwarves seemed to enjoy it way more than they had any right to. How does anyone find that much joy in their work? I remember a bumper sticker that read, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go." And it's true, we all have bills to pay, and sometimes feeding the family is all that keeps us grinding. So, is work one of God's good gifts to embrace or a curse to endure?
The chance to do good work and appreciate the work of others is worth celebrating.
THE BIG IDEA
As God the worker (John 5:17) created the universe, separating and ordering (Gen. 1:2-10), then filling it and making it useful (Gen. 1:11-31), we imitate him. Made in his image (Gen. 1:26), we subdue his good world (Gen. 1:28) with wisdom, creativity, and character that reflect his glory.
After the fall, the curse brought adversity to working the ground (Gen. 3:17-19), but work wasn't a curse. Even in Eden, God gave humans a job (Gen. 2:15). And he helps us work (Ps. 127:1; Prov. 16:3; John 15:5), allowing us to make a difference in big and small ways, from fixing a faucet to teaching the gospel. "By working hard" we receive the blessing of giving more than we get (Acts 20:33-35; cf. Luke 13:6-9). So even when the company, the people, and the job frustrate us, we find satisfaction in doing our part well. Because to "enjoy life" means pouring "your might" into "whatever your hand finds to do" (Eccl. 9:9-10).
So we work to fulfill our purpose; not just for a paycheck or proof of our worth. We were "created for good works" (Eph. 2:8-10), and doing good work is a good work (Eph. 6:5-9; 1 Tim. 5:8-14). All work is holy when we offer it to God — we're "serving the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:22-24) while making widgets, folding laundry, or doing math homework.
How does your work change when you see it as a gift from God?
THE BIG QUESTION
Work
Embrace the Opportunity to Do Good Work
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Off to Work I Go” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What task do you secretly love to do?ACT I
FINDING JESUS — Colossians 3:22-24
What’s the main point of this passage?Does the passage mention or reference Christ? What does it say about him?What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?What parts of this passage remind you of the character and actions of Christ?How can reflecting on and applying this passage draw us closer to Christ?
ACT II
Top 4 Proverbs — Work
Look through the list below (or any other resource you want to use) and choose four favorite Proverbs about work. Then jot down a few notes on the application or insight you take from each verse. What do you appreciate about how it’s said and the wisdom it contains? How have you seen the principle in action?
Prov. 6:6-11; 10:4,5,26; 11:1; 12:11,14,24,27; 13:4,11; 14:4,23; 16:11,26; 18:9; 20:4,13,23;
21:5,25; 22:29; 23:4-5; 24:27,30-34; 27:23-27; 28:19; 30:24-28; 31:13, 17, 31.
In your group discussion, ask participants to pick one of their four and share their insights.Proverb #1Proverb #2Proverb #3Proverb #4
ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
How would you describe your work ethic and where it came from?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Identify and do a task at work specifically for God.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Lord, we offer our work to you and pray it pleases you" (cf. Col. 3:22-24).
NEXT SESSION — Rest
Prepare by reading Ps. 127:2; Eccl. 2:24-3:13; Mark 2:27