Work -- Curse or Blessing?

The Evangelical Herald

Bible Study No. 07-05

IS WORK A CURSE?

Focus: To show that although work became a curse after the fall, it can be a blessing to the re-born believer.

I. Work Defined - Physical or mental action to accomplish an intended result

A. Popular Concepts

1. I would rather be playing ____________

2. I will enjoy life when I retire

3. Work is a necessary evil

II. Curse or Blessing? (Begin whiteboard illustration)

A. A Blessing in Garden Paradise (Gen 1:26-28)

1. Subdue (Maintenance)

2. Fill the Earth - Extending Paradise

3. Creativity - Created in God's Image

B. A Curse After Sin Entered (Gen 3:17-19)(Eccl 2:17-23)

1. Sustenance with Pain

2. Fatigue - A Corrupted Body

3. Struggle with the Elements

4. Evidence - Natural Children Hate Work

III. The Restoration of Work in the Kingdom of God -Paul's Counsel (2 Thess 3:6-16)

A. Spiritual Rebirth - Love Moves Us to Work

1. Family Responsibilities (I Tim 5:8)

2. For the Welfare of Others

3. No Burden to Others

4. For the Well Being of the Church

B. The Re-born Creature Rejoices in the Restored Image of God

1. Extending the Kingdom

2. Constructing the Temple

3. Restoring Mankind

4. Co-laborers with Christ (I Cor 3:9)

5. All Work for the Glory of God - (Ef 6:7; Col 3:23)

IV. Present Problems that Make Work a Burden

A. Working for Riches

B. Human Machine (Assembly Lines)

C. Work to Produce Wrong or Evil Ends

D. Dishonest Work -- Criminal