“In Christ” “We’ve got a job to do”

God & Work  God worked in creation  Continues to work in maintaining and sustaining what He made  We have rule and authority – active participation  The Kingdom is God’s work “Unless the Lord builds the house, it’s builders labour in vain” – Psalm 127:1 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Our concept of work

“In Christ” Our concept of work

“In Christ” Why Do We Work? 1. Helps to define us Status | Position | Influence | Power Expectations | Discrimination Identity 2. Necessity Social | Emotional | Economic 3. Satisfaction & Self Esteem Vocation | Service | Enjoyment

“In Christ” Work defined? “Work is a purposeful activity, it leads to a change in the conditions for yourself and others and it has some beneficial social significance as an end. It is through engaging in ‘work’ that we find meaning and fulfilment, allowing us the opportunity to express our creativity and become more fully human.” Peter Mayhew

“In Christ” Live to Work or Work to Live? “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10 (NIVUK)  No artificial distinctions Spiritual | Secular divide  Involves every aspect of life Spiritual | Family | Work | Social Retired | Unemployed Paid | Voluntary

“In Christ” Live to Work or Work to Live? “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10 (NIVUK)  In advance God is the ultimate strategic planner and project manager In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will Ephesians 1:11 (NIVUK) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Work Wholeheartedly Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Work Wholeheartedly Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8 (NIVUK) Obey your masters, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ (ESV)

“In Christ” Don’t be lazy 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. 2Thessalonians 3:6 (TNIV) 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. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2Thessalonians 3:11-13 (TNIV)

“In Christ” Moving Onwards “We are convinced that England will never be converted until the laity use the opportunities daily afforded by their various professions, crafts and occupations.” “Towards the Conversion of England” 1945

“In Christ” Moving Onwards “Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” John14:12 (TNIV)

“In Christ” Moving Onwards  What is it that God has equipped (prepared) me to do?  How am functioning in those gifts or areas?  Am I going through the motions as a Christian in my family | workplace | neighbourhood?