Messy Work, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) series recap (2) master/servant (3) Chappell book (4) five biblical perspectives on work

Dignity of Work: (1) occupation vs. vocation (2) Gen. 2:15 — sustaining, flourishing (3) work preceded by identity (cf. Gen. 1:26) — picture of the gospel (3) work comes before fall (cf. 3:15) — not evil but purpose-giving (cf. retirees) (4) variety of work — no calling/job more important than any other (cf. pastor plumber)

Purpose of Work: (1) Col. 3:17, 23-24— work as profession (i.e. professing Christ) (2) “George Bailey” test — tire plant (3) true even in jobs we don’t like — job are not our fulfillment (4) Jesus is our boss —flight attendant’s quote of Col. 3:17 (5) additional purpose of provision (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8)

Integrity at Work: (1) “how would Christ do my job?” — Psalm 25:8, 21 (2) v.19 — witness to others (3) v.4-5 — shapes our souls (cf. managers/college students) (4) v.16-18 — may be tested through waiting (cf. Bae’s prayer) (5) may lead to God moments (cf. raising food)
Success at Work: (1) Deut. 8:7-10 — “living from God’s provision, blessing him for his provision” (2) stewarding our talents (cf. Mt. 25) — bus driver, cardiologist (3) ability to work comes from God — produces gratitude and perseverance (4) world’s values/expectations vs. God’s (cf. Sheffler, Paul Norton)

Witness at Work: (1) 1 Thess. 4:11-12 (p.129) who we work with (cf. 8 th graders, maintenance workers) (2) how we work (cf. p.141-142) (3) witnessing in small ways (cf. devo book gift) (4) expect pushback but remember eternal perspective (cf. Mt. 5:11-16) (5) think creatively (cf. Phil’s ministry)

Conclusion: burger king employee

“Battery researchers believe they are solving fuel issues and helping the environment. Politicians believe they are advancing justice, national security, and a prosperous future for our nation. Salespeople believe they are taking care of their families and contributing to our economy because no business prospers until somebody sells something. Doctors see beyond the pressures and repetitiveness of clinical practice to the lives, families, and communities made healthy by their labors. Highway workers understand that without their labors, every trip becomes dangerous, the nation comes to a halt, the economy collapses, and suffering becomes universal. Preschooler moms are not simply changing diapers, building Lego sets, and enduring exhausting days, but are shaping the joy, health, and faith of little bodies inhabited by eternal souls. And bricklayers can believe that they are not merely stacking bricks, but rather building cathedrals and homes and research centers and police stations and art museums.”