Jesus’ Theology of Work
(John 8:29) Desire: I always do the things that are pleasing to him [the Father].
(John 6:38) Mission: I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
(John 10:38) Conviction: If I do them [the works of the Father], even though you do not believe me, believe the works.
(John 4:34) Fulfillment: My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
– The essence of Jesus’ work was entered on one thing – the Father’s will
– This is how Jesus has managed to minister out of a condition of exhaustion, hunger, and thirst, yet remained satisfied and refreshed inside.
– His secret is alignment
– His heart and desire, his purpose and mission, his defense and conviction, his fulfillment and joy, are all aligned with the will of God.
Adopting Jesus’ Theology of Work
(John 8:29) “I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
– Can we say the same at our workplace, school, and home?
(John 6:38) “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
– We naturally pursue our own will at work.
– What does it mean to not do my own will, but the will of him who put me in my position?
(John 10:38) “If I do the works of the Father, even though you do not believe me, believe the works.”
– If our works are clearly not reflecting the Father’s works, will we quit our job and find another one?
– If we are doing the Father’s works, but the business environment is difficult, hang in there.
– Customers will ultimately choose the Father’s works.
– Customers like the Father’s works.
– Customers will refer other customers to the Father’s works.
(John 4:34) “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
– We have always thought that it is a burden to do the Father’s will.
– The truth is: The will of the Father is the most satisfying thing.
– When our desire of work, purpose of work, conviction of work, fulfillment of work are aligned with the Father’s will, work will not be a burden.
– It pleases you to please the Father.
Summary
Last sermon – make room for eternity.
– We should not conform to the culture of greed, selfish ambition, materialism, and extravagant entertainment.
– The keyword is to re-prioritize.
– We should re-prioritize our lives so that we are laying up treasure in heaven.
This sermon – make room for God’s will.
– The keyword here is to align.
– We should align our work with God’s will.
– Ultimately it is the most satisfying thing one can do on this earth.
