Introduction

Tomorrow is Labor Day. From the Department of Labor website, we have this statement concerning labor day: “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”

“The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.”

It needs to be remembered that it is God Who has blessed the work of the American worker. God warned the Children of Israel not to take credit for their blessings "Then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' {18} "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. {19} "Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deut 8:17-19 NKJV)

Our topic this morning is “The Need of Work.” We admire the results of work. This morning, I’m sure Edith is especially glad to see the new carpet for our entry way. I’m sure all of us were glad to see the new side walks out front and on the side of the building. Wednesday evening some of you were commenting about the new signs that you saw coming to church. All of these have one thing in common: work. Work is important for several reasons: 1) We have to work in order to have an income for our support, and the support of our families, 2) Work is important because that’s how we produce the things we have, 3) Work is important because it’s part of God’s plan for our universe.

When Jesus was here, He spoke of a different kind of work: “But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." (John 5:17 NKJV) Jesus had spiritual work to do. In general, What can we say about work

Body

I. It accomplishes things.

A. In the physical realm.

1. We have already mentioned some things we have seen as they have related to the church.

2. We see numerous kinds of construction going on all around us.

3. There are many other types of work: office work, lawn care, engineering, and the list goes on and on.

B. In the spiritual realm there is much work to be done

1. Paul outlined some of the different types of work to be done.

(Eph 4:11-12 NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

2. Paul reminded Timothy of the work he was to be doing.

(2 Tim 4:5 NKJV) But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

C. In the spiritual realm, there is the physical.

1. The command to help those with physical needs.

(James 2:15-16 NKJV) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, {16} and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

2. There is the example of Dorcas.

(Acts 9:39 NKJV) Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

II. Work requires discipline.

A. In the physical realm.

1. Being to work on time.

2. Putting forth the effort to get the work done.

B. In the spiritual realm.

1. We have to be able to see the work that needs to be done.

(John 4:35-36 NKJV) "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! {36} "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

2. In the days of Nehemiah, the people had a mind to work.

(Neh 4:6 NKJV) So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

3. In the first century, the people went everywhere preaching the word.

(Acts 8:3-4 NKJV) As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. {4} Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

III. Work has a reward.

A. In the physical realm.

1. We work for wages.

2. People often praise us for our good work, and we like that.

B. In the spiritual realm.

1. Jesus has said we will be rewarded for our efforts.

(John 4:36) "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

2. As Christians, God expects good works of us.

(Eph 2:10 NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

IV. We are not saved because of our good works.

(Eph 2:8-9 NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, {9} not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Conclusion

I. Have you been saved by the grace of God?

II. Is there something in your life that you need to make right publicly?

Bible Study with Harley Sermons I have Preached

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