TLDR;
This Sunday school lesson explores the Christian duty to work, drawing from various scriptures in the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes that work is not for salvation but is a vital part of Christian living, exemplified by God's own work in creation. The lesson addresses the importance of diligence, self-sufficiency, and supporting others, while also cautioning against idleness and being a burden on the community.
- Work is a Christian duty, reflecting God's example in creation.
- Christians should work diligently to provide for themselves and support the weak.
- Idleness is discouraged, and believers are urged to avoid those who are lazy and meddlesome.
Introduction [0:00]
Brother Lars Jordan introduces the Sunday school lesson for May 10th, 2026, focusing on "Work as Christian Duty." The lesson is part of a quarterly theme on the social teachings of the church and fulfilling obligations to God and society. He encourages viewers to subscribe, like the video, and support the ministry. He also extends Mother's Day greetings to all mothers.
Genesis 2:15: The Duty to Work in the Garden of Eden [2:35]
The lesson begins with Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to dress it and to keep it." This illustrates that work is a fundamental part of God's plan for humanity. It's clarified that this work is not for salvation, which is achieved through grace and faith, as Ephesians 2:8 states. God himself is the best example of work, having created the heavens and the earth in six days and resting on the seventh, setting a pattern of work and rest.
Genesis 2:1-5: The Importance of Work and Completion [4:19]
Genesis 2:1-5 is examined to understand the context of work. The passage describes the completion of creation and God's rest, emphasizing that God finished His work. This highlights that work involves starting and completing tasks. The absence of people to cultivate the soil in the early creation narrative underscores the necessity of human labor.
Secular Definition of Work and God's Example [7:34]
The lesson defines work as exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something, aligning this secular definition with God's example in the creation story. God's creation involved effort and resulted in a completed, satisfactory outcome. Verse 15 emphasizes man's role in serving and cultivating the ground, addressing the earlier problem of no one to till the soil.
Exodus 20:9: The Fourth Commandment and the Importance of Labor [10:10]
The lesson transitions to Exodus 20:9, the fourth commandment, which states, "Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work." This reinforces the importance of work. The commandment highlights that work is essential and should be diligently pursued. The word "labor" is linked back to the Hebrew word for "dress" in Genesis, emphasizing service and cultivation.
Genesis 2:15: "To Keep It" - Guarding and Tending [11:42]
The phrase "to keep it" from Genesis 2:15 is explored, defining "keep" as "shamar" in Hebrew, meaning to guard, observe, and take care of. This involves tending to the garden, ensuring proper growth, and maintaining the living space. It's about tending and taking care of what has been created.
John 5:17: Jesus' Example of Continuous Work [14:13]
The lesson moves to John 5:17, where Jesus states, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." This refers to Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, which sparked controversy. Jesus defends his action by asserting that God's work is continuous, even on the Sabbath. This challenges the notion that God is subject to Sabbath rules and emphasizes that opportunities to do good should not be ignored.
John 9:4: The Urgency of Work [17:14]
John 9:4 is examined, where Jesus says, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." This highlights the urgency of doing God's work during one's earthly ministry. The chapter discusses Jesus healing a man born blind, emphasizing that the time to act is now, as there is a limitation to when physical work can be done.
Acts 20:33-35: Paul's Example of Selfless Labor [21:30]
Acts 20:33-35 is discussed, focusing on Paul's example of not coveting and working with his own hands to support himself and those with him. Paul's preaching led many to abandon idol worship, affecting those who profited from it. Paul's contentment and self-restraint are highlighted, contrasting with the love of money, which he warns against in 1 Timothy 6:10. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Acts 20:35: The Blessing of Giving [28:29]
Verse 35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," is a key theme. Paul exemplifies selflessness by working to support the weak. While this exact phrase isn't in the Gospels, it reflects Jesus' teachings and is inspired by the Holy Spirit through Paul.
Ephesians 4:28: The Purpose of Labor - To Give to Others [31:02]
Ephesians 4:28 is explored: "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." This emphasizes that work should enable one to give to others. The passage suggests that able-bodied individuals who don't work are, in effect, stealing.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12: Addressing Idleness in the Church [33:10]
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 addresses the issue of idleness among believers. Paul commands the church to withdraw from those who walk disorderly, meaning those who are lazy and unwilling to work. This is not excommunication but a withdrawal of intimate fellowship to encourage them to change. Paul reminds them of his own example of working to provide for himself, not being a burden.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-10: Following Paul's Example and the Command to Work [36:41]
Paul urges the Thessalonians to follow his example of working to provide for their needs. He emphasizes that they were not idle or lazy among them. Verse 10 reiterates the command: "If any would not work, neither should he eat." This sternly addresses laziness, emphasizing that those unwilling to work should not be supported.
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12: Busy Bodies and the Importance of Quiet Work [45:58]
Paul addresses the issue of "busy bodies" – those who are not working but are meddling in other people's affairs. He commands and exhorts them to settle down, work quietly, and earn their own living. This highlights the importance of minding one's own business and contributing to society through diligent work.
Conclusion and Prayer [51:09]
The lesson concludes by reiterating the Christian duty to work and help others. It emphasizes that Christians should work hard to care for everyone, building up the church and reaching out to those in need. A prayer is offered, asking for guidance to be better Christians and believers.
