The Design and Dignity of Work

Dr. Steve Viars August 14, 2021 Genesis 1-2:3

INPUT – What are some of the wrong attitudes that our world, or even followers of Christ, can have about work?

INPUT – What aspects of work can we find frustrating or discouraging?

3 principles about work found in the Garden of Eden

I. The First Worker in the History of the World Was God Himself

Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

A. Brought order out of chaos

Genesis 1:1-3 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said…

INPUT – What other jobs, or aspects of a person’s job, achieve a similar function?

INPUT – Does our culture always value or reward this function? How can/should we be different?

B. Took steps that were organized and systematic

INPUT – How do we see this emphasis in the creation narrative?

INPUT – How can a follower of Jesus Christ work similarly today?

INPUT – What should a Christian think today if he/she does this, but it isn’t appreciated?

C. Took time to evaluate and find satisfaction in His work

INPUT – How do we see this emphasis in the creation narrative?

INPUT – How can a man speak/live in a way that helps his wife and children have a similar reaction to the work they are called to do?

INPUT – How can we help other people do this?

D. Rested from His work

INPUT – Do you find the fact that God rested on the 7th day surprising? Why or why not?

INPUT – What lessons are there for people like you and me?

II. God Created His Image-Bearers to Follow His Example of Work

A. Made us in His image and likeness

Genesis 1:26 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

INPUT – What are some examples of human beings exercising dominion over creation with their creativity and ingenuity?

INPUT – Can practicing civil engineering be as spiritual as preparing a sermon? What other examples might we give?

B. Given the privilege of work as part of God’s blessing

Genesis 1:28 - God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

INPUT – What is surprising about the relationship between the first three words in that verse, and everything we read afterwards?

INPUT – Describe a man who truly believes this.

C. Elevates what we might consider service work

INPUT – How can fathers help their children develop a biblical work-ethic?

III. In Christ, We Can Work in a Way that Honors the Lord

INPUT – What principles do we find in Colossians 3:22-24 that can direct us as we allow our Savior to change the way we think about our work?

Dr. Steve Viars

Roles

Senior Pastor - Faith Church

Director - Faith Legacy Foundation

Bio

B.S.: Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)
M.Div.: Grace Theological Seminary
D.Min.: Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary

Dr. Steve Viars has served at Faith Church in Lafayette, IN since 1987. Pastor Viars leads and equips Faith Church as Senior Pastor with a focus on preaching and teaching God’s Word and using his organizational skills in guiding the implementation of the Faith Church mission and vision. He oversees the staff, deacons, and all Faith Church ministries. Dr. Viars serves on the boards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, Biblical Counseling Coalition, Vision of Hope, and the Faith Community Development Corporation. Steve is the author, co-author, or contributor to six books and numerous booklets. He and his wife, Kris, were married in 1982 and have two married daughters, a son, and five grandchildren.

Read Steve Viars’ Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Viars to Faith Church.

View Pastor Viars' Salvation Testimony Video