Labor of Love

A Labor of Love

Pastor Jim Stilwell

11 At this time Jesus was getting close to entering Jerusalem. The crowds that followed him were convinced that God’s kingdom would fully manifest when Jesus established it in Jerusalem. 12 So he told them this story to change their perspective: “Once a wealthy prince left his province to travel to a distant land, where he would be crowned king and then return. 13 Before he departed he summoned his ten servants together and charged them, ‘I am entrusting each of you with fifty thousand dollars[i] to invest while I am away. Trade with it and put the money to work until I return.’ Luke 19:12-13

We are to put to what God has given us

Work is a from God

9 What does the worker get for his work? 10 I have seen the work which God has given the sons of men to do. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has put thoughts of the forever in man’s mind, yet man cannot understand the work God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and to do good as long as they live. 13 And I know that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his work. It is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 NLT

Your work should reflect your

  28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 NIV

Don’t be

 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. Proverbs 10:4 NLT 

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all get your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23   

We were to do good works.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV 

We are for God

We need to God

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a] Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God1 Corinthians 10:31

How do you want to be by people?

2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NIV

Work out your

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

We need rest

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:5 ESV

gives us rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8 NIV

in Gods rest

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation  14:13