Work and redemption

United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches

Christian Maturity • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Although human activity cannot merit eternal redemption, work done in this life may, with God’s enabling, substantially reflect the divine ideal, in anticipation of the perfect service of heaven.

Notes

Transcript

Human work cannot merit redemption

Eph 2:8–9; 2 Ti 1:9; Tt 3:4–5

Jesus Christ’s finished work secures redemption

John 17:4 NRSV

I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.

Faith leads believers to perform good works

James 2:14 NRSV

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?

See also Mt 7:16–20; Mt 12:33; Lk 3:8–9; Ro 2:13; Heb 6:10–12; Jas 2:17–26

Redeemed workers fulfil God’s purpose in work

By applying biblical virtues in employment

Pr 10:4; Pr 14:23; Ga 6:9; Col 4:1

By the pursuit of excellence

Ec 9:10; Tt 2:7–8; Tt 3:8; 1 Pe 2:12; 1 Pe 2:15

By doing their work as those responsible to God

Ro 12:1; 1 Co 7:24; 1 Co 10:31; Eph 6:7; Col 3:23

Work done, as for the Lord, will be rewarded by the Lord

Colossians 3:23–24 NRSV

Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.

See also 2 Ch 31:21; Mt 25:21; 1 Co 15:58

Work will continue in the life to come

Revelation 22:3 NRSV

Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him;