This week focuses on the difficulties we develop with work, including fruitlessness, selfishness, meaninglessness, and idolatry from Genesis 3, Ecclesiastes, Genesis 11, and Exodus 34.
SERMON OUTLINE
Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (John 5:17)
The Fall: Unclothed (Genesis 3:7, 17-19)
Jesus: The Messiah Who Works (Luke 22:39-23:49)
- Yielded to God in work (Luke 22:39-46)
- Disappointed by others at work (Luke 22:47-62)
- Accused by others at work (Luke 22:66-23:25)
- Identifying brokenness of work (Luke 23:26-31)
- Compassion in the midst of work (Luke 23:32-43)
- Trusting God in difficult work (Luke 23:44-46)
- Watched while at work (Luke 23:47-49)
The Spirit: Clothed with Power (Luke 24:46-49)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some of the most common difficulties we face at work? How have you dealt with one of those in your own life?
- We continue our “God at Work” series this weekend by looking at difficulties with work. Before beginning this study on your own or with a group, take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you.
- We work in a world impacted by sin, brokenness, and evil. In the Bible, this reality is known as the Fall, reflecting our fall from God’s grace and into sin. Read Genesis 3:14-19 and name some of the main effects of sin and evil upon our work.
- Jesus came to bring the good news that kingdom of God is near (Mark 1:13) and to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This was, in one sense, the work that Jesus came to do (John 5:17). When you think of Jesus having work to do, what does that say to you about what it means to work?
- Read through Luke 22:39-23:56. As you read through this, take time to reflect on each episode of the story by asking the question: how is Jesus approaching His work here? This may take some time. You may want to take notes as you walk through this extended portion of Scripture.
- If Jesus worked His way through difficulties, how does that change your approach to working through difficulties? Maybe you want to consider one situation that is particularly difficult for you right now. How will you see or approach that situation differently because of Jesus?
- Sometimes we may feel that the distance between Jesus and us is too great for comparison on this topic. That begin said, we need to remember that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to live in His ways. What is one way you are asking God to give you Holy Spirit power to work in the midst of difficulty this week? If you are alone, write it down and pray about that. If you are with your small group, share your answers with one another and then pray for one another about these things.