The document discusses why we work from both a biblical and practical perspective. It begins by citing Genesis 3:17-18, where God curses the ground and tells Adam he must work by the sweat of his brow to eat. It then discusses some wrong reasons for working, such as to acquire things, impress others, or feel useless. The right reasons given are that work is part of God's plan, allows us to help those in need, and shows we trust in God rather than working to earn salvation or heaven. The overall message is that we should work diligently not for selfish gain but to fulfill God's purpose and help others.

1. WHY WORK?

2. Genesis 3:17-18
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17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have
heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten
from the tree of which I commanded you,
saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the
ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and
thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall
eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your
face you shall eat bread Till you return to the
ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust
you are, And to dust you shall return."

3. Why do we work?
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Many are in a viscous cycle – work to eat and
eat to work.
Genesis 3:17-18 is often called the JudeoChristian Work Ethic
Are you ever discouraged at work? Ready to
quit? Why do we get up and go to work?

4. Wrong Reasons
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Some work to get more THINGS
John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which
perishes, but for the food which endures to
everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give
you, because God the Father has set His seal
on Him."
We work for things that won't last,wear out,
become useless before we get them paid for

5. Wrong Reasons
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Some work to get more THINGS
2 Peter 3:10-11 10 But the day of the Lord
will come as a thief in the night, in which the
heavens will pass away with a great noise,
and the elements will melt with fervent heat;
both the earth and the works that are in it
will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all
these things will be dissolved, what manner
of persons ought you to be in holy conduct
and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening
the coming of the day of God, because of
which the heavens will be dissolved, being

6. Wrong Reasons
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Some think their work is useless
Galatians 4:11 I am afraid for you, lest I have
labored for you in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that
your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

7. Wrong Reasons
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To keep up with the neighbors
Matthew 6:5 "And when you pray, you shall
not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the corners
of the streets, that they may be seen by men.
Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Many buy what they don't need or want
trying to impress people they don't
even like.

8. Right Reasons
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Part of the Plan of God
Genesis 3:17-18 17 Then to Adam He said,
"Because you have heeded the voice of your
wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I
commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of
it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil
you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18
Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for
you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19
In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till
you return to the ground, For out of it you were
taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall

9. Right Reasons
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Part of the Plan of God
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God expects us to work, earn our way
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God condemns those who will not work
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2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were
with you, we commanded you this: If anyone
will not work, neither shall he eat.
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We must not be lazy, freeloaders
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The world does NOT owe us food and shelter
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Of course some need our compassion

10. Right Reasons
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Able to help others in need
Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no
longer, but rather let him labor, working with his
hands what is good, that he may have
something to give him who has need
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to
those who are of the household of faith.
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Victims of earthquake, tornado, floods
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The blind, diseases the hinder work

11. Right Reasons
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Because we trust God
Not – in order to get from God – It is not a
debt that God owes us
Not – to earn heaven, salvation, eternal life
1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we both labor
and suffer reproach, because we trust in the
living God, who is the Savior of all men,
especially of those who believe.

12. Right Reasons
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Because we trust God
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget
your work and labor of love which you have
shown toward His name, in that you have
ministered to the saints, and do minister.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 remembering without
ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and
patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the
sight of our God and Father,

13. I Want To Be A Worker
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I want to be a worker for the Lord
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I want to love and trust His holy Word.
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I want to sing and pray
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And be busy every day
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In the vineyard of the Lord.