Managing for the Master Till He Comes
Sabbath School Lesson 9
Beware Of Covetousness
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
------------------------------
> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.
----------------------
> Download current Sabbath School lesson here.
-------------------------------------------
Is work a blessing or a curse? We have to go to the beginning of creation with Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:15 (NKJV): "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it."
Man's first job was to take care of the garden. We could call this work, but in fact it was more of a responsibility. The work they did was out of love for God and the blessings they received. This was only one part of what people were to do.
Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): "Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” "
We were to populate the earth and rule over it. This included building towns, raising food, developing and discovering new things, and protecting it. This was the original plan for humans. We could call this work, but it was not work in order to live and survive. That part would be provided easily by God's perfect creation.
We would only be doing enjoyable things that nobody today would probably label as work. There was no plan for becoming wealthier than another and leaving people lacking. Sharing, caring, loving, and blessing would be the mindset. They would not be worrying about what to eat, wear, or where to live. Nobody was to be envious or yearn for a better life.
The introduction of sin threw all of this into chaos. God's original plan for man and the earth was still valid, but now by the sweat of his brow would he eat and survive. And that would be the true definition that we should give "work."
Remember how Jesus described how God the Father provides for the animals? Jesus does not reference any work the animals do, but we know many animals now fight for survival. We ruined God's perfect plan for them as well.
Needing to work to survive was never part of the original plan. We only have to look around us to see how that turned out. We have billions of people living in poverty, while others have relatively easy lives.
Some work very hard and barely survive. Living conditions can be harsh. Water and food is lacking in various parts of the world.
Others work more to buy more things. They have plenty of food, water, shelter, but they yearn for more. In countries like the United States we have what we call workaholics. People who are just involved in work 24 hours a day.
Remember this as we put modern work into perspective. Our true calling since the beginning was only God's work. Our work life can now get in the way of that. Your job is a blessing only if it is providing the following:
⦁ Healthy food, appropriate clothing, and housing.
⦁ Contributions to the work of the church.
⦁ Satisfaction with what you have, and not wanting more and more.
⦁ Enough time to unwind and rest from your labors.
⦁ Enjoy the Sabbath.
⦁ Help others in need.
⦁ A pathway to retirement or survival in later years.
⦁ Living a Christ-like life.
Sadly, many working people today are unsatisfied with that list. They either want more, or they have no heart for God's work. Some are unsatisfied. They want it easy. They want it fast, and many times, they want it free.
You alone must ask yourself if your job is a blessing or a curse. All jobs and careers can be honorable and valuable.
It is worth noting that Jesus in Matthew 6, tells us that God's plan of providing for us is still somewhat intact.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) " "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." "
What is Jesus telling us our true "work" should be?
Managing for the Master Till He Comes
Sabbath School Lesson 8
Planning for Success
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
------------------------------
> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.
----------------------
> Download current Sabbath School lesson here.
-------------------------------------------
Managing for the Master Till He Comes
Sabbath School Lesson 7
Unto the Least of These
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
------------------------------
> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.
----------------------
> Download current Sabbath School lesson here.
-------------------------------------------
Managing for the Master Till He Comes
Sabbath School Lesson 6
Laying Up Treasure in Heaven
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
------------------------------
> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.
----------------------
> Download current Sabbath School lesson here.
-------------------------------------------
Nowhere in The Bible does it tell us that we should not file for bankruptcy. It does, however, discourage getting so far into debt that you cannot repay it. God's children were never to be slaves to anyon or anything, except The Master, Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1, Paul calls himself just that.
For people today it is easy to go into debt. Many people file bankruptcy. The Christian thing to do it to pay your debts. Avoid going into bankruptcy by looking at all options.
There are times when you feel as if you have reached the end, and the only solution is bankruptcy. There are several ways that even a Christian might consider a reason to allow bankruptcy.
Sometimes it might be that a credtitor is able to force you into bankruptcy. Although this is rare, it could happen. Depending on the number of creditors, one of them could force it. Bankruptcy actually helps the creditors, as they will recoup some of what is owed them.
Financial hardships become so great that there is no other alternative. Your life can change in an instant. All this could add to emotional suffering and stress. The pressure and shame is too great to bear. Your very health is at risk.
Would you like a case where bankruptcy is an option for even a Christian? Consider when a spouse dies or abandons the family. There might be several debts due and the remaining spouse is unable to afford to pay them. Creditor phone calls add to the emotional pain.
How about a natural disaster? Lack of enough insurance sends many to fall behind and into debt.
Bankruptcy in these cases will ease the financial burdens and mental anguish.
We know that many Christians also go through unwanted divorces. Christians should not feel shamed by going into bankruptcy for the above and similar reasons.
If you are spending money that you don't have, for things you don't need, your lifestyle is not exactly Christ-like. We always encourage a Christ-like life, filled with prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship.
