The Father & Jesus Finished their work (The Holy Spirit is at Work until He completes)

(WHAT ABOUT YOU?)

 God’s Vision & Mission

Gen 1: 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. ²⁸ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” v31 – God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Gen 2: 2  By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (After finishing, leaving man to continue utilising the raw materials)

***God gave man “Work” before Woman. So Man, love work before thinking of Marriage. There is always a divine order in God’s ways. The Man was already “working” before the Woman came.

Genesis 2: 15 ” The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” v 18 “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Christ Vision & Mission

• John 4:34, NLT: Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. John 4:34, AMPC Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.
• John 6:27, CSB: Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.” John 6:55, CSB: because my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.
• John 5:17 (ESV)But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
• John 19: 30: hen he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

1. John 9: 4 – As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (What about you?) ⁶ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ⁷ “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). (God’s part) So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (Man’s work)

***God give us an open cheque, how and when we cash it is upon us

1. Matthew 14:29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Man’s Part) ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (God’s work)

Had Peter made a long prayer, he would have drowned by the time it was over.  Jesus saved him, but he did not carry him back to the boat – he walked back. This time his eyes did not drift from the saviour.

1. James 2 :20 – But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was ^[accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2. Genesis 12: 4 -So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.
3. Matthew 4:21 – Mending Nets to prepare for 🐠 fishing. (complete, restore, make ready). Taking time to prepare for a firm foundation in service, career & marriage.

***Jesus chose men who were busy working (Fishing, Levi the tax collector). All the people God called they were men of FAITH & WORK, not idle men. Abraham, Elisha, Amos

2. In Exodus 21, a Hebrew in debt could sell himself to a fellow Hebrew creditor. They became hired servants. In the 7^th year, the Hebrew servant could go free without paying anything v2. On the 50^th year (Jubilee), a slave would be set free irrespective of years served – Leviticus 25:39-43.

The freed Hebrew would receive supplies from the flock, the threshing floor and the wine press (Deuteronomy 15:12-15, 15:15). This wonderful provision of the merciful God gave the freed slave another opportunity to make a success in his life.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15: ^“ If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. ¹³ And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. ¹⁴ Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you. ¹⁵ Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.”

Jesus was an Obedient Servant: Exodus 21, Hebrews 10:5-7, Psalm 40 (Messianic Psalm)

v8:1 desire to do your will; is an apt summary of Christ’s life. Just as the Hebrew servant in Exodus 21 (v3-4) (was ready to do whatever his master said and proved his obedience by relinquishing his freedom, symbolised by pierced ear (v5-6) (Reference in Psalm 40: My ears you have pierced), so Christ delighted in God and his word.

• He willingly subjected himself to the father’s commands – John 8:29, Luke 2:49
• A true servant from Birth to death.
• Christ’s willing obedience stands in contrast to Moses’’ hesitant obedience (Exodus 4-7)
• Moses – Ó Lord please send someone else; Jesus – I desire to do your will Oh God

Jesus was the suffering servant: Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 52:13, Mark 10:45, John 13

Jesus was a loving servant: I love my master’ – Exodus 21:5 expresses Jesus’ attitude in eternity – love for his father brought him to earth to die on the cross.

Jesus was a selfless servant: Philippians 2:5-8 – Though fully God, did not think this equality with God a thing to be eagerly grasped/retained. He stripped himself of all privileges and rightful dignity so as to assume the guise of a servant. He put the interest/lostness of the elect before his own interest because of his love to his father, v15 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ – the humble Christian puts the interest of others before his own. Willingly suffered humiliation from wicked men “even death on a cross” Philippians 2:8 The cross for the Jews meant disgrace of the worst kind; but Christ gave up his own freedom.

****He took the cup of God’s wrath against sinners. Willingly submits to his father’s will, saying “Not what I will, but what you will” – Mark 14:36

**This is the servant declaring, “I love my master…..and do not want to go free”……so he goes to the cross shutting his ears to the Jewish leaders ‘derision – come down from the cross and save yourself” Mark 15:30, Instead he opened his ears to God’s command to die for his people.

I love my wife: “I love my wife and children” Exodus 21:5. The church is Christ’s bride – Ephesians 5:22-33, and the children are individual Christians within the church. The church is the heavenly Jerusalem, the mother of all believers, Jews and Non-Jews (Galatians 4:26) It was because “Christ loved the church” that he gave himself up for her to make her holy” Ephesians 5:25 **So great was his love his bride that he submitted to a painful and shameful death by crucifixion.

I love my Master: Exodus 21:1-6 – Not only foreshadows Christ’s obedience, it is also a picture of the Christian devotion to his heavenly master. **If the Hebrew servant vowed lifelong service to an earthly master, how much more should Christians devote themselves to their Master in heaven?

The earthly master accepted six years ‘service instead of payment of debt – but our gracious master gave his life to redeem us from spiritual bondage. Calvary’s love should move us to respond, “I love my master……” I do not want to go free’

The pierced ear identified the slave, and so our changed lives mark us out as the Lord’s servants.

Paul would call himself ‘a servant of Christ Jesus’ Romans 1:16 He suffered, and said “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17). Our marks show our love for Him; His marks showed his love for the father

Even after his beating, still boasted about Christ’s death – “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world – Galatians 6:14

***They closed their ears – It’s possible for people to close their ears. ……..The servant declares, “I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free – Exodus 21:5

The slave affirmed this love for his master publicly ‘’before the judges ‘who ensured that he acted freely.

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WORK

Proverbs 12:11 (NIV) 11 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

2 Thessalonians 3:6  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” ¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. ¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Matthew 25: 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. (Parable of the bags of gold).

2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Proverbs 6:6 – Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
⁷ It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, ⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. ⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

1 Timothy 5:19   But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

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

Ephesians 4:28 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.

Proverbs 90: 17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Proverbs 13: 4  A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Proverbs 14:23  All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

2 Timothy 2:16 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Titus 2:7 (ESV) Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works

Acts 20: 35 (ESV) In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Psalms 128: 2 (ESV) You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

**James 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

**2 Timothy 4:17 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Ecclesiastes 2:24  (ESV) There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,

1 Corinthians 4:12 (ESV) And we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

**Proverbs 29:5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.

**Nehemiah 4: 4 (ESV) So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Psalms 127:1 (ESV) A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Partnering with the Lord in work)

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV) I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Job 1:10 (ESV) Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

2 Chronicles 15: 7 But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

Matthew 28:16-20. What work did Jesus give all His disciples? (Go tell everyone about Him, make disciples, baptize and teach them) We can be His disciples too when we put our faith in Him so we have the same job as the first disciples.

Titus 1:5 (NLT): I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.

Examples:

• Alexander the great and the beggar
• If God calls a man to work, He will be with him in that work, and he will succeed no matter what the obstacles may be. – D.L. Moody
• It is one thing to be active in your work for the Lord – quite another thing to be effective.
• The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work.
• No work is as wearisome as doing nothing.
• The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work.
• Plan your work – then work your plan.
• Many people avoid discovering the secret of success, because deep down they suspect the secret may be – hard work.
• The Church is full of willing people – some are willing to work, and the others are willing to let them.
• Speaking of tranquilizers – way back in Grandpa’s day, there was something to produce a good night’s sleep. They called it work.
• Nothing is more exhausting than searching for easy ways to make a living.