Randy Forrester: Faith and Work: The Redemption of Work

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Mark 12:28-34, Col 3:23-25, Rom 12:1, 1 Pet 2:9

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Sermon Notes

I. Introduction: Restoring What’s Broken

• Illustration: Restoring furniture — sometimes better than new.

• Recap of the series:

  • Week 1 – Creation: Work is good. (Listen here)

  • Week 2 – Fall: Work is broken by sin. (Listen here)

  • Week 3 – Redemption: Jesus is making all things new — including our work.

II. Big Biblical Truth – Revelation 21:5

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

• Not “all new things” — but “all things new.”

• Present tense: Jesus is doing this now.

• Redemption includes more than souls — it includes work.

III. Three Ways to Integrate Faith and Work

1. Do Good Work

• Christian work should be excellent, honest, dependable.

• Colossians 3:23–24 — Work for the Lord, not just for people.

• Keep growing in skill, creativity, and integrity.

• Guardrail: Excellence ≠ perfectionism or workaholism.

2. Serve Others Through Your Work

• Work connects us to others; we meet real needs.

• Luther: God provides through everyday vocations (farmers, bakers…).

• Purpose matters: Chick-fil-A example — work as a positive influence.

• You can serve others through your work, even if your workplace doesn’t.

3. Worship Through Your Work

• We are a priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).

• Romans 12:1 — Offer your bodies (and work) as a living sacrifice.

• Visual: Imagine lifting your work up to God each day in worship.

  • “Lord, I offer my work to You…”

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

• Do you feel "called" to your job? Why or why not? What makes a job a calling?
• What's the difference between Jesus making all new things vs. all things new? Why is that distinction important for work?
• What makes for good work in a Christian perspective?
• Describe a time when you were the most satisfied in your work.  What contributed to this satisfaction?
• If your work is not perfect, can you still lift it up to the Lord as an act of worship?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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