2013 JULY WEEK THREE STUDY / ACTIVITY

WEEK 29: Sunday July 21, 2013.

Study Discussion on Work-God Prospers Diligent Work

Main Text: Genesis 26:12-22

Memory Verse: Genesis 26:22

Introduction: This lesson is the concluding part of our studies on work. The focus is on what we can call honest work for which we should devote our time and energy.

We need to see work as a form of worship we render to God because: 

*He gives us our skill – (Ex. 36:1).        

*He gives us our work – (Gen. 2:15)

*He promotes us and blesses our work –(Ps. 75:6-7)

*He gives us our success e.g. Joseph – (Gen. 39:2-3)

*He gives us our earnings and wealth – (Deut. 8:18)

*He blesses us with resources and opportunities – (1 Chr. 29:12)

Examples of Work that Christians can undertake

¨      Professions like being a Lawyer, Medical Doctor, Teacher/Lecturer, Architect, Civil and Mechanical Engineer, Pharmacist, Accountant, Agriculturalist (Farmers), Nurse, Caterer, Fashion Designer etc. can be attained by Education.

¨      In the Forces’ work such as the Army, the Air Force, the Police Service, Fire Service, Prisons Service, Customs, Immigration etc. one can only rise high in rank through Education.

¨      There are artisans like the Auto Mechanic, Auto Electrician, Masons, Painters and Decorators, Driver-Mechanic, Seamstress, Hairdressing, Refrigeration, Mechanic, Business, Trade and Commerce.

¨      Unskilled Labour e.g. ‘kayayei’/ ‘paaopaa’ (porters), truck pushers, farm hands, laborers etc.

Discussion Questions

1. What work did Isaac do according to verse 12?
2. How did God bless the work of Isaac according to verse 12?
3. What other work did Isaac do according to verse 14?
4. What other work did Isaac do according to verse18?
5. What did Abimelech say in verse 16 to testify that God had blessed Isaac?
6. What lessons can we learn from the attitude of Isaac to work?
7. How can we know the difference between acceptable work and unacceptable work?

Conclusion

From the discussion so far, we have recognized that God as the source and promoter of work. Therefore, we should please God at our work places so that we can get a very good reward. Whatever level of work we find ourselves in, we must be encouraged to keep upgrading ourselves to higher levels for our current level is not God’s ultimate for us.