Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho! It’s off to Work We Grow
Psalms 123, 127
Senior Pastor David Rose explores the biblical perspective on work, showing how the Gospel transforms our view of even the most mundane tasks. Instead of working to earn God’s favor or the world’s approval, we work from a place of forgiveness, acceptance, and love, joining God in His ongoing work in the world. In Christ, we find purpose in every aspect of life—from the workplace to the home.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your work truly matters, this message is for you.
Key Takeaways
- God shapes us for a specific posture in our service. (123:1-2)
- God stirs certain expectations in our service. (123:3-4)
- God gives value to work done with Him. (127:1-2)
- God rewards good work with new relationships. (127:3-5)
Further Study
- In Psalm 123:2, the psalmist compares our relationship with God to that of servants looking to their master. How does this imagery relate to Jesus’ teachings on servanthood in Mark 10:42-45? How does understanding Christ’s sacrificial service shape our approach to work and daily life?
- Psalm 127:1 tells us that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” How does this align with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 about building on the foundation of Christ? How might this perspective change the way we approach our daily work and parenting? How could it shape our long-term goals?
- In Psalm 123:3-4, the psalmist asks for God’s mercy in the face of contempt and ridicule. How does this correlate with Christ’s promise that we will face troubles in this world (John 16:33 )? What is the comfort also promised in that passage? How can the gospel give us strength in the face of these kinds of challenges and pressures?
- Pastor David contrasted the idea of working “with God” rather than just “for God.” How does this concept relate to Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:23-24 to work as if working for the Lord? How can this mindset transform our daily work into an act of worship?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe good news of Jesus Christ addresses our deepest need as human beings. We are created to work and serve, but sin has corrupted both our relationship with God and our understanding of our purpose.
The Gospel tells us that despite our sin and rebellion, God, in His infinite love and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live, fulfilling the role of the ultimate servant (Psalm 123). He then died on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our sins (Isaiah 53).
On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Through His resurrection, He offers us new life. When we put our faith in Christ, we are forgiven of our sins and granted eternal life. We are transferred from being “slaves to sin” to becoming “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18).
This salvation is not something we can earn through our own efforts or good works. Like Pastor David said, our work finds its true value when done with God, not for God. The Gospel teaches us that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
When we accept this gift of salvation, we are not only reconciled to God but also adopted into His family. We become His children and heirs (cf. Galatians 4). This new identity gives us a new purpose and perspective on our work and relationships.
This is the hope we have in the Gospel – that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are forgiven, adopted, and empowered to live lives that glorify God in all we do, including our daily work.