Randy Forrester: Faith & Works :: God's Original Design
Description
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:
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Sermon Notes
“How can anyone remain interested in a religion which seems to have no concern with nine-tenths of his life?”
— Dorothy Sayers
1. God Is a Worker – And We Are Made in His Image
- The Bible opens with God working—creating the world (Genesis 1:1–2:2).
- As God's image bearers, we too are designed for creative, fruitful work.
- Work is not an afterthought or consequence of sin—it’s part of our identity.
2. God Made a World That Needs Work
- God created a good, but unfinished world—full of potential.
- Humans are commissioned to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28 ).
- We are called to develop culture, build communities, and steward creation.
3. Work Has Inherent Dignity
- Work existed before the fall—it is not a curse but a gift.
- All kinds of work (paid, unpaid, creative, routine) matter to God.
- Meaningful work is vital to human flourishing and reflects God’s character.
Sermon Application
Discussion Questions:
Describe your attitude towards your work (whether paid or unpaid, inside or outside the home). Are you positive? Negative? Motivated? Bored? Delighted? Frustrated?
Can a hobby be considered work according to Genesis 1-2? Why or why not?
Is it easy for you to connect your faith to your work? In what ways might knowing God's original design for work from Gen 1-2 help strengthen that connection?
- Why is work important for human dignity?
Additional Resources
by Timothy Keller
by Vern Poythress
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (
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Audio & Video
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on
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