1. This morning we pointed out from 1 Corinthians 15:58 that the Lord's people are to always abound in His work. 2. This evening we are studying principles that will help us "labor to enter rest." 3. Let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. 3 PRINCIPLES THAT JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT LABOR
A. First, Jesus taught His followers to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). 1. Jesus' work is described in vs.35. 2. However, according to vs.36, He had not been able to reach everyone. 3. In vs.37 Jesus made His disciples aware of the problem that existed. a. On the one hand, the harvest was truly plenteous. b. On the other hand, the laborers were few. 4. In vs.38 Jesus told His disciples to pray about this situation. 5. (Matthew 10:1) Jesus selected the twelve, and He sent them on the limited commission (vs.5-8). 6. Their return is mentioned in Luke 9:10a. 7. Jesus sent 70 others (Luke 10:1-2, 9). 8. Their return is mentioned in vs.17. 9. Jesus wants us to pray for laborers, but He also wants us to labor ourselves. B. Second, Jesus taught His followers to labor with proper priorities (John 6:27). 1. Earlier, Jesus had fed the multitude of 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish. 2. After Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee, the people searched for Him and found Him (vs.24-25). 3. In vs.26 Jesus revealed the reason why they had followed Him. 4. This led Him to teach an important lesson in vs.27 about laboring for the right reason. C. Third, Jesus had a sense of urgency about doing the Father's work (John 9:4). 1. Jesus had a mission to fulfill (John 4:34). 2. He realized His time was limited, and He was driven by His sense of urgency to fulfill His mission. D. After looking at these principles that Jesus taught about labor, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. 6 PRINCIPLES TAUGHT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT ABOUT LABOR
A. Principle #1: Each person "shall receive his own reward according to his own labor" (1 Corinthians 3:8). B. Principle #2: "We are laborers together with God" (1 Corinthians 3:9). 1. We must remember that God gives "the increase" (vs.6b). 2. Let us heed the warning given in Psalm 127:1 -- "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." C. Principle #3: Paul concluded his discussion of the resurrection by showing that Christian labor "is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). D. Principle #4: In addition to their "work of faith" and "patience of hope," Paul was thankful for the "labor of love" of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3) [the necessity of love is stressed in 1 Corinthians 13:3]. E. Principle #5: God remembers the labor of Christians (Hebrews 6:10; Nehemiah 13:31b). F. Principle #6: Rest is in store for Christian labor (Revelation 14:13). 1. This message is comforting -- those who have died in the Lord are blessed. 2. They are able to rest from their labors. 3. Their works will follow them.
Conclusion:
1. Now is the time to work as Jesus stated in John 9:4. 2. According to Revelation 14:13, there will be plenty of time for rest in heaven.
