Should we live to work or work to live? How does Jesus want his followers to work? In the new creation, will we finally be done working forever?

To kick off season 4, co-hosts Taylor, Denver, and Matt look at the topic of work from a biblical perspective. The discussion explores the idea of work in Genesis and how our vision of work is transformed through the life and teachings of Jesus. They also imagine what work might be like in the new creation, arguing that labor will once again be sacred and fulfilling. Lastly, they discuss how your work can play a role in God's redemptive purposes.

Books Mentioned:

• Work in the Spirit (Miroslav Volf)
• Every Good Endeavor (Timothy Keller)
• Garden City (John Mark Comer)
• Work (Ben Witherington III)

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00:00 Introduction to the Learning Laborers Podcast

00:09 Meet the Co-Hosts: Denver, Taylor, and Dr. Matt

01:18 Matt's Academic Journey and Thesis

02:38 A Day in the Life of a Professor

07:12 Would You Rather: Bible Professor Edition

21:10 The Future of Work and Labor Day Discussion

29:58 The Significance of Rest in Creation

30:44 Work as a Theme in Genesis and the Torah

31:06 The Paradigm of Work in Creation

31:25 Technology and Its Ambiguous Role in Work

31:49 The Evolution of Wages and Money

32:52 The Disconnect from Raw Materials

33:24 The Goodness of Work in Genesis

34:47 The Impact of the Fall on Work

37:14 The Dual Nature of Work: Fulfillment and Frustration

41:20 The New Testament Perspective on Work

42:01 Jesus as a Worker and His Parables

45:20 The Sacredness of All Types of Work

56:40 The Role of Spiritual Gifts in Work

59:22 Work in the New Creation

01:04:59 The Future of Work and Technology

01:07:46 Recommended Readings on Theology of Work

01:09:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts