The Purpose Of Work Before The Fall Series

THE PURPOSE OF WORK BEFORE THE FALL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 2:15

Key Verse: “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” — Genesis 2:15

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:23–24; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Proverbs 16:3; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 2:10

INTRODUCTION

Before the fall, work was not a burden but a divine calling designed for fulfilment, creativity, and purpose. God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it, establishing work as a meaningful act of service, responsibility, and stewardship. Work was intended to bring joy, satisfaction, and reflect God’s image in creation.

Many today struggle with work as a source of stress or drudgery because sin distorted its original design. Understanding the divine purpose of work restores perspective, motivation, and alignment with God’s original intent. Work is not merely for survival; it is an avenue for spiritual expression, personal growth, and kingdom impact.

This message highlights that work before the fall was holy, productive, and pleasurable. By understanding God’s design, believers can reclaim the original joy, purpose, and blessing in their labour.

1. WORK WAS A DIVINE ASSIGNMENT

God designed work as a purposeful mission for humanity.

a) Stewardship of creation (Genesis 2:15)

Adam was tasked to tend and keep the garden, demonstrating God’s desire for humans to govern responsibly.

b) Responsibility fosters growth (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Labour produces satisfaction and growth when aligned with divine purpose.

c) Work reflects God’s character (Colossians 3:23-24)

Doing work diligently honours God and manifests His image.

d) Work is sacred, not cursed (Ephesians 2:10)

Purposeful work is a continuation of God’s creation and design.

Biblical Example:

Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit of God to work creatively on the tabernacle, demonstrating that work can be a divine calling that reflects God’s glory (Exodus 31:1-6).

2. WORK WAS MEANT FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Before the fall, work encouraged innovation, artistry, and skill development.

a) God created humans to create (Genesis 1:27)

Humanity, made in God’s image, was endowed with creativity for productive work.

b) Creativity enhances fulfilment (Proverbs 22:29)

Skillful work brings honour and establishes excellence.

c) Innovation honours God (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

Enjoying the fruits of creative work glorifies God’s design.

d) Work cultivates wisdom (Proverbs 16:3)

Dedication and creativity develop problem-solving and stewardship.

Biblical Example:

Noah demonstrated creativity and diligence in building the ark, fulfilling God’s assignment and demonstrating skillful execution (Genesis 6:14-22).

3. WORK WAS INTENDED FOR JOY AND FULFILMENT

Before sin, work was satisfying and spiritually refreshing.

a) Work was pleasurable (Genesis 2:15)

Adam experienced satisfaction in fulfilling God’s instructions.

b) Productivity brings peace (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Completing tasks in alignment with God’s purpose produces contentment.

c) Joy flows from obedience (John 15:10-11)

Doing work as God designed leads to spiritual and emotional fulfilment.

d) Purpose fuels motivation (Colossians 3:23)

Labour performed as an act of service to God releases divine blessing.

Biblical Example:

Bezalel’s work on the tabernacle not only met God’s specifications but also brought satisfaction, honour, and spiritual impact (Exodus 35:30-35).

4. WORK BEFORE THE FALL GLORIFIED GOD

Purposeful labour is an act of worship and reflection of God’s character.

a) Work as worship (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Every task, when done to honour God, becomes a spiritual act.

b) Responsibility honours God (Proverbs 16:3)

Planning and executing work according to His design glorifies Him.

c) Stewardship demonstrates faithfulness (Luke 16:10)

Faithful handling of assignments reflects God’s trust in humanity.

d) Work impacts creation positively (Genesis 2:15)

Careful tending of resources restores and sustains God’s creation.

Biblical Example:

Joseph’s responsible management in Potiphar’s house and later in Egypt reflected God’s glory, resulting in favour, promotion, and blessing for many (Genesis 39:2-6; 41:39-41).

CONCLUSION

Before the fall, work was purposeful, fulfilling, and honouring to God. It was a source of joy, creativity, and spiritual reflection. Understanding the divine purpose of work restores meaning, motivation, and satisfaction in all areas of labour.

Believers are called to reclaim the original intent of work: to glorify God, exercise creativity, steward resources responsibly, and experience joy and fulfilment. Work done according to God’s design becomes a powerful tool for blessing, influence, and kingdom impact.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me understand the divine purpose of work in my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, restore joy, fulfilment, and satisfaction in my labour, in Jesus name.

3. I receive grace to work creatively and diligently for Your glory, in Jesus name.

4. Father, let every work assignment I undertake prosper and bear fruit, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, remove all burdens, frustration, and weariness from my labour, in Jesus name.

6. I declare that my work shall honour God and reflect His image, in Jesus name.

7. Father, align my efforts with Your divine purpose for maximum impact, in Jesus name.