Has 'Sabbath Culture' Gone Too Far? A Biblical Theology of Work
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📖 Pre-order Jonny Ardavanis's new book Get to Work: Seeing Your Daily Grind as God’s Good Gift here: https://a.co/d/04k0sFpo
Is work a curse from the Fall — or something far more sacred? In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series on the theology of work, exploring what Scripture actually says about labor, calling, and vocation — starting not with us, but with God Himself.
We dig into Genesis 1 to see God revealed as Creator, Artist, Sustainer, and Worker long before Adam and Eve ever showed up. We look at Jesus's own life — including His 20+ years as a tekton (carpenter/builder) — and unpack why the Gospel of Mark uses the word "immediately" 41 times to describe His ministry. If we're made in the image of a working God, what does that mean for how we view our own 9-to-5, our calling, and our sense of purpose?
Along the way we talk about:
✅ The Biblical theology of work vs. the "curse" mentality
✅ Genesis 1 and God as Creator, Sustainer, and Artist
✅ Jesus as a carpenter and what His "immediacy" reveals about work
✅ Why Christians talk more about rest & Sabbath than a theology of work
✅ Labor force participation, burnout, and finding balance
✅ Work as worship — from CEOs to stay-at-home parents to busboys
This is Part 1 of a multi-part series diving into a comprehensive, Scripture-grounded view of work — setting up themes from the upcoming book "Get to Work."
🔔 Subscribe for the rest of this series on faith, work, rest, and calling.
👍 Like & comment if this challenged how you think about your job.
Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.
Is work a curse from the Fall — or something far more sacred? In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series on the theology of work, exploring what Scripture actually says about labor, calling, and vocation — starting not with us, but with God Himself.
We dig into Genesis 1 to see God revealed as Creator, Artist, Sustainer, and Worker long before Adam and Eve ever showed up. We look at Jesus's own life — including His 20+ years as a tekton (carpenter/builder) — and unpack why the Gospel of Mark uses the word "immediately" 41 times to describe His ministry. If we're made in the image of a working God, what does that mean for how we view our own 9-to-5, our calling, and our sense of purpose?
Along the way we talk about:
✅ The Biblical theology of work vs. the "curse" mentality
✅ Genesis 1 and God as Creator, Sustainer, and Artist
✅ Jesus as a carpenter and what His "immediacy" reveals about work
✅ Why Christians talk more about rest & Sabbath than a theology of work
✅ Labor force participation, burnout, and finding balance
✅ Work as worship — from CEOs to stay-at-home parents to busboys
This is Part 1 of a multi-part series diving into a comprehensive, Scripture-grounded view of work — setting up themes from the upcoming book "Get to Work."
🔔 Subscribe for the rest of this series on faith, work, rest, and calling.
👍 Like & comment if this challenged how you think about your job.
Stay accountable in a digital world: check out Accountable2You at accountable2you.com/dialin — use code DIALIN for 25% off your first year.
@redeemingproductivity
Excellent stuff, Jonny!
16 likes
@conorreedR2C
Thank you, brother Jonny. This video could not have come at a better time. I'm 28 years old and finally trying to build up my physical and spiritual capacity for hard work of which I robbed myself in my laziness. I'm traveling from Michigan to Nashville tomorrow morning for a business meeting Saturday, at which I believe God will show me where to pour my efforts in this next season of my life. Please pray for me, that I will be empowered to work hard and show it was right for God to give me great abilities and intellect.
Lord willing, I'll be visiting Stonebridge this Sunday! I'm eager to meet the congregation led by such wise and faithful elders.
12 likes
@patrickbrowne4606
Just a couple of hours ago I corrected someone regarding the verse in 2nd Thessalonians about working. He’d made the mistake of saying “a man who doesn’t work shouldn’t eat”, and I corrected him by saying that the verse says “a man who is UNWILLING TO WORK shouldn’t eat.” Then I go to THIS channel and see that you guys are about to do a series about working! I believe that God may be telling me something…
11 likes
@webuser5950
I'm about to watch this, but I think among my generation, myself included, is thinking "what is the point of work"? The old model of work for the goal of retirement is seemingly slipping away. As inflation continues to outpace wages, the fruits of labor are seemingly fewer and fewer. Also, as the economy contracts and slows, along with the rise of automation, there are less opportunities for good work. I hope you speak on some of these things in the video.
22 likes
@blakevonbokern7772
As a Student Director for my local church, this content is extremely beneficial for me and my students. I appreciate the attention to biblical authority, theology, and practical living. Praise God for Dial in Ministries
1 likes
@steveisaacson7627
Jonny, I'm 70 years old and also was Blessed with a father who had to courage to teach me a work ethic. I am so thankful for Dial In Ministries!! Keep spreading the Word!!! Looking forward to this series and sharing it with young men in our Care group!
2 likes
@GraceGiftedMercyGranted
I don’t know, but something about the beauty behind God’s worth ethic is so satisfying to ponder. As you grow in understanding:::
2 likes
@Zions_song
You guys mentioned a follow up on working in a fallen world. Im convinced that many ppl like to sabotage Christians at work bc we do raise the standard of the workplace Im not sure how to navigate through this. Im eagerly waiting for part 2.
1 likes
@julierickert2145
The word that came in my mind describing Jesus ministry is balanced.
4 likes
@jillianwalsh5498
Love those stories of your 10th and 16th birthdays! Great message. I do see so many people in my community who are looking for work but it seems no one is getting hired because of the AI machine not giving you a chance. Praying for all who want a job 🙏
2 likes
@mickythemaker
Super excited about this series. I know that I was raised to have a strong work ethic and my dad modeled a strong work ethic, which did nothing but help me. But I have worked in the corporate ecosystem for almost 15 years and I am just now coming to understand that God has given me a specific gifting package that I have been under utilizing my whole adult life. I love to work but often times in many of my jobs I have found my potential is under utilized and I am using so so little of my whole gifting package. I am exploring this year how I can use more of the unique gifts. Scott has given me to work and to make money and to bless people.
@susanhoskins5285
“Divine Hustle” 💟✝️
2 likes
@lyfe_4_mee
Great word - CREATED TO WORK
1 likes
@palomaservin6129
I'm excited for this series. Just sent it to my husband!!
1 likes
@kaitlyn4867
I would love for y’all to do a podcast about getting rid of the work mentality. For example I have been struggling with my relationship with God because I have been focusing on “what can I do” “what do I need to do to get closer to God” everyone has been telling me to let go and that it’s not up to me.
@Graceful_Strokes
I want to start of with thank you guy so much on touching this subject of work amd the sabbath. I am a 19 year old woman who struggles with the idea of overworking and hustling till the point of burn out or just collapsing. This is so encouraging to listen to. Knowing more about how we should biblically work and how to view it through scripture is not a common topic talked about. Can't wait to hear more! And again thank you so much for making this series. Love you all so much from bail in ministrys and God bless.
@Allglorybeto-God
Excited for this series!
@KingdomWomanLiving
Truth. The word that came to me was intentional.
@michaelralph5472
Hopefully can get your new book in South Africa.
@nohemideoleoamador
Awesome explanation Jonny!
May God help us understand more deeply what work truly means according to His Word, and may He teach us to approach our work in a way that honors and glorifies Him.