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Work and Our Labor in the Lord

By James M. Hamilton Jr., Series edited by Dane Ortlund, Miles V. Van Pelt

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"You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." 
—Psalm 128:2

Work has been a part of God's good creation since before the fall—created to reflect his image and glory to the world. What are we to make of this when work today is all too often characterized by unwanted toil, pain, and futility? In this book, pastor, professor, and biblical scholar James Hamilton explores how work fits into the big story of the Bible, revealing the glory that God intended when he gave man work to do, the ruin that came as a result of the fall, and the redemption yet to come, offering hope for flourishing in the midst of fallen futility.

Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

Read Chapter 1


Author:

James M. Hamilton Jr.

James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church.

Product Details

Category: Theology
Biblical Studies
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 128
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 5.91 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-4995-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-4995-3
ISBN-UPC: 9781433549953
Case Quantity: 100
Published: January 31, 2017

Table of Contents

Introduction

  1. Creation: Work in the Very Good Garden
  2. Work after the Fall: Fallen, Futile, Flourishing
  3. Redemption: Work Now That Christ Has Risen
  4. Restoration: Work in the New Heavens and the New Earth

Conclusion
For Further Reading
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

“Embracing a robust theology framed in the four-chapter narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, Jim Hamilton skillfully handles the scriptural texts, displaying how human work is a central thread in the biblical storyline. No matter the present depth of the reader’s understanding of the integration of faith and work, the insights gained will prove inspiring and transformational.”
Tom Nelson, Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church, Kansas City; President, Made to Flourish; author, Work Matters and The Economics of Neighborly Love

“The Bible has much more to say about work than we often think! Hamilton shows us just how central work is to the biblical storyline and God’s plan to fill the earth with his glory. This is a profound book that dives deep into the Scriptures yet remains highly accessible. There are surprising insights on almost every page. This is now one of the best books on the biblical view of work today.”
Matt Perman, author, What’s Best Next  

“People’s lives get turned upside down when they realize God cares intensely about their daily work. This short book walks us step by step through the big story of the Bible to show that God’s purpose for our daily labor is one of Scripture’s deepest and most important themes.”
Greg ForsterDirector, Oikonomia Network at the Center for Transformational Churches, Trinity International University; author, The Joy of Calvinism

“If you want to fully grasp the depth of the biblical theology of work, you will not be disappointed by James Hamilton’s short but powerful book. As he walks you through the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, you will develop a deeper appreciation of God’s plan for his redeemed images to truly flourish, both in this world and the world to come.”
Hugh Whelchel, Executive Director, The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics; author, How Then Should We Work?

“There is no shortage of quality books on the connection between faith and work. But James Hamilton’s Work and Our Labor in the Lord is in a class all its own: a thorough, yet concise, examination of the place of work in biblical theology. This is a must-read for all Christians.”
Joe Carter, Editor, The Gospel Coalition; contributor, NIV Lifehacks Bible

“This book may be short, but it is extremely rich. Hamilton is a surefooted guide to the scriptural material and provides a highly valuable and stimulating discussion of the entire sweep of the biblical theology of work.”
Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College; author, 2 Corinthians for You