Sermons on Colossians 3:23
The various sermons below interpret Colossians 3:23 with a shared emphasis on the idea that work should be done wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, not merely human masters. They collectively highlight the notion that work is a divine calling and an act of worship, suggesting that Christians should approach their tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. This perspective is reinforced by the Greek origin of the word "enthusiasm," meaning "in God," which several sermons use to illustrate that working with enthusiasm is akin to working with the spirit of God within. The sermons also agree that serving others is equivalent to serving God, and thus, should be done with utmost dedication and passion. Additionally, they emphasize that work is not a curse but a sacred duty, aligning with God's greater purpose and design for humanity.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present unique nuances in their interpretations. One sermon uses the analogy of "Undercover Boss" to illustrate that Jesus is always observing our work, rewarding those who serve with excellence, while another sermon uses a Venn diagram to help individuals find their passion and purpose in work. Some sermons focus on the idea that work is a testimony and a sermon in itself, suggesting that our daily actions and attitudes reflect our faith and commitment to God. Others emphasize the importance of reframing work as a service to God, transforming it from a mundane task to a meaningful endeavor. Additionally, one sermon highlights the accountability aspect, stressing that our motives matter to God and that we will be held accountable for how we live our lives, not just for what we do but how we do it. These contrasting approaches offer a rich tapestry of insights for understanding and applying Colossians 3:23 in the context of Christian work ethic and service.
Colossians 3:23 Interpretation:
Exceeding Expectations: The Call to Over-the-Top Service (Community Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 as a call to exceed expectations in service, emphasizing that Christians should work with all their heart as if serving the Lord directly. The sermon uses the analogy of "Undercover Boss" to illustrate that Jesus is always observing our work, rewarding those who serve with excellence. This interpretation highlights the idea that serving others is equivalent to serving God, and thus, should be done with utmost dedication and passion.
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Our Work (Grace Bible Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 by emphasizing the importance of working heartily as for the Lord, not for human masters. The sermon suggests that work should be connected to God's greater work, making it meaningful rather than meaningless. It introduces the concept of "rolling over" one's work to the Lord, suggesting a reframing of work as a service to God rather than just a means to an end.
Work as Divine Calling: Finding Purpose and Joy (Exponential Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 by stressing that work is a calling from God, not a curse. The sermon argues that all work is sacred and should be done as if working for Jesus, not merely for human bosses. It uses the analogy of a Venn diagram to help individuals find their passion and purpose in work, suggesting that when work aligns with God's calling, it becomes a reflection of divine purpose.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 by emphasizing the importance of working with all your heart as if for the Lord, not for human masters. The sermon uses the analogy of cleaning a bathroom to illustrate that no task is too small when done for God's glory. The speaker highlights that our work is a testimony and a sermon in itself, suggesting that our daily actions and attitudes reflect our faith and commitment to God.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 by emphasizing the idea that work should be done with enthusiasm and as an act of worship to God, not just for human employers. The sermon highlights the Greek origin of the word "enthusiasm," which is derived from "entheos," meaning "in God," suggesting that working with enthusiasm is akin to working with the spirit of God within you. This interpretation suggests that when Christians work with this mindset, it attracts God's provision and resources into their lives.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) interprets Colossians 3:23 as a call for Christians to view their work as an act of worship. The sermon emphasizes that Christians should work energetically and enthusiastically, as if working for the Lord, not just for human employers. This perspective is seen as a way to elevate one's work and bring purpose to daily tasks, distinguishing Christian work ethic from that of the secular world. The sermon uses the Greek origin of the word "enthusiasm," meaning "inspired by God," to highlight the spiritual dimension of work.
Colossians 3:23 Theological Themes:
Exceeding Expectations: The Call to Over-the-Top Service (Community Church) presents the theme that serving others is a direct expression of love for God, and that excellence in service is a reflection of one's love for the Lord. The sermon emphasizes that Christians are called to live and serve on another level, mirroring Jesus' over-the-top love and sacrifice.
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Our Work (Grace Bible Church) introduces the theme that work is a part of God's design and should be connected to His greater work. The sermon suggests that reframing work as a service to God can transform it from a mundane task to a meaningful endeavor, aligning with God's purpose for humanity.
Work as Divine Calling: Finding Purpose and Joy (Exponential Church) highlights the theme that work is a divine calling and not a punishment for sin. The sermon emphasizes that all work is sacred and should be done as unto the Lord, reflecting one's identity in Christ and serving as a witness to others.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) presents the theme that our work is not just for our wage but is a witness to our faith. The sermon emphasizes that our motives matter to God, and we will be held accountable for how we live our lives, not just for what we do but how we do it. This adds a new facet to the understanding of Colossians 3:23 by focusing on the intention and attitude behind our actions.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) presents the theme that work is not part of the curse but a divine assignment given by God, as seen in Genesis 1 and 2. The sermon suggests that work is a form of worship and a way to bring God's kingdom to earth, emphasizing that Christians should see their work as holy and special before God.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) presents the theme that work is a form of worship and that Christians should approach their jobs with the same dedication and enthusiasm as they would in a religious setting. This perspective suggests that the majority of a Christian's worship occurs during their workweek, not just during church services, thereby integrating faith into everyday life.
Colossians 3:23 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Exceeding Expectations: The Call to Over-the-Top Service (Community Church) provides historical context by explaining the Roman law that required Jewish people to carry a Roman soldier's equipment for a mile, which Jesus referenced in Matthew 5:41. This context highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teaching to go the extra mile, even for one's enemies.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) provides historical context by explaining the concept of a "talent" in biblical times, which was an allotment of gold. The sermon explains that the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 is not just about money but includes time, talent, treasure, spiritual gifts, energies, personality, experiences, attitudes, and material resources. This insight helps to understand the broader application of Colossians 3:23 in the context of stewardship and faithfulness.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) provides historical context by referencing the cultural practice of tithing and the biblical examples of individuals like Daniel, who distinguished himself in a foreign land due to his excellent spirit, which was recognized as the spirit of God. This context highlights the importance of integrating faith with work and the historical significance of work as a form of worship.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) provides insight into the cultural context of work during biblical times, explaining that the Christian approach to work as worship was countercultural. The sermon suggests that this perspective was meant to elevate individuals and communities by infusing daily labor with divine purpose, contrasting with the secular view of work as merely a means to an end.
Colossians 3:23 Cross-References in the Bible:
Exceeding Expectations: The Call to Over-the-Top Service (Community Church) references Philippians 2:7-8 to illustrate Jesus' humility and obedience, even to death on the cross, as an example of over-the-top service. It also references Romans 5:7 to highlight Jesus' sacrificial love and Revelation 1:18 to emphasize Jesus' victory over death. These references support the call to serve with excellence and dedication, as Jesus did.
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Our Work (Grace Bible Church) references Ephesians 2:10 to emphasize that believers are created for good works, prepared by God. It also references Proverbs 16:3 to encourage committing one's work to the Lord, and Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 2:15 to establish the theological foundation of work as part of God's creation and design.
Work as Divine Calling: Finding Purpose and Joy (Exponential Church) references Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 3:17 to explain that work is not a curse but a calling from God. It also references Ephesians 2:10 to emphasize that believers are created for good works, prepared by God, and 2 Corinthians 5:14 to highlight that the love of Christ compels believers to work with excellence.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) references Matthew 25, the parable of the talents, to support the message of being found faithful with what God has entrusted to us. The sermon uses this parable to illustrate the importance of using our gifts and resources wisely and faithfully, as we are ultimately accountable to God.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) references Matthew 6:24, which states that one cannot serve two masters, God and money, to emphasize the importance of prioritizing God over financial gain. The sermon also references 1 Timothy 6:10, which warns against the love of money, to support the idea that money itself is not evil, but the love of it can lead to negative consequences.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) references Genesis 41, where Joseph's wise management of resources during years of plenty led to prosperity during famine. This story is used to illustrate the importance of saving and wise stewardship, aligning with the message of Colossians 3:23 about working diligently and purposefully.
Colossians 3:23 Christian References outside the Bible:
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Our Work (Grace Bible Church) references Timothy Keller, who suggests that every good endeavor pursued in response to God's calling can matter forever, emphasizing the eternal significance of work done for the Lord.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) references the Holman commentary, which expands the understanding of the parable of the talents to include time, talent, treasure, spiritual gifts, energies, personality, experiences, attitudes, and material resources. This commentary provides a broader perspective on what it means to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians when discussing Colossians 3:23.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) references Dr. John Maxwell, who describes a budget as a strategic plan for managing finances. This analogy is used to support the idea of intentional and purposeful work, as encouraged by Colossians 3:23.
Colossians 3:23 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Exceeding Expectations: The Call to Over-the-Top Service (Community Church) uses the TV show "Undercover Boss" as an analogy to illustrate that Jesus is the ultimate undercover boss, observing and rewarding those who serve with excellence. The sermon also shares a story about a server named Mike Monk, who provided exceptional service, as an example of going above and beyond in serving others.
Work as Divine Calling: Finding Purpose and Joy (Exponential Church) shares a story about a stay-at-home mom who creatively described her role at a party to highlight the value of her work. The sermon also references the Japanese concept of "ikigai" to help individuals find their passion and purpose in work, suggesting that when work aligns with one's calling, it becomes fulfilling and meaningful.
Faithfulness in Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Gifts (Phoenix Bible Church) uses the illustration of a scene from the movie "Daddy Daycare" to humorously describe a messy bathroom situation. The speaker relates this to the idea that even mundane tasks, like cleaning a bathroom, should be done with all our heart as if for the Lord, emphasizing that no task is too small when done for God's glory.
Biblical Wealth: Managing the Other 90% Wisely (Community Church) uses the example of successful business leaders like John D. Rockefeller, Mary Kay Ash, and Truett Cathy, who integrated their faith with their business practices. These examples illustrate how putting God first in their work did not hinder their success but rather contributed to it. The sermon also references the story of Rockefeller's attention to detail in cutting expenses, which saved his company millions, as an analogy for the importance of managing resources wisely.
Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success (Community Church) uses the example of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, who maintained a modest lifestyle despite his wealth. This story illustrates the principle of contentment and wise financial management, reinforcing the sermon’s message about working with purpose and integrity as if for the Lord.