Faith and Work: Serving God in Every Vocation
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound connection between our faith and our work, emphasizing that all aspects of life, including our vocations, are sacred and should be centered around Jesus. We began by acknowledging the presence of Pastor Emmanuel from South Asia, praying for his courage and success in spreading the gospel in a region hostile to Christianity. This set the stage for our main discussion on the theology of work, as we delved into Colossians 3:22-4:1, which speaks to the relationship between bond servants and masters, urging us to work wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord.
The cultural context of the passage was highlighted, noting that while the Bible addresses the institution of slavery in the Roman Empire, it does not condone it. Instead, it calls for a transformation of the heart and a new way of living that reflects the kingdom of God. We discussed how work existed before the fall and is a tool to announce and expand God's kingdom. Our identity should not be rooted in our work but in Christ, as work is a means to glorify God and serve others.
We also examined the practical implications of putting Jesus at the center of our work. This involves being diligent, sincere, and just in our professional lives, reflecting God's character in our interactions. We are called to be the best at what we do, not for personal gain, but to honor God and influence those around us positively. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to use our influence and vocations to further God's kingdom, recognizing that we are God's plan A for reaching our communities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sacredness of Work: All work is sacred and should be done as if serving the Lord. This perspective eliminates the divide between sacred and secular, recognizing that every vocation is an opportunity to glorify God and expand His kingdom. [38:55]
- Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation: Understanding the cultural context of biblical passages is crucial. The Bible's references to slavery in the Roman Empire differ from modern conceptions, and the focus is on transforming hearts and living out the kingdom of God within existing systems. [46:54]
- Identity in Christ, Not Work: Our identity should be rooted in Christ, not our work. When work becomes our identity, it can lead to pride or despair. Instead, we should view work as a tool to serve God and others, maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. [56:01]
- Practical Application of Faith in Work: Being a Christian in the workplace means working with excellence, integrity, and a heart transformed by the gospel. It involves using our skills and influence to reflect God's character and further His kingdom. [01:00:33]
- God's Plan A for Reaching the World: We are God's plan A for reaching our communities. By living out our faith in our vocations, we can influence those around us and make Jesus known, recognizing that our work is a platform for ministry. [01:05:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:55] - Sacredness of Work
- [40:17] - Reading Colossians 3:22-4:1
- [43:09] - Context of Slavery in the Bible
- [46:54] - Cultural Context and Interpretation
- [50:09] - Exegesis and Theological Reflection
- [52:09] - The Gospel and Work
- [53:32] - Obeying Authority
- [56:01] - Identity in Christ
- [57:08] - Work as a Tool for the Kingdom
- [58:49] - The Fall and Redemption
- [01:00:33] - Practical Faith in Work
- [01:02:52] - Examples of Christian Vocation
- [01:05:02] - God's Plan A for Reaching the World
- [01:07:20] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:22-4:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Colossians 3:22-4:1 say about the relationship between bond servants and masters? How does this relate to the concept of working as if serving the Lord? [40:17]
2. How does the sermon describe the cultural context of slavery in the Roman Empire, and how does it differ from modern conceptions of slavery? [46:54]
3. What examples were given in the sermon of how different professions can put Jesus at the center of their work? [01:00:33]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of understanding our identity in Christ rather than in our work? [56:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that understanding the cultural context of biblical passages can transform our interpretation and application of Scripture? [46:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon propose that work existed before the fall and serves as a tool to announce and expand God's kingdom? [57:08]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "God's plan A" for reaching our communities through our vocations? [01:05:02]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between work and our identity in Christ, and how can this perspective prevent pride or despair? [56:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current job or vocation. How can you put Jesus at the center of your work this week? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's character in your workplace? [01:00:33]
2. Consider the cultural context of your work environment. How can you live out the kingdom of God within the existing systems and structures? [46:54]
3. Think about a time when you found your identity in your work rather than in Christ. How did it affect you, and what steps can you take to root your identity in Christ moving forward? [56:01]
4. Identify one way you can use your influence at work to further God's kingdom. What practical steps can you take to make Jesus known in your community? [01:05:02]
5. How can you demonstrate excellence, integrity, and a heart transformed by the gospel in your professional life? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [01:00:33]
6. Reflect on the idea that all work is sacred. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily tasks and responsibilities? [38:55]
7. What is one specific way you can be a positive influence in your workplace this week, recognizing that you are part of God's plan to reach your community? [01:05:02]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Sacredness of Work
All work is sacred and should be done as if serving the Lord. This perspective eliminates the divide between sacred and secular, recognizing that every vocation is an opportunity to glorify God and expand His kingdom. When we view our work through this lens, we understand that our daily tasks, no matter how mundane they may seem, are part of a larger divine purpose. This understanding transforms our approach to work, encouraging us to perform with excellence and integrity, knowing that we are serving God in all we do. [38:55]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you transform your daily work routine into an act of worship today, acknowledging its sacredness and purpose in God's kingdom?
Day 2: Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation
Understanding the cultural context of biblical passages is crucial. The Bible's references to slavery in the Roman Empire differ from modern conceptions, and the focus is on transforming hearts and living out the kingdom of God within existing systems. This calls for a deeper engagement with Scripture, recognizing that while the Bible addresses historical realities, its ultimate aim is to guide us toward a life that reflects God's love and justice. By interpreting Scripture with cultural awareness, we can better apply its teachings to our lives today. [46:54]
1 Corinthians 7:21-22 (ESV): "Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the Bible, and how might this change your perspective on a specific passage?
Day 3: Identity in Christ, Not Work
Our identity should be rooted in Christ, not our work. When work becomes our identity, it can lead to pride or despair. Instead, we should view work as a tool to serve God and others, maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. This shift in focus helps us find balance and purpose, preventing us from being consumed by our careers or feeling worthless when we face professional challenges. By anchoring our identity in Christ, we find true fulfillment and direction in all aspects of life. [56:01]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your work to define your identity, and how can you begin to root your identity more deeply in Christ today?
Day 4: Practical Application of Faith in Work
Being a Christian in the workplace means working with excellence, integrity, and a heart transformed by the gospel. It involves using our skills and influence to reflect God's character and further His kingdom. This practical application of faith requires us to be intentional in our interactions, striving to be a positive influence and a source of encouragement to those around us. By embodying Christ-like qualities in our professional lives, we can make a meaningful impact and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. [01:00:33]
Titus 2:7-8 (ESV): "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."
Reflection: Identify one specific way you can demonstrate integrity and excellence in your work today, and consider how this can serve as a testimony to your faith.
Day 5: God's Plan A for Reaching the World
We are God's plan A for reaching our communities. By living out our faith in our vocations, we can influence those around us and make Jesus known, recognizing that our work is a platform for ministry. This perspective challenges us to see our daily interactions as opportunities to share God's love and truth, using our unique gifts and positions to impact the world for Christ. As we embrace this calling, we become active participants in God's mission, bringing hope and transformation to those we encounter. [01:05:02]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you use your current role or position to be an ambassador for Christ in your community, and what specific actions can you take this week to fulfill this calling?
Quotes
Part of us understanding what it means to put Jesus first in our lives for our neighbors is that God has announced his kingdom through his son, Jesus. And Jesus comes onto the scene and says, your kingdom is at hand. The kingdom is the rule and the reign of Jesus. It's wherever. Authority and the benevolent rule and the merciful reign of Jesus exists. That's where the kingdom exists. [00:41:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so there's this cultural mandate, this cultural commission that we see in Genesis chapter 2 to rule and subdue. Work, as I'll mention later in the sermon, work was created by God and it existed before the fall. Somehow we've relegated work just to be something that is a means to an end. But work is a sacred tool and task that God has given to us to enact. But what it is is a tool to announce and make much of his kingdom. [00:41:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus transforms your perspective to work as you're working for him and know, as he says, that not one act of your obedience goes unnoticed and unrewarded. So let me give you some application. He's talking about things that are counter -cultural. Be salt and light. Let me give you some instructions on how to live, how to work, how to submit to authority. He's not giving an opinion piece about all of your circumstances that you find yourself in. [00:53:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Christ is the head of the house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation. He knows it all, and nothing surprises him. So let Jesus be at the center of your life wherever you find yourself in. He has a word to bosses. What does he say there in the verses? Bosses, be just and fair. [00:54:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Our identity is in Christ, and what happens when you make work your identity? When you're great, it goes to your head and your heart, and life is good, but when work's not going well, you're devastated and despondent because you've made work your identity. Our identity is Christ, and he's given us tools where we live, work, and play our job to till this land for the kingdom of Jesus, to make much of the rule and the reign of Christ. [00:57:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Christians should be the best at whatever we do. Why? We live for the glory and the renown of the King who created the universe. Let's be ambitious people and acknowledge that. Expectant people, all right? God has sovereignly created you and you are God's plan A. Let's put Jesus at the center of our work. [01:05:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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