Living Out Faith: Jesus in Our Workplaces

 

Summary

In our daily lives, especially in the workplace, we all carry a certain theology, whether we realize it or not. This theology shapes our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. An atheist, for instance, carries a theology that places themselves in the position of God, relying solely on their understanding and capabilities. Similarly, a deist acknowledges the existence of God but believes He is detached from our daily lives. This perspective often leads to a life where God's presence is not actively considered or sought after in daily decisions and actions.

However, as devout disciples of Jesus, we are called to carry a different theology into our workplaces. Our theology is one where Jesus is actively present and involved in our lives. We are His apprentices, learning from Him how to live and work within the Kingdom of God. This means that every task we face is an opportunity to learn from Jesus, who is always by our side, guiding and teaching us. Our work becomes a form of worship, a way to live out our faith in practical, everyday situations.

Being a disciple of Jesus means more than just believing in Him; it means actively learning from Him and applying His teachings to every aspect of our lives. This apprenticeship involves a constant awareness of His presence and a willingness to be guided by His wisdom and love. As we navigate our work and life, we do so with Jesus at our elbow, transforming our mundane tasks into meaningful acts of service and devotion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Theology in the Workplace: Everyone carries a theology into their workplace, whether they acknowledge it or not. This theology influences how they perceive their role and responsibilities. As Christians, our theology should reflect an active relationship with Jesus, guiding our actions and decisions. [00:23]

2. The Deist Perspective: Many live as practical deists, acknowledging God but not involving Him in their daily lives. This perspective limits the transformative power of faith, as it excludes God from the everyday decisions and challenges we face. [00:54]

3. Apprenticeship to Jesus: Being a disciple means being an apprentice to Jesus, learning from Him how to live and work in the Kingdom of God. This involves a continuous process of learning and growing in His presence. [01:33]

4. God's Presence in Our Work: As disciples, we undertake our work with Jesus at our side. This transforms our tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth and service, as we learn to see our work as a form of worship. [02:00]

5. Living with Jesus at Our Elbow: Constant awareness of Jesus' presence in our lives allows us to navigate challenges with His guidance. This relationship turns our daily routines into meaningful expressions of faith and devotion. [02:17]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Theology in the Workplace
[00:42] - The Atheist's Theology
[00:54] - The Deist's Perspective
[01:06] - Practical Deism in Life
[01:19] - The Devout Disciple
[01:33] - Apprenticeship to Jesus
[01:49] - Living in the Kingdom
[02:00] - God's Presence in Our Work
[02:17] - Jesus as Our Teacher

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the theology that an atheist might carry into the workplace? [00:23]
2. What is the main difference between a deist's perspective and that of a devout disciple of Jesus, according to the sermon? [00:54]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a disciple of Jesus should approach their work differently? [01:33]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of Jesus being "at our elbow" in our daily tasks? [02:00]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to carry a theology into the workplace, and how might this affect one's actions and decisions? [00:23]
2. How does the sermon challenge the idea of practical deism, and what are the implications for a believer's daily life? [00:54]
3. In what ways does the concept of being an apprentice to Jesus transform the understanding of work as a form of worship? [01:33]
4. How does the constant awareness of Jesus' presence influence the way a disciple navigates challenges in life? [02:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current workplace or daily environment. How does your personal theology influence your actions and decisions there? [00:23]
2. Have you ever found yourself living as a practical deist, acknowledging God but not involving Him in your daily life? What steps can you take to change this? [00:54]
3. Consider a task you find mundane or challenging. How can you approach it as an opportunity to learn from Jesus and see it as an act of worship? [02:00]
4. What are some practical ways you can maintain a constant awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily routines? [02:17]
5. Identify a specific decision or challenge you are currently facing. How can you seek Jesus' guidance and wisdom in this situation? [01:33]
6. Think about a recent interaction at work or in your community. How can you reflect Jesus' teachings and love in similar future interactions? [01:49]
7. How can you actively involve God in your everyday decisions and challenges, ensuring that your faith is transformative in your life? [00:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Theology Shapes Our Work

In our daily lives, especially in the workplace, we all carry a certain theology, whether we realize it or not. This theology shapes our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. An atheist, for instance, carries a theology that places themselves in the position of God, relying solely on their understanding and capabilities. Similarly, a deist acknowledges the existence of God but believes He is detached from our daily lives. This perspective often leads to a life where God's presence is not actively considered or sought after in daily decisions and actions. However, as devout disciples of Jesus, we are called to carry a different theology into our workplaces. Our theology is one where Jesus is actively present and involved in our lives. We are His apprentices, learning from Him how to live and work within the Kingdom of God. This means that every task we face is an opportunity to learn from Jesus, who is always by our side, guiding and teaching us. Our work becomes a form of worship, a way to live out our faith in practical, everyday situations. [00:23]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: How does your current understanding of God influence your daily work decisions? Can you identify one decision today where you can consciously invite Jesus to guide you?


Day 2: Beyond Acknowledgment to Involvement

Many live as practical deists, acknowledging God but not involving Him in their daily lives. This perspective limits the transformative power of faith, as it excludes God from the everyday decisions and challenges we face. When we live as practical deists, we miss out on the richness of a life intertwined with divine guidance and wisdom. The deist perspective often leads to a compartmentalized life where faith is reserved for certain areas, while others are managed independently. This separation can hinder spiritual growth and the ability to see God's hand in all aspects of life. By inviting God into every moment, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing faith to permeate our actions and decisions. [00:54]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you tend to exclude God. What practical steps can you take today to invite Him into that area?


Day 3: Learning from the Master

Being a disciple means being an apprentice to Jesus, learning from Him how to live and work in the Kingdom of God. This involves a continuous process of learning and growing in His presence. As apprentices, we are called to observe, listen, and apply the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. This apprenticeship is not passive; it requires active engagement and a willingness to be molded by His wisdom and love. By embracing this role, we allow Jesus to shape our character, influence our decisions, and guide our interactions with others. This journey of learning is lifelong, and each day presents new opportunities to deepen our understanding and relationship with Him. [01:33]

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29, ESV)

Reflection: What is one lesson you have learned from Jesus recently? How can you apply this lesson in a practical way today?


Day 4: Work as Worship

As disciples, we undertake our work with Jesus at our side. This transforms our tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth and service, as we learn to see our work as a form of worship. When we approach our work with this mindset, mundane tasks become meaningful acts of devotion. Each task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to glorify God and serve others. By inviting Jesus into our work, we align our efforts with His purposes, allowing His presence to infuse our actions with significance. This perspective not only enhances our work experience but also deepens our relationship with Him, as we learn to see His hand in every aspect of our lives. [02:00]

"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." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you transform a routine task at work into an act of worship today? What changes in attitude or approach are needed?


Day 5: Walking with Jesus Daily

Constant awareness of Jesus' presence in our lives allows us to navigate challenges with His guidance. This relationship turns our daily routines into meaningful expressions of faith and devotion. By keeping Jesus at our elbow, we are reminded of His constant companionship and support. This awareness helps us to approach life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. It also encourages us to seek His guidance in every decision, big or small, and to trust in His wisdom and love. As we cultivate this relationship, our lives become a testament to His presence, and our actions reflect His character and teachings. [02:17]

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you invite Jesus to walk with you through this challenge today?

Quotes


we are going to take our theology into the workplace and the only question is which theology are we going to take an atheist has a theology he has an understanding of god and he takes that understanding into the workplace and he winds up basically trying to be in the position of god [00:00:13]

the a deist someone who says well there is a god but he doesn't have anything to do with us we'll take that theology into the workplace and actually you see many people who are practical deist because if you observe them in their lives they do not assume that god is living interactively with them [00:00:42]

the most devout disciple of jesus will also take that theology into their workplace and they will be constantly paying attention to jesus and what jesus wants they will be learning from him how to do what they do because they are his apprentice [00:01:19]

a disciple of jesus is someone who is apprenticed to jesus to learn how to live in the kingdom of god like he does i will talk a little more about that in a moment but that means that all of the tasks that i face in my work are tasks which i undertake with jesus at my elbow [00:01:41]

god is present in my life through jesus the son and he is my teacher and he is the one that i'm learning from constantly as i go through life [00:02:06]

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Transcript
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