Responding Biblically in a Sinful World
Summary
### Summary
In light of recent tragic events, it's crucial for Christians to respond biblically. We live in a sinful world, and our reactions should reflect Christ's teachings. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray for all people, especially those in authority, regardless of our political affiliations. Our hope should be in Jesus Christ, not in any political party. We must pray for the salvation and wisdom of our leaders, including Donald Trump and President Biden, and for their protection and guidance.
Our primary concern should be the eternal souls of people rather than temporal issues like gas prices. We should be more passionate about discipleship and the spiritual well-being of those around us. As Christians, our behavior, especially in the workplace, can either advance or hinder the gospel. Paul’s teachings in Colossians 3:22-4:1 provide guidelines for both employees and employers. Employees should work diligently and sincerely, as if serving the Lord, not just their earthly masters. Employers should treat their employees justly and fairly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven.
Our relationships, whether at work or home, should be governed by biblical principles. We must strive to be good employees, parents, spouses, and bosses, reflecting Christ in all we do. Criticism, when given and received graciously, can be a tool for growth. Ultimately, our actions should be done unto the Lord, aiming to please Him above all.
### Key Takeaways
1. Pray for All Leaders: Christians are called to pray for all people, especially those in authority, regardless of political affiliations. Our prayers should focus on their salvation and wisdom, trusting that God can change hearts and lives. This reflects our ultimate hope in Jesus Christ rather than any political party. [16:15]
2. Eternal Souls Over Temporal Issues: Our primary concern should be the eternal souls of people rather than temporary issues like gas prices. We should be more passionate about discipleship and the spiritual well-being of those around us, reflecting Christ's love and priorities. [21:05]
3. Work as Unto the Lord: Employees should work diligently and sincerely, not just when being watched, but as if serving the Lord. This means giving our best effort, maintaining a pure heart, and understanding that God sees all we do. [01:00:18]
4. Fair Treatment by Employers: Employers should treat their employees justly and fairly, with kindness and grace, as they too have a Master in heaven. This includes providing just rewards and maintaining a respectful and dignified work environment. [01:14:27]
5. Biblical Principles in Relationships: All our relationships, whether at work or home, should be governed by biblical principles. Criticism, when given and received graciously, can be a tool for growth. Our actions should aim to please the Lord, reflecting His love and justice in all we do. [01:17:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:15] - Pray for All Leaders
[17:01] - Responding Biblically to Tragedy
[17:53] - Christ's Love and Our Response
[18:50] - Praying for Leaders' Salvation
[19:35] - Consistent Reactions to Tragedy
[20:22] - Praying for Local and National Leaders
[21:05] - Eternal Souls Over Temporal Issues
[22:32] - Prayer for Donald Trump and Others
[23:14] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[23:50] - Worship and Trust in God
[24:22] - Prayer for Salvation and Growth
[47:33] - Colossians: Instructions for the Household
[48:28] - Servant and Master Relationships
[49:24] - Biblical Context of Slavery
[50:33] - Modern Workplace Applications
[52:08] - Biblical Principles for Work Relationships
[53:40] - Serving the Lord in All We Do
[54:58] - Impact of Our Behavior on Gospel Ministry
[56:15] - Servant's Obedience
[57:38] - Obeying in All Things
[58:58] - Working Heartily as Unto the Lord
[01:00:18] - God Sees Everything
[01:03:09] - Right Motive in Work
[01:04:35] - Giving Our Best Effort
[01:06:00] - Serving God in Our Jobs
[01:09:19] - Called into Ministry in All Fields
[01:10:49] - Reward for Obedience
[01:11:59] - Accountability Before God
[01:13:12] - Master's Care and Responsibility
[01:14:27] - Treating Employees Justly
[01:15:44] - Answering to the Master in Heaven
[01:17:10] - Receiving and Giving Criticism
[01:18:16] - Growth Through Criticism
[01:19:37] - Reflecting Christ in All Relationships
[01:20:59] - Examining Our Relationships
[01:22:53] - Welcoming New Members
[01:24:15] - Commitment to Church Membership
[01:25:24] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
2. Colossians 3:22-4:1: "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, who are Christians specifically urged to pray for, and why? ([16:15])
2. In Colossians 3:22-4:1, what instructions does Paul give to servants (employees) regarding their work ethic? ([56:15])
3. How does Paul instruct masters (employers) to treat their servants (employees) in Colossians 4:1? ([01:14:27])
4. What is the ultimate reason given in Colossians 3:23-24 for why servants should work diligently? ([01:00:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to pray for all leaders, including those they may not agree with politically? How does this reflect our hope in Jesus Christ? ([17:01])
2. How can focusing on eternal souls over temporal issues like gas prices change a Christian's priorities and actions? ([21:05])
3. What does it mean to work "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men"? How can this perspective change one's approach to their job? ([01:04:35])
4. How can employers ensure they are treating their employees "justly and fairly"? What might this look like in a modern workplace? ([01:14:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your prayer life. How often do you pray for leaders and those in authority? What specific steps can you take to make this a regular part of your prayers? ([18:50])
2. Think about your current job or past jobs. Have you ever struggled with working diligently when not being watched? What changes can you make to work as if serving the Lord at all times? ([01:00:18])
3. As an employee, how do you handle criticism? Can you recall a time when criticism helped you grow? How can you be more open to constructive feedback in the future? ([01:18:16])
4. If you are in a position of authority at work, how do you ensure you are treating your employees fairly and justly? What specific actions can you take to improve in this area? ([01:14:27])
5. How do you balance your concern for temporal issues (like gas prices) with your concern for the eternal souls of those around you? What practical steps can you take to prioritize discipleship and spiritual well-being? ([21:05])
6. Consider your relationships at work and at home. Are they governed by biblical principles? Identify one relationship that needs improvement and outline a plan to address it biblically. ([01:20:59])
7. How can you ensure that your actions in the workplace reflect Christ and advance the gospel? What specific behaviors or attitudes might you need to change? ([54:58])
Devotional
### Day 1: Praying for Leaders
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Christians are urged to pray for all people, especially those in authority. This call to prayer transcends political affiliations and focuses on the salvation and wisdom of our leaders. By praying for figures like Donald Trump and President Biden, we acknowledge that our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ, not in any political party. Our prayers should reflect a desire for God's guidance and protection over our leaders, trusting that He can change hearts and lives. This practice not only aligns us with Christ's teachings but also fosters a spirit of unity and compassion within our communities. [16:15]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Think of a leader you find difficult to support. Can you commit to praying for their salvation and wisdom this week, trusting God to work in their life?
### Day 2: Eternal Souls Over Temporal Issues
Our primary concern as Christians should be the eternal souls of people rather than temporary issues like gas prices. This perspective shifts our focus from the fleeting concerns of this world to the lasting impact of discipleship and spiritual well-being. By prioritizing the spiritual needs of those around us, we reflect Christ's love and priorities. This means being more passionate about sharing the gospel and nurturing the faith of others, rather than getting caught up in the transient problems of daily life. [21:05]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: Identify one temporal issue that has been consuming your thoughts. How can you shift your focus to the eternal souls of those around you today?
### Day 3: Work as Unto the Lord
Employees are called to work diligently and sincerely, not just when being watched, but as if serving the Lord. This means giving our best effort, maintaining a pure heart, and understanding that God sees all we do. By working with integrity and dedication, we honor God and set a positive example for others. This approach transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, reminding us that our ultimate accountability is to God, not just our earthly employers. [01:00:18]
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: Reflect on your current work habits. Are there areas where you can improve your diligence and sincerity, viewing your work as service to the Lord?
### Day 4: Fair Treatment by Employers
Employers are instructed to treat their employees justly and fairly, with kindness and grace, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven. This includes providing just rewards and maintaining a respectful and dignified work environment. By embodying these principles, employers can create a workplace that reflects God's love and justice, fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability. This approach not only benefits employees but also honors God by upholding His standards in all aspects of life. [01:14:27]
Ephesians 6:9 (ESV): "Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him."
Reflection: If you are in a position of authority, consider how you treat those under your care. Are there ways you can better reflect God's justice and kindness in your leadership?
### Day 5: Biblical Principles in Relationships
All our relationships, whether at work or home, should be governed by biblical principles. Criticism, when given and received graciously, can be a tool for growth. Our actions should aim to please the Lord, reflecting His love and justice in all we do. By striving to be good employees, parents, spouses, and bosses, we can create environments that foster spiritual growth and mutual respect. This holistic approach to relationships ensures that every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ's character and advance the gospel. [01:17:10]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think about a recent interaction where you received or gave criticism. How can you approach such situations with more grace and a desire for mutual growth in the future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We live in a depraved world, and sinful men do sinful things. And it's very important that we as Christians respond in a biblical manner. In 1 Timothy 2, beginning in verse 1, Paul tells us, I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." [16:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The reality is as Christians, we have the great responsibility to pray for all men. But he particularly emphasizes those that are in authority. He doesn't say those that we agree with at every point of our opinion. Those that are of our so-called political party or the other political party. He says that we're to pray for all men." [17:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My hope and trust is not in a Republican party or a Democrat party, but it's in Jesus Christ who gave himself a ransom. And we as Christians are to respond in a way that Christ himself would respond. And I believe that our responsibility today as Christians is to pray." [17:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm really more concerned about the eternal souls of men than I am what I'm paying at the gas pump. But yet so often we get more riled up about the cost of gas than we do about lost people going to hell all around us." [21:05] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We should treat people in a way that God expects us to be treated. And so here's God's expectation. Listen, as, as when you're an employee, do your job, do your job as a Christian and have a Christian testimony before, for them. Do it heartily as unto the Lord." [01:15:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I believe that God protected Donald Trump. Do I believe that he protected him so that he'll be the next president? I have no idea. But I do believe if he's not saved that maybe God protected him that he would come to know Jesus Christ as his Savior. And he has another day, another opportunity to come to Christ." [18:50] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to pray. I believe that God protected Donald Trump. Do I believe that he protected him so that he'll be the next president? I have no idea. But I do believe if he's not saved that maybe God protected him that he would come to know Jesus Christ as his Savior. And he has another day, another opportunity to come to Christ." [18:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to pray for God to intervene and pray for their safety and pray for their eternal life. And that God would work in their hearts and lives. I saw somebody post, now is not a time to be political. Can I tell you as a Christian we should be involved in the world and in politics and all that stuff but there's never a time for us to be political when it comes to the eternity of men and this reality and life." [19:35] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm really more concerned about the discipleship of those in our congregation and those in my family and those that I have influence over than I am much of what's going on in the political world. And yet we seem to be so passionate about those things and I'm not saying don't be passionate about those but truly I hope that we're passionate about the things of God and the spiritual lives of those that we have influence over and contact with on a daily basis." [21:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your behavior, my behavior in the workplace and really in society as a whole can either be a benefit to gospel ministry or can be a detriment to gospel ministry. How you, many of you work for unsaved people probably in the community or have unsaved supervisors and those type of things. And listen, you might think it's a little thing, but those people watch your life and literally they care more about what you do and how you live than what you say." [54:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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