Work as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth
Summary
In today's message, we explored how God uses our work to build character and spiritual maturity. Work is not just a means to earn a living; it is a significant part of God's plan for our lives. We spend a substantial portion of our lives at work, and God intends for us to use this time to grow in character and become more like Christ. Our jobs are not just tasks to be completed but opportunities to fulfill God's purposes for our lives.
God uses our work to teach us responsibility, character, and love. First, He uses the pressures of work to instill a sense of responsibility. In a world where rights are often emphasized over responsibilities, work becomes a school where we learn to be accountable. Keeping promises, meeting deadlines, working without supervision, and controlling costs are all ways we demonstrate responsibility, reflecting Christ-like character.
Second, God uses problems at work to develop our character. Every job has its challenges, and these are opportunities for growth. Instead of asking "why" when faced with difficulties, we should ask "what" God wants us to learn. Problems teach us patience and strengthen our character, aligning us more closely with God's purpose for our lives.
Lastly, God uses people at work to teach us how to love genuinely. Workplaces are filled with diverse individuals, some of whom may be difficult to love. Yet, God calls us to love them as He loves us. This is the ultimate test of our spiritual maturity. Love should be the motivation behind all our actions, and it is through love that we truly reflect God's character.
Our work is a platform for spiritual growth, where we learn responsibility, develop character, and practice love. God is watching how we handle these opportunities, and He promises eternal rewards for work done in love. Let us embrace our work as a divine calling, allowing God to shape us into the image of Christ through our daily tasks.
Key Takeaways:
- Work as a School of Responsibility: God uses the pressures of work to teach us responsibility. By keeping promises, meeting deadlines, and working without supervision, we reflect Christ-like character. Responsibility is a key to spiritual growth and career success. [04:44]
- Problems as Character Builders: Challenges at work are opportunities for growth. Instead of asking "why," we should ask "what" God wants us to learn. Problems teach us patience and strengthen our character, aligning us with God's purpose. [15:06]
- Love as the Ultimate Motivation: God uses people at work to teach us how to love genuinely. Love should be the motivation behind all our actions, and it is through love that we truly reflect God's character. [22:31]
- Temptation as a Stepping Stone: Temptation is not a sin but an opportunity for growth. Every temptation is a choice to do good or bad, and choosing good builds character. God uses even temptations at work to develop us spiritually. [17:22]
- Eternal Rewards for Work Done in Love: God promises eternal rewards for work done in love. Our work is a platform for spiritual growth, where we learn responsibility, develop character, and practice love. [33:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Building Character
[00:26] - God's Interest in Our Work
[01:08] - Work as Part of God's Will
[01:38] - Four Purposes of Work
[02:08] - Focus on Spiritual Maturity
[03:27] - Three Ways God Uses Work
[04:03] - Pressure Teaches Responsibility
[05:15] - Responsibility and Growth
[06:55] - Working Without Supervision
[09:03] - Controlling Costs
[10:43] - Problems Teach Character
[14:48] - Rejoicing in Problems
[16:30] - Temptation as Growth Opportunity
[18:57] - Overcoming Overwhelming Problems
[21:26] - People Teach Love
[24:32] - Love as Motivation
[29:48] - Living at Peace with Others
[32:07] - God's Evaluation of Our Work
[33:23] - Eternal Rewards for Love
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:29 - "From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him should become like His Son."
2. Ephesians 4:13 - "Real maturity is that measure of development which is meant by 'the fullness of Christ.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are the three ways God uses work to build our character? ([03:27])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of responsibility in spiritual growth and career success? ([05:15])
3. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate motivation behind our actions at work? ([22:31])
4. How does the sermon explain the role of temptation in our spiritual development? ([17:22])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of work as a "school of responsibility" challenge or affirm your current understanding of your job? ([04:44])
2. In what ways might God be using the problems you face at work to develop your character, according to the sermon? ([15:06])
3. How does the sermon suggest we should respond to difficult people at work to grow in love? ([22:31])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between love and spiritual maturity in the workplace? ([24:32])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge at work. How might you view this situation differently if you consider it an opportunity for character growth? ([15:06])
2. Think about a promise or deadline you have at work. How can you ensure you fulfill it to demonstrate responsibility and Christ-like character? ([05:55])
3. Identify a colleague who is difficult to love. What practical steps can you take to show genuine love to them this week? ([22:31])
4. Consider a temptation you face at work. How can you use this as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than a stumbling block? ([17:22])
5. How can you incorporate love as the motivation behind your daily tasks at work, regardless of the nature of your job? ([23:23])
6. Reflect on how you handle your finances and responsibilities at work. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's expectations? ([09:03])
7. How can you involve your small group in supporting you through work-related challenges, as suggested in the sermon? ([20:23])
Devotional
Day 1: Work as a Divine Responsibility
Work is a divine tool for teaching responsibility, where God uses the pressures and demands of our jobs to instill accountability and Christ-like character. In a world that often emphasizes rights over responsibilities, work becomes a school where we learn to keep promises, meet deadlines, and work diligently even without supervision. These actions reflect our commitment to God’s purposes and contribute to our spiritual growth and career success. Embracing responsibility in our work is a key to becoming more like Christ. [04:44]
"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: In what specific ways can you demonstrate greater responsibility in your current job or daily tasks, reflecting Christ-like character?
Day 2: Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
Every job comes with its own set of challenges, and these are opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Instead of questioning why difficulties arise, consider what God wants you to learn from them. Problems at work teach us patience and strengthen our character, aligning us more closely with God’s purpose for our lives. By embracing these challenges, we allow God to mold us into His image, using every trial as a stepping stone to spiritual maturity. [15:06]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge at work. What is one lesson God might be teaching you through this situation, and how can you apply it today?
Day 3: Love as the Foundation of Our Actions
In the workplace, God uses the diversity of people to teach us how to love genuinely. This love should be the motivation behind all our actions, reflecting God’s character. Loving others, especially those who are difficult, is the ultimate test of our spiritual maturity. By choosing to love as God loves us, we fulfill His command and grow in our spiritual journey. Let love be the driving force in all that you do. [22:31]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a colleague or person in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them genuine love and kindness this week?
Day 4: Temptation as a Pathway to Spiritual Development
Temptation is not a sin but an opportunity for growth. Every temptation presents a choice to do good or bad, and choosing good builds character. God uses even the temptations we face at work to develop us spiritually. By resisting temptation and choosing righteousness, we align ourselves with God’s will and strengthen our spiritual foundation. [17:22]
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent temptation you faced. What steps can you take to choose good and grow spiritually the next time you encounter a similar situation?
Day 5: Eternal Rewards for Work Done in Love
God promises eternal rewards for work done in love. Our work is not just a means to earn a living but a platform for spiritual growth, where we learn responsibility, develop character, and practice love. By embracing our work as a divine calling, we allow God to shape us into the image of Christ through our daily tasks. Let us strive to work with love, knowing that God is watching and will reward our efforts eternally. [33:23]
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you infuse more love into your daily work, knowing that God sees and rewards your efforts? What specific actions can you take today to serve others with love?
Quotes
"Work is a part of God's will for your life. It's part of your calling and if we're followers of Jesus, there's no such thing as just a job. God has five purposes for your life here on earth and your job is one of the places that you can work on and fulfill four of those five purposes." [00:01:08]
"First God uses pressure at work to teach me responsibility. God uses pressure at work to teach me responsibility. Every job has its own pressures and stress can be beneficial if you use it to motivate you to grow. Have you ever had to complete a task that you didn't feel like doing?" [00:03:50]
"Work is a school of responsibility where we learn how to be responsible. And of course that's a big deal because today responsibility is declining in our society. You don't ever hear anybody talking about their responsibility, you hear everybody talking about my rights but there are no rights without responsibilities." [00:04:44]
"God uses problems at work to teach me character. He uses pressure to teach me responsibility. He uses problems to teach me character. Now there are no problem-free jobs. And every job has its own unique problems. Let me tell you about one I just read recently." [00:10:43]
"Romans chapter five verses three and four says this 'We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials for we know that they're good for us that they help us learn to be patient and patience develops strength of character.' I want you to circle strength of character." [00:14:48]
"Whenever you've got a problem at work you need to ask not why, why am I having this problem, why is this happening to me, you need to ask what. Don't ask why ask what. Ask what do you want me to learn from this God? What are you trying to teach me?" [00:15:32]
"Did you know that God can even use the temptations in your life for good? He can even use those temptations to build character because temptation is simply a choice. I can choose to do good or I can choose to do bad. Every time I choose to do good, temptation becomes a stepping stone for growth." [00:17:22]
"God uses people at work to teach me how to really love. To teach me how to really love. Now this is so important because one of the most important skills that you have to learn at work is how to get along with other people and this is so important to your Christian faith." [00:21:26]
"Life is the laboratory for learning to love. This is the most important lesson in life, learning to love. Why? Because God is love and he wants his children to be like him and so he's saying the most important thing for you to learn in life is not some job skill, most important thing for you to learn is life is how to love God and love other people." [00:21:56]
"Love is the ultimate motivation. Love is what keeps you going when you feel like giving up. First Thessalonians chapter one verse three says this 'We remember before God how you put your faith into practice and how your love makes you work so hard.' How your love makes your work so hard." [00:24:32]
"Romans 12 verse 18. It says this, 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' Now stop there for just a minute and look at that verse. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." [00:29:48]
"God is going to give eternal rewards for whatever is done in love. God is gonna give eternal rewards for whatever is done in love. Hebrews 6:10 says this, 'God is always fair. He will not forget how hard you have worked and the love that you have demonstrated for his name'." [00:33:23]
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