Worshiping God Through Our Work and Diligence
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor explores the concept of worshiping through work, challenging the traditional notion that secular jobs are less significant than full-time ministry. He emphasizes that all work, when done to please God, is a high calling. The pastor encourages the congregation to view their current vocations as a divine calling and to find purpose in their work. He underscores the importance of serving God above all else, even above the pursuit of the American dream.
The pastor further emphasizes the importance of living for Jesus Christ and His glory. He acknowledges that while not everyone is destined for wealth, it is crucial to be wise stewards of what God has given. He points out that Jesus, despite not being born into wealth or living a luxurious lifestyle, had all His needs met because He lived for God's glory. The pastor underscores that everything Jesus did was for God's glory, and as followers of Christ, we should strive to do the same.
The pastor also addresses the importance of diligence and hard work in the workplace. He emphasizes that Christians should strive to shine the light of the gospel through their work and bring glory to God in all they do. He suggests that workplaces should be seen as places of worship, where others can witness Christ through our actions.
The pastor further emphasizes the need for humility and giving all praise and glory to God, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. The sermon concludes by encouraging the congregation to view their work as an opportunity to worship and glorify God, and to follow the example of Jesus in all aspects of their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- All work, when done to please God, is a high calling. This challenges the traditional notion that secular jobs are less significant than full-time ministry. It encourages believers to view their current vocations as a divine calling and to find purpose in their work ([12:45]).
- Living for Jesus Christ and His glory is paramount. While not everyone is destined for wealth, it is crucial to be wise stewards of what God has given. This underscores the importance of serving God above all else, even above the pursuit of the American dream ([22:30]).
- Christians should strive to shine the light of the gospel through their work and bring glory to God in all they do. This suggests that workplaces should be seen as places of worship, where others can witness Christ through our actions ([34:15]).
- Humility is essential in the Christian life. Believers should give all praise and glory to God, rather than seeking recognition for themselves. This emphasizes the need for humility in all aspects of life, including in the workplace ([45:00]).
- Work is an opportunity to worship and glorify God. The pastor encourages the congregation to view their work in this light and to follow the example of Jesus in all aspects of their lives ([56:30]).
Study 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. John 6:38: "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me."
3. Romans 14:7-8: "For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Observation Questions:
1. In Colossians 3:23-24, what does it mean to work with all your heart as working for the Lord?
2. What does John 6:38 reveal about Jesus' purpose and mission on earth?
3. How does Romans 14:7-8 challenge the way we view our lives and our work?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of working for the Lord, as mentioned in Colossians 3:23-24, challenge the traditional notion of secular jobs versus full-time ministry?
2. In light of John 6:38, how can we understand the importance of living for God's glory rather than our own?
3. How does Romans 14:7-8 inform our understanding of stewardship and the use of our resources?
Application Questions:
1. How can you apply the principle of working for the Lord in your current job or vocation? Can you think of specific ways to do this in the coming week?
2. Reflecting on John 6:38, what is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from your own will to the will of God?
3. Considering Romans 14:7-8, how can you better steward the resources God has given you? Can you identify one specific change you can make this week?
4. How can you make your workplace a place of worship, where others can witness Christ through your actions? Can you think of a specific action you can take tomorrow?
5. What is one way you can demonstrate humility in your life this week, giving all praise and glory to God rather than seeking recognition for yourself?
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Calling in Secular Work
Every job, regardless of its nature, can be a divine calling when done to please God. This challenges the traditional notion that secular jobs are less significant than full-time ministry. It is an invitation to find purpose in your work and view your current vocation as a divine calling ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6oKvBDYa8&t=750s)).
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."
Reflection: How can you view your current job as a divine calling? What changes can you make in your attitude towards your work to serve God better?
Day 2: Stewardship Over Wealth and Glory
Living for Jesus Christ and His glory is paramount. While not everyone is destined for wealth, it is crucial to be wise stewards of what God has given. This underscores the importance of serving God above all else, even above the pursuit of the American dream ([22:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6oKvBDYa8&t=1335s)).
Luke 16:10 - "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Reflection: How can you better steward the resources God has given you? What steps can you take to prioritize serving God over pursuing worldly success?
Day 3: Workplace as a Place of Worship
Christians should strive to shine the light of the gospel through their work and bring glory to God in all they do. This suggests that workplaces should be seen as places of worship, where others can witness Christ through our actions ([34:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6oKvBDYa8&t=2040s)).
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can you make your workplace a place of worship? What specific actions can you take to shine the light of the gospel through your work?
Day 4: Humility in the Christian Life
Humility is essential in the Christian life. Believers should give all praise and glory to God, rather than seeking recognition for themselves. This emphasizes the need for humility in all aspects of life, including in the workplace ([45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6oKvBDYa8&t=2685s)).
Proverbs 22:4 - "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily life? Can you think of a specific situation where you can give all praise and glory to God, rather than seeking recognition for yourself?
Day 5: Work as Worship
Work is an opportunity to worship and glorify God. It is encouraged to view your work in this light and to follow the example of Jesus in all aspects of your lives ([56:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6oKvBDYa8&t=3375s)).
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you turn your work into an act of worship? What specific changes can you make in your work habits to glorify God more?
Quotes
1. "We should be living our life for Jesus Christ and him alone in everything that we do." [14:38]
2. "Jesus desire for us is that everything that we do, we bring glory to the Father." [22:07]
3. "Your workplace should be a place of worship where other people can see Christ through you." [26:09]
4. "Whatever we do in life should be for the praise of God." [29:51]
5. "Whatever you're doing for work today is meant to be done for God's glory." [29:51]
6. "The purpose of everything, yes, everything that you do in life is to bring glory to God, everything, everything that we do is to bring glory to God, even in the place that you work right now." [09:08]
7. "Wherever God has placed you, it's the highest calling that God has for you. None of us are the same." [09:08]
8. "Let's look at the perfect example of this through Jesus Christ. Number one, Jesus wasn't born rich. America has been good about perpetuating the idea of the American dream. But can I encourage you throw away the American dream? Get rid of it. It's idolism. It's a God unto itself." [12:28]
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