We believe that Jesus is a part of every sphere of our lives. So what implication does that have in the workplace?
Continuing in our series, Live Again, Ben shows us what Colossians has to say about how we conduct ourselves at our jobs.
Key Takeaway
If you have placed your faith in Jesus, then He is Lord over your life. If He's Lord over your life, then He's Lord over your job as well. Trust Him enough to work because He's called you to it, not for fear or personal gain. God writes your story.
We are the body and Christ is the head. We are knit together as one. It's such an intimate walk that is so intertwined that you no longer have to ask how your actions and thoughts affect them. As close as a neck is to a head. We've been vitally united with Him and that has implications for everything. There's not a part of us that's withheld from Him. Every decision and allegiance is completely informed by Him.
What does it look like to live in union with Jesus? So far, we've looked at.
How does He impact my thought life? What I entertain in my mind and believe informs my convictions. Set your mind on things above. Our thoughts are shaped by thoughts of Him.
How do you interact with others? We have compassion for one another.
How do we interact with those in our home? There's a sacrifice and responsive nature between husband and wife.
Colossians 3:22-25 focuses on the bondservant.
There were people in positions of power that came to faith in Jesus, but it was predominantly a movement of the powerless. It took people that were disenfranchised in society and told them they had dignity and value. God had a purpose and plan for them.
The reason the bondservant is addressed right after those in the home is because they often worked in the home alongside the family. You spend the majority of your waking hours with your coworkers. Paul looks at how you treat your boss and then the work itself.
Colossians 3:22
The Greek word for "obey" is a combo of "listen" and "under". It's an attentiveness, coming under the other in service. Serve others in a way that they don't even have to ask: you're already meeting the need.
It's not taken into account if they are a good boss or a bad boss. The command is the same, obey your earthly boss. He uses the word earthly on purpose because you are still under a Heavenly authority, so obey to the point that you can maintain integrity. If they call on you to disobey God, you don't violate your own integrity.
Eye-service means don't just work when they are watching.
People pleaser means you get their attention so they like you. Kissing up to elevate yourself.
Sincerity of heart means there's a singleness, not duplicity, to your motives and work. We this way because we fear the Lord.
Why would someone work in a way trying to get noticed by their boss so that their boss likes them?
Anxiety- you have to do a good job so you don't get fired or miss out on a promotion.
Ambition- You are there to elevate you, climb the ladder.
If you are trying to manipulate your boss, it's because you don't fear the Lord. If you feared the Lord, than you would believe that He guides your story, not your employer. You work in anxiety and ambition because of fear, but it's a misplaced fear. It's a lack of faith.
Colossians 3:23- Heartily in Greek is "ek psyche" meaning "from the soul". We are soul workers. We do something good from the inside of us wanting to what's been put in front of us by God.
Why?
1) Purity of motivation: I am going to work out of a purity that I am doing the work because work is good.
2) Industry of action: I work hard from the soul, from the depths of me.
It honors God. In Genesis 1-3, God loves work! He does it Himself and then commands it of men. Use your skills to benefit yourself and others. Work wasn't frustrating until after the Fall.
Do work because God created you to work. God controls your inheritance. When you work from ambition and anxiety, it steals the joy of work. Believe it or not, there can be joy and satisfaction in a job well done. He's given skills and strength to you to use for His glory. The more you care about the Sovereignty of God, the more free you are to enjoy your work.
Bosses tend to notice when they are being manipulated. They pick up on the eye-service and people pleasing. They are looking for someone who does the work and does it well. You don't have to worry about being noticed, just be good at what you do and you'll be noticed. God will elevate you when it's time. Good work won't be denied. See Proverbs 22:29. God purposely put Moses and David out with dirty sheep. It's where they learned the skills that they would need to lead people later. Joseph developed his skills and talents while in jail that made him ready for the job Pharaoh was giving him.
God runs your story. You never know what He is preparing you for. Just serve where He's placed you and develop skills in the quiet places now so you'll be ready when He says it's time.
Colossians 4:1- God runs the show. He tells the bosses to lead justly and fairly because they answer to Him. Those who serve and those who lead, everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
If you have lived in anxiety and ambition, it's a lack of faith. But once you bring that before the Lord, grace rushes in. Grace will forgive you for making a mess, but it places you right back on the road He'll have you go.
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"Bosses are looking for someone who does good work. They're looking for someone who's able to serve. Their eyes are scanning the person who's doing the work and they want to elevate someone who's doing it."
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Ben Stuart
Discussion Questions
Discuss the 4 items that have been focuses on so far that Ben reviewed.
How do you feel about your workplace? Your boss? Your coworkers?
What do you think and believe about those same things?
Why did Paul discuss the bondservant in the section right after talking about the home?
Ben gave an example of waiting tables and anticipating need. How does that represent the Greek word for "obey" which is made up of the words "listen" and "under"?
What is not taken into account when Paul tells the worker to obey their boss? Why is that significant?
Paul a point to make a distinction between earthly masters and our Heavenly Master in Colossians 3:22. Why?
Do you tend to work out of anxiety or ambition? How is this a demonstration of a lack of faith?
Discuss how Joseph, Moses, and David were all used by God in odd jobs and obstacles to develop skills they would need for what He had prepared for them.
Do you trust that God is running your story and will elevate you when it's time?
Scripture References
Concerning Married Life1.Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2.But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 3.The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4.The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5.Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6.I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7.I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.8.Now to the unmarried7:8 Or widowers and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9.But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.10.To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11.But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.12.To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13.And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14.For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.15.But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16.How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?Concerning Change of Status17.Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18.Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19.Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20.Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.21.Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22.For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23.You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24.Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.Concerning the Unmarried25.Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26.Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27.Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28.But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29.What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30.those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31.those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.32.I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33.But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34.and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35.I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.36.If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong7:36 Or if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37.But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38.So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.7:36-38 Or 36 If anyone thinks he is not treating his daughter properly, and if she is getting along in years (or if her passions are too strong), and he feels she ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. He should let her get married. 37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind to keep the virgin unmarried—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who gives his virgin in marriage does right, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.39.A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40.In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
22.Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
The Beginning1.In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2.Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.3.And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4.God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5.God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.6.And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7.So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8.God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.9.And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10.God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.11.Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12.The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13.And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.14.And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15.and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16.God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17.God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18.to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19.And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.20.And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21.So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22.God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23.And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.24.And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25.God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.26.Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,1:26 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text (see Syriac); Masoretic Text the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”27.So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them.28.God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”29.Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30.And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.31.God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
1.Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.2.By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3.Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.Adam and Eve4.This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.5.Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth2:5 Or land; also in verse 6 and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, 6.but streams2:6 Or mist came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. 7.Then the Lord God formed a man2:7 The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah); it is also the name Adam (see verse 20). from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.8.Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9.The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.10.A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11.The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12.(The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin2:12 Or good; pearls and onyx are also there.) 13.The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.2:13 Possibly southeast Mesopotamia14.The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.15.The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16.And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17.but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”18.The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”19.Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20.So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.But for Adam2:20 Or the man no suitable helper was found. 21.So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs2:21 Or took part of the man’s side and then closed up the place with flesh. 22.Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib2:22 Or part he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.23.The man said,“This is now bone of my bonesand flesh of my flesh;she shall be called ‘woman,’for she was taken out of man.”24.That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.25.Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
