Sharing Christ at Work

2. Sharing Christ at Work

3. The Bible 2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

4. A word about the Word: • Gods word is true across time • Gods word is true across culture • Gods word is true across economic class

5. A word about the Word: • Gods word is true across time • Gods word is true across culture • Gods word is true across economic class • If God’s word is taught correctly, it will be applicable to all people, at all times across all demographics, across all economic dividers…

6. Four perspectives • When you are the boss. • When you are a drone. • When you are a student. • When you work from home.

7. Colossians 3 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. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

8. Colossians 3 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. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. • How does these verses apply to: • The boss? • The drone? • The student? • The WAH • What do these verses suggest about our attitude towards work? • What do these verses have to do with sharing Christ at work?

9. Ephesians 6: 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

10. Ephesians 6: 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. • How does these verses apply to each work perspective? • What do these verses suggest about our attitude towards work? • What do these verses have to do with sharing Christ at work?

11. 1st Peter 3: 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

12. 1st Peter 3: 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. • How does these verses apply to each work perspective? • What do these verses have to do with sharing Christ at work? • What attitudes are incumbent on us if we are to share Christ at work? • What does the verse about giving an answer NOT say?

13. Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

14. Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. • How could applying these verses change a workplace environment? • What attitudes are incumbent on us if we are to share Christ at work?

15. Ephesians 5: 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

16. Ephesians 5: 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. • How could applying these verses change a workplace environment? • What attitudes are incumbent on us if we are to share Christ at work?

17. So What???

18. So What? • People won’t listen to the office slacker. • People won’t listen to the office gossip. • People won’t listen to the office lecher. • People won’t listen to the “pretend” Christian

19. So What? • People won’t listen to the office slacker. • People won’t listen to the office gossip. • People won’t listen to the office lecher. • People won’t listen to the “pretend” Christian • If we claim Christ, our conduct MUST be different.

20. So What? • People won’t listen to the office slacker. • People won’t listen to the office gossip. • People won’t listen to the office lecher. • People won’t listen to the “pretend” Christian • If we claim Christ, our conduct MUST be different. • Have we damaged our testimony?

21. Concrete ways to share Christ in your place of work:

22. Concrete ways to share Christ when you are the boss: • Set the example. • Set the tone. • There should be no doubt who you serve. • Talk about the ways you serve (careful, here). • If possible “may I put that on the prayer chain we have at church”? • Be prepared to give the reason for our hope. • Listen, should employees choose to share their lives.

23. Concrete ways to share Christ when you are the drone: • Set an example and a tone. • There should be no doubt about who you serve. • Be prepared to give the reason for our hope. • Talk about the ways you serve (careful, here). • Listen, should peers choose to share their lives. • Ask for permission to start a Bible study • More liberty - May I put that on the prayer chain we have at church?

24. Concrete ways to share Christ when you are a student: • Set an example and a tone! • There should be no doubt about who you serve. • Be prepared to give the reason for our hope. • Start a Bible study. • Start a small group. • Talk about the ways you serve (careful, here) • Listen, should peers choose to share their lives. • Invite peers to church.

25. Concrete ways to share Christ when you work from home: • Don’t abuse the flexibility of working at home.  • Use the technology – email, IM, inner-company communication software, social media, etc, can be a great connection tool. • Look for opportunities outside of your house – neighborhood, gym, soccer field, stores. • Talk about being a Christian when you encounter others.  Not forcefully, but naturally because you are a Christ follower – and that impacts the way you live, work, play.  • Brag about your church or serving. • Use the time you would have burned commuting wisely.