Intro

Do you think this is a terrible four-letter word? Is WORK a necessary evil? Something we have to do just to pay the bills, but not to enjoy? Hours to endure while you wait for the weekend? Can work possibly be a good thing?

The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work. That’s about one third of your life. Which is much more time than you will spend in church. So how can we work well? Is there any connection between our faith in Christ and the way we act at work? How should our Christian walk with Christ be reflected in our work?

Two guiding verses are:

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:9 “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”

If we should bring God glory, or show His character in everything we do, then our work should reflect Christ.

If we should make it our goal to please God where ever we are, that should include work, right?

And remember, Paul teaching to the church members over the past five chapters has focused on the importance of unity among brothers and sisters and especially how we treat one another – showing the same love, mercy and grace God shows us.

Let’s see what Ephesians 6 has to say about our Christian Walk at Work.

Series

We are almost done with our sermon series in Ephesians. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage and teach the believers in the city of Ephesus. This city was larger than Buffalo and had sports arenas, gymnasiums, theaters, a library, debate centers, and lots of temples to many different religions. People there spoke several languages and because it was a seaport, there was a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. It’s not very different from our present day. We can learn a lot from this letter as we dig deeper into its practical instructions for every day living.

Authority is from God

Slaves obey your earthly master
Two truths:
1. Obey earthly authority
2. Obey heavenly authority

Is Slavery promoted in the Bible?

• Ex 21:16 Don’t steal or buy a person
• Indentured Servants – chose to serve

Eph 2 – Salvation is a gift

Do your Best

Not eye-service or people pleasing
Do your job well (from the heart)
God rewards those who serve well

Gen 2 – Work & keep garden (care for & preserve)
Ecc. 3 – Work to provide & enjoy

2 Thessalonians 3:10–12

Ecclesiastes 5:10–12

Be a Great Boss

• Masters do the same!
• Work well.
• Do your best.
• Treat employees well.
• Don’t take advantage of workers

If your slaves/employees are believers, you are equal before God.
God is not partial (Jam 2:9)
Believers are united in Christ; no difference (Gal 3:27-29)
Don’t abuse authority (Matt 20:25-28)

Take Aways

• What kind of employee are you?
• What kind of boss are you?
• What is your philosophy of work?
• Have you trusted Christ as your Savior