Pastor Craig Smith • Work • January 31, 2021

Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. (1 Cor. 7:21-23)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28)

Four qualities of a good Christian worker…**

•

for authority – “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything…” (Titus 2:9a)

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord…It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col. 3:22, 24b)

• Commitment to

“…to try to please them…” (Titus 2:9a)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. (Col. 3:23-24a)

•

with words – “…not to talk back to them…” (Titus 2:9b)

• Proven to be

Reveal Answer

– “…and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted…” (Titus 2:10a)

• great gift to an employer is a

Reveal Answer

employee – “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matt. 5:41)

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. (Prov. 27:18)

• Note to bosses: your Boss requires you to

Reveal Answer

for those under your care – “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Col. 4:1)

The motivation to be a godly worker regardless of the job…

…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. (Titus 2:10b)