2024_09_01 Small Group Discussion Questions
August 31, 2024

Colossians (Part 19): Work as Worship: Serving the Lord in Every Task

Introduction: Christ expands beyond a private relationship with Jesus to a faith that impacts the world.

The Problem of Slavery

  1. The Norm throughout History

  2. Slavery is Wrong
    A) If slaves can be free, they should be, and people should not become slaves if they can at all help it. (1 Cor. 7:20-23)
    B) The very picture of salvation is being set free from slavery. (John 8:34-36, Galatians 4:1-7)
    C) Slavery was abolished in the world by Christians.

  3. Slavery in Old Testament Judaism:
    A) Never forced
    B) Highly regulated
    C) Regularly expired

  4. Slavery was not explicitly condemned by Paul in this passage because: A) It would have been impossible for them to do anything about it, and B) Paul wrote Colossians to teach them how to live the Christian life within the world they found themselves in.


The Bible & Work

  1. Work was created before the Fall, not after it. (Genesis 2:15)
  2. Work is the way God cares for the world. (Psalm 147:15)
  3. Work is cultivating what God has made.


Employees

  1. How we should NOT work: as people-pleasers. (Colossians 3:22-23)
  2. How we SHOULD work: heartily for the Lord.


Employers

  1. Christian employers should serve the Lord by treating their employees fairly.
    Conclusion: The Lord is inviting you to do your work, not for your boss, not for your paycheck, but for Him, because you love Him and want to serve Him. (Philippians 2:5-8)



Small Group Discussion Questions:

  1. In Colossians 3, Paul talks about the new life in Christ. How do you see the transformation described in the earlier verses (Colossians 3:12-13) playing out in our work and public life?


  2. Paul talks about becoming a “new person” in every area of life. What do you think it looks like to be a “new worker” because of your faith?


  3. How can our work reflect our faith, even if it’s not explicitly “Christian” work? Can you think of a specific example from your life or someone you know?


  4. How can you see your work—whether at home, in an office, or elsewhere—as a way that God cares for the world? What is one practical way you could cultivate this perspective more intentionally?


  5. What does it mean to not work as a “people-pleaser” but instead to work “wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22)? How does this look different in practice?


  6. Think about the two illustrations of serving the cranky old man and the sweet old lady. How does the reason behind our work affect the way we feel and act? How does knowing we serve Christ change this?


  7. How can you change your mindset at work to be that you are working for the Lord?