Healthy Churches Put in a Christian Day’s Work

Healthy Churches Put in a Christian Day’s Work

Opening: Years ago I ran a men’s ministry and had a #MakeMondaysMatter!

At first, the men scoffed at it and assumed that Mondays were my days off because nobody likes Mondays.

In our area, we typically watch football on CBS at 1:00 and Fox at 4:00. A guy told me once that He hated Fox’s intro to that game because it became an alarm clock that reminded him the weekend was coming to an end and that meant Monday was coming.

Work is good! It honors the Lord and gives us the right to speak into other’s lives.

Statement “If you loathe Mondays then this message may help you see work from a new perspective.”

1 Timothy 6:1–2 (HCSB)

All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.

Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

Prayer

Supporting Idea: Becoming a Christian does not exempt one from obligations or difficult situations.

Instead, it requires us adhere to a higher standard in all circumstances and relationships. This is what it means to give honor to the Lord.

Your Work is Your Witness (v.1)

Explanation

There is some tension in Scripture at times.

Racism, Slavery, demeaning of women, and social injustice was rampant. More so than now!

The tension comes in that Jesus and Paul speak about those things bu they do not condemn or condone them almost like the side step the issue.

God did not want to see injustice happen, neither did Paul, yet they understood something about the human heart. The heart cannot change because laws do.

Jesus and the apostles stressed personal redemption to see social redemption

(Miley)

I am in no way trying to compare slavery from the Colonial period to that of 1st century slavery.

Slavery then was not about race like it was later in the States.

It was more about economics not color or cruelty. People often sold themselves into slavery to pay off debt.

Nor am I trying to compare slavery of from the Colonial period to employment today in the US.

I am only trying to stress that we have opportunities to serve and sever well and if the most radical of environments calls for submission we certainly should in our roles today.

Explanation

In our text Paul emphasized the transformation of individual lives and the testimony of the church is what leads to cultural changes.

This is why Paul could write that all who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect.

Paul was aware that if the gospel was associated with social unrest, such as the liberation of slaves or women, it would be perceived as a threat to the existing order and peace.

This was a common accusation directed towards Christians.

Paul was sensitive by preserving the gospel's reputation and ensuring that the kingdom of God was not intertwined with the earthly kingdoms, which could hinder the true message of Christ.

Consequently, Paul told slaves to give respect to their masters, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.

Illustration

Work is not the result of the fall. Work is a gift from God. Gen 1-2

You do not need to get involved in the politics of your work or the gossip by the water cooler to advance in your career.

Matthew 6:33 HCSB

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Seek the glory of God and work hard to please him and you won’t need to do those things. God will elevate you and give you a platform to teach His Word.

Paul understood that true salvation cannot be achieved by changing societal norms. Political movements or revolutions cannot bring about a lasting change that can solve the problem of man's relationship with God or the eternal fate of the soul.

The cultural freedom that we desire can be achieved and maintained only when the people within the culture undergo a profound transformation.

This can only be achieved by a spiritual revolution.

Argumentation

Paul is clear that while the world may see cast systems, slave and master, the “haves and have nots,”

As Christians, we are not defined in those terms. Our identity transcends those terms.

I am a child of God who happens to pastor a church. Happened to worked in civil engineering, who happened to be a shipping, and receiving manager.

Though it may seem scandalous to us, God desires the salvation of both oppressor and oppressed equally.

In His eyes there are those redeemed and those who need to be.

When a hierarchy of authority exists, whether in government, social relationships, jobs, or within the church, God always requires the giving of honor and respect to those in power because that is not our primary mission.

Application

Let your work be the way to your witness:

Whoever said “Share the Gospel at all costs and if necessary…”

What they meant is don’t disqualify yourself the chance to share Christ because your work ethic disgraces God and his design

Don’t act like your entitled: Some of the worst workers I have worked along side of were Christians. They would complain and gossip, cut corners and be lazy then wonder why no one takes them up on their invitation to be like them.

Give Honor to your boss and trust the Lord’s plan.

Jesus would have had little to no impact if He were lazy, demanding everyone do everything for him.

Although He was Lord he did not consider equality something to be grasped.

He Trusted God’s will even when it was hard to do.

Be a Blessing to Your Brother (v.2a)

6:2. When both the slave and slave owner are Christians, it introduces a new dimension to the relationship. Although the Christian faith acknowledges freedom (Luke 4:18–19; John 8:32; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 3:28), this is in recognition of a spiritual reality that may not yet be realized in the social context.

Christianity establishes new relationships between individuals, regardless of who they are becasue all have sinned rich poor, black, white male or female, we all have sin that will lead to our death and destruction. But in Christ, He has given freely to all and therefore we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord and each other.

That is why slaves who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers.

Argumentation

During New Testament times, some wealthy Christians had slaves and stewards working in their households.

However, converting to Christianity did not automatically free the slaves from their situation, or reduce their obligations to serve their masters.

In fact, the opposite occurred. Embracing Christianity created a new relationship not just between the individual and God, but also between the individual and other people.

Slaves and masters were now brothers in God's family, which increased their obligation to serve each other.

Illustration

One commentary suggested the first church could have been made up of roughly 70% slaves.

Imagine a slave and slave master attend the same church yet the slave is the elder of that church.

Paul's instructions were based on mutual respect and submission to one another. Balancing instructions for masters are found in his letter to Philemon and

Ephesians 6:9 HCSB

And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Both the master and slave or employee employer have a higher responsibility to the same God.

Paul says, being a part of God's family entails a higher level of responsibility for the believer.

As a result, the slave is expected to serve their fellow believers to an even greater extent.

This is because those who benefit from their service are part of the same community, and hold a special place in their hearts.

This is the kind of exceptional love that should be associated with Christians and the church - a love that transcends roles, titles, professions, and economic status, and is dedicated to the well-being of others.

Argumentation

If you work hard for a Christian business owner and he tithes from his business, your working even harder helps advance God’s causes and impact into the community because the more he earns the more he gives.

Christians should find their value and worth in their relationship with God. Being changed by Christ does not often bring change in occupation or status it does bring us a chance to honor God in the roles he gives us.

Application

Be a Blessing to Your Brother

means serving with a mindset that God sees your effort and He will reward you.

Others will see your efforts and that will enable you talks of God and His message of hope.

Be a Blessing to Your Brother

Does NOT mean Christians bosses treat you differently than everyone else.

It does not mean you are entitled to the best schedule or best roles. God sees your work, and He delights when you are committed to do what you do for Him.

One of the greatest works for you may be submitting to a boss that is not fair or even decent to you. Many of times God used work situations to help me see areas I needed to change.

God can grow us at work often greater than our days off. So that said, tomorrow, Lets Make Monday Matter

Prayer

Evidence.