LIfes Big Decisions_Career
Life’s Biggest Decisions:
Does God Care About My Career?
Thesis: God cares about your career because it is the means by which He will carry out His work in this world and His purpose for your life.
Goal: Motivate people to examine how they carry out God’s plan through their careers
Text:
Introduction
I. General Principles
A. Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
B. Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NIV)
C. James 1:5-7
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (James 1:5-7 NIV)
D. Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9 NIV)
E. Benefit
Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35 NIV)
If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. (John 7:17 NIV)
II. Understand the Difference Between “Vocation” and “Occupation”
A. Define the Terms
B. Three Realities
1. You may be able to fulfill your vocation through your occupation
2. Your occupation may give shape to your vocation
3. You may fulfill your vocation outside of your occupation
C. How Can I Know How My Vocation and Occupation Are Related?
III. Line Up Your Career with Your SHAPE
A. God has given you a unique SHAPE
1. Spiritual Gifts
2. Heart
3. Attitude
4. Personality
5. Experiences
IV. Pursue Your Career for the Right Reasons
A. Wrong Reasons:
1. Money
2. Fame
3. Power
4. Lust
B. Big Question: “How can I expand God’s work through my occupation”?
1. Through Your Integrity
2. Through Your Relationships
a) Reaching Out in Words
b) Reaching Out in Loving Deeds
3. Through Faithful Obedience
Your job may have a specific part in fulfilling God’s larger plan