SW_1 Peter 2:18-21 “Unstuck: Discipleship When You’re Not the One in Charge”

SW_1 Peter 2:18-21 “Unstuck: Discipleship When You’re Not the One in Charge”

(Part 2, Labor and Work)

First century Rome was a slave empire. Built up during military expansion and preserved through centuries of repression. Historians estimate that half of the Roman population were slaves at the writing of the New Testament. As Peter writes his letter to these “elect exiles”, many of the early converts to Christianity were slaves – men and women with no voice in society, harshly treated, treated as property, and having no possibility of freedom. How were they to live out their faith within this brutal reality? We can learn from the command given to those in tougher situations than we face. We may find ourselves working in difficult positions and with people who are harsh and impossible to please. We may even feel stuck in a job or in a career. Yet, we have a Christian testimony wherever we find ourselves. We go nowhere by accident. How do we serve God wherever we are, and show the world the reality of life in Christ?

1. Diligence in our Work ()

The commendation of a hard worker (; ; )

The way we work speaks to what rules our lives ()

2. Perspective in our Work ()

Remember who you work for, and what you work for ()

Mindful of God (some examples):

His Love ()

His Justice ()

His Sovereignty ()

Your forgiveness (-29)

Your adoption ()

Your identity ()

Your future ()

3. Wisdom in our Work ()

Your work, whether in the marketplace or in the home, will be one of the most influential witnesses you have. What you do and the way you do it is a service to God and a statement to others about the reality of our living God. Remember, you are never really stuck. No, each of us is placed by God for a purpose.