we should not let ourselves become idle in our work. so how should we think about our jobs? how do...
TRANSCRIPT
Idlenessat Work?
Idlenessat Work
We should not let ourselves become idle in our work.So how should we think about our jobs?How do our jobs fit into the rest of our
lives as followers of Christ?How does our Christian faith color and
affect the way we do our work and the way we think about our work?
What is it that uniquely brings meaning and purpose to our jobs as Christians?
Gospel Fruitfulness
at Work
What difference does it make in my workmate that I am a Christian?
Does it make me a more moral person?Do I have integrity?Am I less competitive than others?Do I always have a smile in my face?Would I go the extra mile for a coworker
and stay late to help on a project?Does our Christian faith only work itself
out in our jobs in these ways?Is there more to being a Christian who
works?
Being a Christian at workplace means:• Our life has been changed and
transformed by the gospel of Christ.• The truth of the gospel should work itself
out in every detail of our life.• We want to see the entire world in the
light of the gospel.• We want to experience how the amazing
truth of the gospel brightens and illuminates everything.
• We have to address in specific ways to defeat idleness in our hearts.
When we became Christians and began to work for Jesus, everything changed:• You work for a new master – it is Jesus
Christ whom you serve.• You have a new assignment – you are
to love God and love others.• You have a new confidence – knowing
that Christ loves you - and that changes everything.
• You have new rewards – the greatest rewards you can ever have are secure for you in Jesus.
What makes us different?We know we have been forgiven because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross – we are now free.Free from the need to secure self-
worth through performanceFree from the fear you will lose what is
most precious to you if things don’t go well
Free from a mad dash to work and work without any rest - as if the world depended on your effort
What makes us different?We know we have been forgiven because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross – we are now free.Free to work before the King with joy,
even if it’s not the work you have chosen for yourself
Free to serve others as you worship the King.
Working for Jesus changes everything.
Luke 13:6-9.6Then he told this parable:“A man had a fig tree, planted in his
vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
1. Exclusive Provision2. Extraordinary Problem
Matthew 21:18-19, 18Early in the morning, as he (Jesus) was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
1. Exclusive Provision2. Extraordinary Problem
There were two considerations of the big disappointment:1st: He waited long; he came three
years, year after year.2nd: His expectation is not very high; he
only expected a fruit, not much, possibly even one that is not ripe is OK.
1. Exclusive Provision2. Extraordinary Problem3. Exceptional Plan
Luke 13:8, ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.
Rehabilitation Plana. dig around the treeb. fertilize it
Luke 13:9, “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”
Gospel Fruitfulness
at Work