WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:10.519 When you go to work every day, how does the fact that you are a Christian, if you're a Christian, affect the way you approach your job? 00:00:12.419 --> 00:00:20.260 Does the fact that you are a Christian have any influence, any effect on your attitude toward people? 00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:32.780 The people you work with, the people you work for, or the people who work for you if you're in a position as a supervisor, manager, or something? 00:00:34.140 --> 00:00:39.020 Does the fact that you are a Christian affect the quality of your work? 00:00:41.160 --> 00:00:49.100 I hope everyone in this room knows that being a Christian should impact every aspect of our lives. 00:00:50.259 --> 00:00:58.879 When you put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He put His Spirit in you. 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:16.959 And as Christians indwell with the Spirit of God, we cannot help but be who we are, whether we're at home, work, school, church, if a hundred people are looking, or if no one is looking. 00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:25.000 Being a Christian, it affects everything about us, if we are. 00:01:26.819 --> 00:01:32.799 What I want us to look at today is how it affects the way we do our work and how we treat people. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:36.280 We're looking today at God's goals for Christians at work. 00:01:36.280 --> 00:01:47.659 This is the third of the household type things Paul addressed in Colossians chapter 3. 00:01:48.760 --> 00:01:57.299 We looked the first week at God's goals for couples in the home, husbands and wives. 00:01:58.020 --> 00:02:01.260 Then we looked at God's goals for parents and children. 00:02:01.260 --> 00:02:07.480 Well, today we're looking at God's goals for how we live as Christians at work. 00:02:07.800 --> 00:02:10.480 We're going to begin in Colossians chapter 3, verse 22. 00:02:11.140 --> 00:02:22.700 But before we read, I want you to note, this is addressed to Christian slaves in the first century. 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:31.219 Paul, in verses 22 through 25, Paul is writing to Christian slaves. 00:02:32.219 --> 00:02:38.199 And then chapter 4, verse 1, he's writing to Christian owners of slaves, masters. 00:02:39.239 --> 00:02:49.439 Now, at that time, first century, first century in the Roman Empire, slavery was universally accepted. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:55.479 Now, that does not mean that it was morally right, but it was an unquestioned way of life. 00:02:55.780 --> 00:03:08.579 At that point in time, a lot of scholars tell us that there were as many as one-third of the population of the Roman Empire slaves. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:15.300 Some even say half the people you'd meet on the street would be slaves. 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:26.680 Slavery that existed in first century Rome was different from the horribly inhumane institution of slavery that existed in this country up until the Civil War. 00:03:27.240 --> 00:03:30.219 But no form of slavery has ever been humane. 00:03:31.640 --> 00:03:34.840 Life was harsh and cruel for many slaves in the first century. 00:03:36.420 --> 00:03:37.080 Think about it. 00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:40.660 Slaves were considered property. 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:44.659 Breathing property. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:45.780 Breathing property. 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:50.560 Human beings were sold and bought. 00:03:52.079 --> 00:03:59.039 But the institution of slavery that Paul addressed was better than many forms of slavery throughout the history of the world. 00:03:59.379 --> 00:04:08.960 For an example, many people became slaves for a number of reasons, like being captured in a war, being born into slavery. 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:12.640 Some were sold into slavery to pay off their debts. 00:04:14.180 --> 00:04:21.100 And there were people who even sold themselves into slavery, listen to this, to make their lives better. 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:26.579 And in their case, by obtaining Roman citizenship. 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:34.300 Or by achieving the social status of their master. 00:04:34.300 --> 00:04:39.920 In other words, as a slave, they could move up in life class-wise. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:50.100 Many slaves were able to work and save their money, make money and save money, and even buy their freedom. 00:04:51.620 --> 00:04:53.019 Race was not a factor. 00:04:54.220 --> 00:04:57.000 I know that comes to mind when we think of slavery in this country. 00:04:57.120 --> 00:05:01.280 But race was not a factor in first century slavery. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:03.959 There was no slave social class. 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:08.159 They could be found at every level of society. 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:11.859 Some did unskilled manual labor. 00:05:12.239 --> 00:05:15.259 But some were highly educated and they were teachers. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:18.739 Some were medical doctors. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:25.560 The point of this information about slavery is to show that there are parallels, definite parallels, 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:33.600 between first century slaves and masters and today's employees and employers. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:41.699 There's even some parallels, probably equal parallels, between students and teachers. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.139 Military personnel of different ranks. 00:05:46.139 --> 00:05:52.599 What Paul says to these slaves and masters could even apply to inmates and guards in a prison. 00:05:54.099 --> 00:06:07.579 Let's look now at Paul's instructions to slaves and masters as principles for how Christians should approach their jobs 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:14.259 and relate to people that they work for or supervise. 00:06:14.259 --> 00:06:24.180 Now, if you're a student, elementary, high school, college, apply this to the way you do your schoolwork 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:27.079 and the way you treat teachers. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:33.259 Teachers, you can apply this to the way you relate to and treat your students. 00:06:34.159 --> 00:06:35.019 Let's read it. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:37.099 Colossians 3, beginning in verse 22. 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:39.100 Bondservants. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:39.820 Bondservants. 00:06:41.300 --> 00:06:44.320 As far as I know, only the English Standard Version. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:47.960 ESV translates this word, bondservants. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:51.100 Every other translation uses the word slaves. 00:06:52.460 --> 00:06:57.360 The English Standard Version translators, what they're trying to do is look at it, 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:01.160 at the context that this word slave is found. 00:07:01.160 --> 00:07:11.720 And what they're doing here is they have in mind that Paul is addressing slaves who had the opportunity to buy their freedom. 00:07:13.580 --> 00:07:19.900 Sort of like an indentured servant, even in days gone by in our own country. 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:25.460 So that's why that says bondservants in ESV and every other translation is going to say slaves. 00:07:25.459 --> 00:07:36.379 Paul is thinking, the ESV translators believe, that he's addressing the kind of slaves who most likely had the opportunity to buy their freedom. 00:07:36.799 --> 00:07:37.500 Bondservants. 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:46.019 Obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye service, as people pleasers, 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:49.879 but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:55.120 Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men. 00:07:55.459 --> 00:08:00.419 Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:02.579 You are serving the Lord Christ. 00:08:04.099 --> 00:08:10.680 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 00:08:11.719 --> 00:08:21.679 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a master in heaven. 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:27.920 How should Christian employees approach their jobs? 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:29.860 Well, Paul tells us. 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:33.100 First, do your job to the best of your ability. 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:35.120 That's what he's talking about in verse 22. 00:08:35.500 --> 00:08:37.740 Let's look at it, break it down into two parts. 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:39.680 Number one, do your job. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:45.779 He says, bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters. 00:08:45.779 --> 00:08:54.919 Now, slaves in the first century, they had no choice but obey or suffer extreme consequences if they did not. 00:08:55.779 --> 00:08:57.279 It's not that way for employees today. 00:08:58.199 --> 00:09:05.819 If you go to work tomorrow and you are ordered to do this and you really don't want to do it, you can quit. 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:11.260 You can say no, turn around and walk out, and it's over. 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.960 There are no repercussions other than you don't have a job. 00:09:16.040 --> 00:09:17.840 You don't have to obey. 00:09:19.220 --> 00:09:24.300 But if we take a job, we need to do it completely. 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:32.560 If we take a job, we need to do the entire job, not just the parts that we like. 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:36.299 Not just the parts that are easy to do. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:40.859 Every job has some things about it that you just don't like. 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:42.119 You don't want to do. 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:46.399 You're supposed to do it, what you're being paid to do. 00:09:47.419 --> 00:09:56.099 Well, as Christians, being conscientious, doing our job, doing it all the way, 00:09:56.099 --> 00:10:02.000 we need to do the parts even that we don't like, that are no fun. 00:10:03.099 --> 00:10:10.819 Because of the fact that we are the Lord's, and we're doing this for Him as well, as we'll see in a moment. 00:10:11.539 --> 00:10:15.739 Now, the idea of doing our job also means do your job sincerely. 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:17.139 Look at the last part of verse 22. 00:10:17.839 --> 00:10:20.879 Not by way of eye service, not when they're just looking at you. 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:25.679 As people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart. 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:32.279 Paul is condemning the idea of doing your work just while somebody's watching you. 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:44.379 He is condemning the idea of you being a great employee because you're pleasing certain people. 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:48.379 They're looking at you and you want to look good in their eyes. 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:54.779 That's the mentality that the old comedian Groucho Marx described when he said, 00:10:54.779 --> 00:11:00.059 No man leaves before his time unless, of course, the boss has gone home early. 00:11:00.059 --> 00:11:06.339 You see, God calls us to do our work. 00:11:07.839 --> 00:11:08.979 Do it all. 00:11:09.779 --> 00:11:11.899 And do it with sincerity of heart. 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:13.959 Which means having pure motives. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:16.419 Pure intentions. 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:19.119 We should care about our work. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:20.759 See, that's the idea. 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:25.779 As Christians, we need to take the right kind of pride in what we do. 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:31.220 And be able for people to trust us to do our job. 00:11:31.939 --> 00:11:33.319 Do it with all our heart. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:34.519 Do it sincerely. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:38.120 No matter who's watching or if anyone's watching. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:41.939 Or even if no one will ever know what we did. 00:11:41.940 --> 00:11:46.900 What Paul is saying about doing our job sincerely from the heart, 00:11:47.280 --> 00:11:52.020 it's really more of a character issue, isn't it? 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:54.440 Than a work issue. 00:11:56.940 --> 00:11:59.660 Red corn built my house. 00:12:00.960 --> 00:12:03.040 A lot of you knew red. 00:12:04.080 --> 00:12:06.260 Ray Reese helped Ray. 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:08.120 Ray was retired. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:09.799 And so he helped. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:11.500 Ray helped Red. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:16.299 Both men were faithful members of our church, for those of you who do not know. 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:18.419 And both men are now in heaven. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:22.679 I've been living in that house for over 22 years now. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:30.100 I have never had one thought if something was done right. 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:38.519 If something slid by and is not good today. 00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:49.259 Those men were great examples of Christians who did their jobs. 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:52.620 And they always did it the right way. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:54.120 It's the only way they knew to do it. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:13:03.820 And they did it no matter what day it was, how hot it was, how tired they were. 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:10.759 And they also did it as Christians as a part of their serving the Lord. 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:15.200 I can affirm those guys. 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:19.720 I can hold those guys up as models for what I'm talking about here today. 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:23.080 Here's what I want you to think. 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:33.740 Would the people who work with me or supervise me describe me like that? 00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:35.960 Day in and day out. 00:13:36.860 --> 00:13:46.200 No matter who is watching, would they say about me, he or she, they always do their best. 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:48.340 They do what's right. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:52.600 They don't know how to do any other way. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:56.240 It's a part of just who they are as Christians. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.780 It's a part of their service to the Lord. 00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:03.600 Red and Ray shouldn't be exceptions. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:08.379 They should be us. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:12.240 If we take God's word seriously. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:20.879 The next verse will help us to see that if we, the next verse will help us to see how to do this and really take it to heart. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:21.700 Look at this. 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:24.480 Do your job as if you were working for Jesus. 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.220 Verse 23. 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:29.440 Whatever you do, work hardly as for the Lord and not for men. 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:41.360 Paul emphasizes we should go about our work with a conscious awareness that we're working for our Lord. 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:44.180 He even says this in the verses before and after. 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:44.840 Verse 23. 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:45.899 Look at verse 22. 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:49.139 With sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:51.060 And then verse 24. 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:53.800 You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:59.379 Paul wants us to respectfully serve the Lord. 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:04.639 And let that be what motivates us. 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:09.320 Let that be what charges our battery. 00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:10.420 We go to work. 00:15:10.780 --> 00:15:16.500 We're seeking to serve the Lord and honor Him in the way that we do our jobs. 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:18.100 Listen. 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:24.800 Paul understands that it's not easy to do that a lot of times. 00:15:25.040 --> 00:15:28.240 Remember, he's originally talking to slaves. 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:35.860 Some of those slaves had cruel masters. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:40.480 Some of their expectations were totally unrealistic. 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:45.779 You may work for an unreasonable boss. 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:51.659 Or for a company that has unrealistic expectations. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:16:01.680 And the attitude of your boss or your company can cause a demoralizing environment. 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:06.699 Some people, that's just the way it is, where they work. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:16.639 And the truth is, there's not a thing in the world you can do to change the boss or change the company's expectations. 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:22.500 You know the only thing you can change is you. 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:24.740 Your attitude. 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.919 Your motivation. 00:16:29.819 --> 00:16:31.919 It might be helpful as you go to work tomorrow. 00:16:32.439 --> 00:16:36.080 Don't think of having to work for that jerk boss. 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:40.180 And he very well may be a jerk with capital J. 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:46.740 But I want to encourage you to go and think of yourself as working for your Lord. 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:51.320 Show respect for the Lord. 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:58.780 And for that person of authority that He has set. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:17:02.659 That He has in His providential workings. 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:04.859 He has over you right now. 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.180 As you go to work tomorrow. 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:13.460 Instead of focusing on your company's unrealistic expectations. 00:17:15.639 --> 00:17:18.539 Work as if Jesus owns the company. 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:21.779 And you're there to please Him. 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:24.059 To the best of your ability. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:26.579 I want to be honest. 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:33.819 Doing what you do for Jesus may not change a thing in the world about your boss or your work environment. 00:17:34.899 --> 00:17:37.539 But it can and will change you. 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:40.419 The way you approach it. 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:42.159 The way you do it. 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:43.539 Your attitude. 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:45.099 Your motivation. 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.879 Even your work ethic. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:53.240 You know God's goal is for us to become more and more like Jesus. 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:56.740 We've looked at that throughout this series back earlier in Colossians. 00:17:57.339 --> 00:18:00.640 What God is doing in every situation in life. 00:18:01.099 --> 00:18:02.019 He's working in us. 00:18:02.120 --> 00:18:03.460 Shaping and molding us. 00:18:03.819 --> 00:18:04.839 Developing our character. 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:06.120 Making us more and more like Jesus. 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:11.839 That includes doing our job in less than ideal circumstances. 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:15.759 That brings us to the third thing Paul says about God's goal for us at work. 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:22.019 Do your job with the realization that your work ethic will ultimately be judged by Jesus. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:26.440 That sort of ramps up the, gets our attention doesn't it? 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:30.839 And notice that Paul points out both aspects of judgment in these verses. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:37.599 The reward, the Lord rewards our faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:41.779 Including the way we do our jobs at work. 00:18:42.400 --> 00:18:43.220 Look at verse 24. 00:18:43.220 --> 00:18:49.640 Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:52.559 You are serving the Lord Jesus. 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:57.839 Neither your boss nor your company may appreciate your work ethic. 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:05.039 And they may never truly reward you as they should. 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:11.220 But God more than makes up for any earthly loss. 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:16.440 And what he's given us now and will give us for all eternity. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.559 Think about this. 00:19:19.100 --> 00:19:20.000 If you're a Christian. 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:23.100 United to Jesus by faith. 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:27.200 The penalty for your sin has been paid. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.539 You are forgiven. 00:19:30.819 --> 00:19:34.799 The perfect life that Jesus lived has been credited to you. 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:36.079 That's how God accepts you. 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:39.279 When God saved you. 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:41.899 He didn't just make you right with him. 00:19:42.179 --> 00:19:44.799 He made you his child. 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:49.279 And as his child. 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:53.079 Serving him faithfully and sincerely. 00:19:53.879 --> 00:19:59.839 We will receive an eternal reward that is beyond our ability to imagine. 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.480 I want you to look at this verse of scripture. 00:20:02.159 --> 00:20:03.199 From 1 Corinthians 2. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.839 From the New Living Translation. 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:07.179 No eye has seen. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.480 No ear has heard. 00:20:08.699 --> 00:20:10.720 And no mind has imagined. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:12.599 What God has prepared. 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.359 For those who love him. 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:16.779 I've got an uncle. 00:20:16.879 --> 00:20:18.339 He's about 97 now. 00:20:18.459 --> 00:20:19.819 His health is terrible. 00:20:20.959 --> 00:20:23.039 He's just basically waiting to die. 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:26.179 Actually praying that the Lord will take him home. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:27.519 Faithful committed man. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:29.700 For the last several years. 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:31.400 If you go and see him. 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.940 Or he was able to communicate much. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.339 If you ever went to talk to him. 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:35.900 He would quote that verse. 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:42.420 He'd got the most out of life in this world. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:44.839 And what he was focused on was. 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:47.359 What God had prepared for him. 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:50.119 He can't even imagine it. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:50.819 But he's excited. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.000 Because he trusts God. 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:55.379 And he's looking forward to this reward. 00:20:55.380 --> 00:20:58.820 That words cannot describe. 00:20:59.320 --> 00:21:01.660 That our minds cannot imagine. 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:06.380 That's the kind of reward God will have for you. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.900 As his faithful son or daughter. 00:21:09.560 --> 00:21:11.400 No matter what anybody else. 00:21:11.820 --> 00:21:12.760 Does or does not. 00:21:13.100 --> 00:21:14.260 Reward you with here on earth. 00:21:15.360 --> 00:21:17.700 Paul is encouraging us with that word. 00:21:18.080 --> 00:21:18.860 But on the other hand. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.720 He warns us. 00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:21.320 About being unfaithful. 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:21.780 Look at this. 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:23.820 God will not reward unfaithfulness. 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:24.379 Verse 25. 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:26.339 For the wrongdoer will be paid back. 00:21:26.599 --> 00:21:28.359 For the wrong he has done. 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:31.039 There's no partiality with God. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:35.119 It's hard for us to not show favoritism. 00:21:37.919 --> 00:21:39.879 I mean if you say I don't show favoritism. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.519 You're lying. 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:45.899 Don't you love your wife. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:47.359 More than any other woman in this room. 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.419 If you don't. 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.319 Shut your mouth. 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.279 Don't say that. 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:55.700 Most important woman in the world to me. 00:21:55.899 --> 00:21:56.539 Is Lisa. 00:21:58.200 --> 00:22:00.660 I'm very very partial to her. 00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:05.579 God is not partial. 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:09.539 We're all human beings created in his image. 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:12.599 If we are his children. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:14.839 He loves us all. 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:17.480 Equally. 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:22.099 And it doesn't matter who we are. 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:22.799 What we are. 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:25.299 He holds us responsible. 00:22:25.860 --> 00:22:27.480 For our level of faithfulness. 00:22:29.360 --> 00:22:31.680 Your boss may not notice every half hearted. 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.799 Or sloppy thing you do. 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:33.700 But God does. 00:22:33.860 --> 00:22:35.599 And I'm serious. 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.480 And such unfaithfulness. 00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:41.940 Will not be. 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.339 Rewarded. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:46.579 Now he's not talking about losing your salvation. 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:49.319 Salvation is not a part of the equation here. 00:22:49.919 --> 00:22:52.399 Salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:52.839 Period. 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:57.559 But he is talking about losing rewards for being unfaithful at work. 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:58.519 Clear and simple. 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.679 It's a warning. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:05.159 It matters how we do our job. 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:08.099 It matters how we treat people at our job. 00:23:09.419 --> 00:23:10.139 God cares. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:12.220 Look at one more thing. 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:16.460 How should Christian employers treat people who work for them? 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:18.059 That's in chapter 4 verse 1. 00:23:18.380 --> 00:23:18.980 Two things. 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:21.220 Treat people justly and fairly. 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:25.460 He says masters treat your bond servants justly and fairly. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:26.579 Now I want you to think. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.299 A slave. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:28.319 As Paul wrote this. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:33.279 A slave had absolutely no rights whatsoever. 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:42.240 So these words to slave owners about treating slaves justly and fairly. 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:48.440 They were something no one had ever even thought about. 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:50.220 That's surprising. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:57.660 God cares about how slaves are treated. 00:23:57.660 --> 00:24:00.380 He cares about if you own a company. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.319 If you're a supervisor. 00:24:01.620 --> 00:24:03.220 He cares about how you treat people. 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:07.380 God cares about how we use authority. 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:12.560 We've talked about that a little bit in all these studies about the home. 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:17.599 It matters how you use your authority as a leader husband. 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.679 It matters. 00:24:20.179 --> 00:24:23.139 It matters how you use your authority as a parent. 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:30.200 And it matters how you use your authority as a boss or business owner at work. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:33.960 It matters how you use your authority as a teacher and coach at school. 00:24:36.280 --> 00:24:43.660 Christian employers and supervisors must be concerned about more than just what is profitable. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:47.080 You've got to care about what's profitable or you can't stay in business. 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:50.679 But you've got to care about more than that. 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:57.619 You've got to be committed to what's right and fair for the people involved. 00:24:58.699 --> 00:25:00.599 That you're leading. 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.000 That you're managing. 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:04.460 Just like Christian employees. 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:07.319 Christian employers will be judged one day. 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:07.839 Look at this. 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:12.179 Remember that you will answer to Jesus for how you've treated people under your authority. 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:14.159 Look at the last part of verse 1. 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:18.480 Knowing that you also have a master in heaven. 00:25:20.080 --> 00:25:23.840 If you're responsible for leading or supervising people at work. 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:30.700 Take an interest in them as persons. 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:40.060 Think about how your actions affect them individually. 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.680 And their families. 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:46.060 Do what you can. 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:48.900 To make sure they're paid fairly. 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:51.259 Have good benefits. 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:55.840 And have a safe and positive working environment. 00:25:57.300 --> 00:26:00.220 Several years ago I had a conversation with a Christian man. 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:03.980 Who was a plant manager. 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:06.200 In a different county from this. 00:26:07.040 --> 00:26:07.900 None of you would know him. 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:13.660 His specialty throughout his career had been turning failing companies around. 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:15.000 Making them profitable. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:18.340 That's why he was brought to this particular plant. 00:26:18.820 --> 00:26:20.720 Where he was at that time. 00:26:21.580 --> 00:26:22.680 He told me. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.759 I knew the man fairly well. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:27.240 He was in his 50's. 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:30.500 And he told me that it has been later in life. 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:34.519 That I got serious about living a Christian life. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:36.099 When I was younger. 00:26:37.379 --> 00:26:38.440 I came in. 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.859 And I did what needed to be done. 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:40.799 And turn companies around. 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.619 And make them profitable. 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.339 And I didn't really care that much about people. 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:45.160 I didn't think that much about people. 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:47.379 But it's different today. 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:50.379 During our conversation. 00:26:50.639 --> 00:26:52.039 He poured his heart out to me. 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:54.379 About how he had to lay off. 00:26:54.879 --> 00:26:56.339 Some of his employees. 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.740 Because business was down. 00:26:59.379 --> 00:27:00.839 He had no choice. 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:04.039 It was a mandate from above him. 00:27:05.159 --> 00:27:06.859 He had waited as long as he could. 00:27:06.919 --> 00:27:07.740 To let them go. 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:10.220 And he planned to bring them back. 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:11.519 Just as soon as he could. 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:14.779 But it obviously. 00:27:14.959 --> 00:27:16.139 By the look on his face. 00:27:16.159 --> 00:27:17.379 And the tone of his voice. 00:27:17.419 --> 00:27:18.639 As he spoke. 00:27:19.699 --> 00:27:22.319 It just stressed him out. 00:27:24.159 --> 00:27:25.599 He talked about how he knew. 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:27.599 Those employees had families. 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.519 And they were dependent upon. 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.700 The income. 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:32.420 That came from that job. 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:33.579 He said. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.879 It hurts me. 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:37.500 To think of the hardship. 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:39.859 Those families are going to go through. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:41.319 As a result of. 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:43.960 Me laying them off. 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.119 That man. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.500 Modeled. 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:52.079 What it meant. 00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:53.220 To be a Christian. 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.500 Employer. 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:55.920 You say. 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.119 No. 00:27:56.180 --> 00:27:56.900 He needs to toughen up. 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.299 No. 00:27:57.299 --> 00:28:00.500 There was no one tougher than him. 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:01.819 His entire life. 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:05.779 He was an intimidating man. 00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:09.099 But as an older. 00:28:09.740 --> 00:28:10.220 Man. 00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:12.139 Who got serious about following the Lord. 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:15.139 He took an interest in the actual people. 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:17.119 That he managed. 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:20.899 And he didn't just think about. 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:23.339 Shaving the numbers down. 00:28:23.339 --> 00:28:24.339 He realized. 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:25.339 He realized. 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:25.619 He was a man. 00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:25.699 He was a man. 00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:27.699 He was a man. 00:28:27.699 --> 00:28:28.240 Or a woman. 00:28:28.359 --> 00:28:29.119 Who had a family. 00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.559 And had. 00:28:31.439 --> 00:28:31.959 Needs. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.619 That some were going to go unmet. 00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:40.339 He cared. 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:42.139 He did his job. 00:28:42.919 --> 00:28:44.539 He did what had to be done. 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:47.240 The owners. 00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:48.779 Were happy with him. 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:51.579 But he struggled. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:54.139 In the right kind of way. 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:57.019 Because he wanted to treat people right. 00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:58.779 He cared about people. 00:29:00.339 --> 00:29:02.440 He did his job wisely. 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.759 He kept it productive. 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:08.079 But he cared about a whole lot more. 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:10.200 Than just the bottom line. 00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:13.539 He did everything he could do. 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:16.039 To care about and support the people. 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:17.440 He led. 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:20.460 If you are an employer. 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.480 Or supervisor. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:23.139 Or business leader. 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:26.839 Do you care about people. 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:28.799 Anywhere. 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.059 Like that. 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:33.319 Do you know them by name. 00:29:33.399 --> 00:29:34.119 Do you know something. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.599 That goes on in their lives. 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.619 Do you treat them. 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:39.839 Fairly. 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:43.039 Do you do what's right. 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:46.899 This passage. 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:48.159 Expresses God's goals. 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.519 For Christians at work. 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:52.240 I want to encourage you. 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:52.859 To ask God. 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:53.240 To help you. 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.779 To think and act this way. 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:57.359 When you go back to work tomorrow. 00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:59.319 Or whenever you go back. 00:29:59.399 --> 00:29:59.879 This week. 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:02.240 I want to encourage you. 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:02.619 Right now. 00:30:02.659 --> 00:30:03.559 To make the commitment. 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.879 That when you walk. 00:30:05.879 --> 00:30:06.619 Into the place. 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.659 Where you work. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.839 Or where you go to school. 00:30:08.839 --> 00:30:11.959 That by God's grace. 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:15.199 You're really going to focus on. 00:30:15.339 --> 00:30:17.000 Honoring your Lord. 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:19.299 In the way that you relate to people. 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.819 The way you treat people. 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:26.000 And in the way you actually. 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:28.439 Do your job. 00:30:29.939 --> 00:30:30.899 Let's pray together. 00:30:31.899 --> 00:30:32.359 Father. 00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:35.839 Help all of us in this room. 00:30:35.939 --> 00:30:36.319 To know. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.859 How we should apply this. 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.079 Father. 00:30:41.179 --> 00:30:42.179 Where there's just plain. 00:30:42.479 --> 00:30:42.879 Sin. 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.919 And failure. 00:30:45.219 --> 00:30:46.339 Convict that person. 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.719 Call them to truly. 00:30:49.719 --> 00:30:50.199 Repent. 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:54.119 To come back to you. 00:30:55.119 --> 00:30:56.159 To make a new commitment. 00:30:56.159 --> 00:30:57.139 Of their life to Jesus. 00:30:57.139 --> 00:30:58.119 As their Lord. 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:01.299 And to start going to work. 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:04.579 And living like a Christian. 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:07.759 Help them. 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.759 To truly. 00:31:11.639 --> 00:31:12.859 Honor the Lord. 00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:14.759 In the way they treat everybody. 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.559 Above them. 00:31:15.639 --> 00:31:16.240 Below them. 00:31:16.399 --> 00:31:17.159 Beside them. 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.299 Help them. 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.119 Truly Father. 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:21.480 To do their job. 00:31:22.159 --> 00:31:23.639 Their job performance. 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:26.079 With all their heart. 00:31:28.879 --> 00:31:30.919 As if they're working for the Lord Jesus. 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:31.859 Father. 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:35.119 If there's people in this room. 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:35.399 Who. 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:38.139 Do not know Christ. 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:38.980 As your Lord and Savior. 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.700 Call them to faith. 00:31:41.779 --> 00:31:42.240 Right now. 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.659 Make it clear to them. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:45.759 That they do not have a relationship. 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.299 With you. 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:48.339 Enable. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.599 Enable them dear God. 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:50.759 To truly want. 00:31:50.839 --> 00:31:51.879 To turn from their sins. 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:53.019 Change their mind. 00:31:53.159 --> 00:31:53.720 To repent. 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:57.279 Help them to see. 00:31:57.399 --> 00:31:58.259 Through eyes of faith. 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.619 That when Jesus died on the cross. 00:31:59.619 --> 00:32:00.339 He paid the penalty. 00:32:00.339 --> 00:32:01.099 For their sin. 00:32:01.459 --> 00:32:02.119 And by faith. 00:32:02.159 --> 00:32:02.819 Help them right now. 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:03.699 To call upon Jesus. 00:32:03.839 --> 00:32:04.579 To save them. 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:08.259 Lord. 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:08.979 If there are Christians. 00:32:08.979 --> 00:32:09.759 In this room. 00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:10.859 That they've been convicted. 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:11.500 This morning. 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:12.379 As employees. 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.219 Or employers. 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.319 That they're just not. 00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:15.359 Taking their. 00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:18.379 Taking the responsibility. 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:21.599 To live as faithful Christians. 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:23.139 At work. 00:32:23.219 --> 00:32:23.939 Or at school. 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:27.580 And help them dear God. 00:32:27.620 --> 00:32:29.100 To get serious about that now. 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.299 And make a new commitment. 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:32.980 To you. 00:32:33.380 --> 00:32:34.559 That with your help. 00:32:34.900 --> 00:32:36.100 By your grace. 00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.340 They will. 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:40.279 Honor you. 00:32:40.360 --> 00:32:40.960 In the way they. 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:42.380 Treat people. 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:43.200 And do their job. 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.720 Let's just in an attitude of prayer. 00:32:45.820 --> 00:32:46.400 Listen to the Lord. 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.299 And respond to him. 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:49.039 As he speaks. 00:32:49.120 --> 00:32:49.620 You obey. 00:32:50.820 --> 00:32:52.140 Let's just take the next few minutes. 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:52.660 To do that. 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:54.340 ��