Lesson 3 - At the Workplace: We work for the Lord
Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching
about God our Savior attractive.
Titus 2:9-10
Paul encourages Christians to be model workers, exemplifying diligence, exceptional service, and obedience because this praiseworthy nature of a Christian when seen by others make teaching of the Gospel attractive. There is nothing greater on earth than for a sinner to be given the opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Paul explains the right conduct and behavior of a Christian in the workplace. Titus 2:9-10:
○ be subject to our masters in everything
Obedience to our masters should be made in faith, not grudgingly, and most importantly, not for selfish gains. This can be explained fully in Colossians 3:22
But being subject to everything does not include doing sinful things. When your master compels you to perform work that is against the will of God, you should disobey because we are commanded to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29. Have faith in your heart that God will not allow you to become slaves of men to do evil works.
○ try to please them
○ Not to win their favor, but to please our masters with sincerity of the heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3:22
○ not to talk back to them
Talking back to your master even when he is wrong should be avoided. Your humility will give you rewards. Put your trust in the Lord and not yourself.
○ show that you can be fully trusted
Never steal for any reason. God provides all of your needs. Show that you can be trusted by being honest at all times in dealing with your master.
○ Steal no more. Work with your hands. Ephesians 4:28
○ Do not be a freeloader. Work your own bread. II Thessalonians 3:12
○ Do not be busybodies, being idle. I Timothy 5:13
○ If a man will not work, he shall not eat. II Thessalonians 3:11
Be encouraged to work diligently as cited in the the following passages:
○ Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4
○ The lazy should look at the ant. Proverbs 6:6
○ A sleeper is disgraceful. Proverbs 10:5 | Proverbs 20:13
○ Money gathered by labor grows while dishonest money dwindles away. Proverbs 13:11
Whatever work you do, give it your best shot, as though you were working for the Lord. Do not be discouraged when you seem to be miles away from the top of the ladder of success in your career. The road to any worthwhile achievement is paved with bitter disappointments. Your struggles are not unknown to God, who provides you with the strength to face every single day of toil. Colossians 3:23-24