Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Faith In The Workplace
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world...
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development - 1 Pe 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world - 1 Pe 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is “the workplace”...
a. Places of employment where we work
b. Relationships we maintain with those with whom we work
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the workforce...?
a. What effect should it have on us as laborers or managers?
b. Should the workplace become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. In 1 Th 4:11-12, Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians living in this world...
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
[What this entails may be gleaned further as we consider passages which speak of Christians as laborers
and managers. So let us start by looking at...]
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS LABORER
A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR LABORERS...
1. From the epistles of Paul - Ep 6:5-8; Co 3:22-25; 1 Ti 6:1-3; Ti 2:9-10
2. From the epistle of Peter - 1 Pe 2:18-20
-- Instructions to servants can be easily applied by Christian laborers today
B. SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR LABORERS....
1. Obey those who are over you (unless they ask you to do that which is unethical or illegal)
2. Work with proper respect and good will toward your boss
3. Labor sincerely and heartily, as to the Lord and not to men
4. Do not work only when the boss is watching, or just to please those over you
5. Demonstrate that you can be trusted with responsibility
6. Offer such service, not just to good employers, but even to those who are unfair
-- In so doing, you are adorning the doctrine of God our Savior!
[Additional counsel for laborers can be found from the wisdom of Solomon (e.g., Pro 12:24; 22:29).
Those who follow such guidelines will not only please the Lord, but likely be very successful in their
work! Now let’s consider...]
II. THE CHRISTIAN AS MANAGER
A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR MANAGERS...
Topical Sermons 126