Relationships at Work Colossians 3:22-4:1

Billington Translation Slaves, obey in all things your lords according to the flesh, not with eye service as men pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, work with soul, as for the Lord and not for men. Knowing that you will receive the reward of the inheritance from the Lord, for the serve the Lord Christ.

Billington Translation But the one doing wrong will be paid back for the wrong done, and there is no partiality. Lords, give slaves what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Lord in heaven.

Slavery was different in the Roman empire Scripture is concerned about teaching Christians how to live in a corrupt world Slavery was different in the Roman empire Was not based on race Masters may treat slaves more leniently, since contented slaves were more productive A master would sometimes teach a slave his own trade Some masters and slaves became friends

Scripture is concerned about teaching Christians how to live in a corrupt world Roman Senate granted slaves accused of crimes the right to a trial in 20 A.D. Slaves were often granted (or purchased) their freedom Some slaves prospered under lenient masters because they were assured of care and provision, while freemen struggled in poverty ? – What is your freedom worth to you?

Christianity is not trying to bring a political revolution Scripture is concerned about teaching Christians how to live in a corrupt world Christianity is not trying to bring a political revolution Luke 20:25 “He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Rom 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

But is very concerned about a spiritual revolution Scripture is concerned about teaching Christians how to live in a corrupt world But is very concerned about a spiritual revolution 1 Cor 7:20-24 “Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.” Philemon

In our culture this passage can show us how to relate at work Paul’s words to employees You really work for God Col 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Eph 6:5-7 “be obedient..as to Christ…with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord” So you should work with sincerity You should work hard (“with soul”)

In our culture this passage can show us how to relate at work And you’ll be rewarded for your work Eph 6:8 “knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” If you don’t work, you’ll be in trouble! 2 Thess 3:10 “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” Gal 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

In our culture this passage can show us how to relate at work Paul’s words to employers You need to be fair and just We’re called to treat others the way God has treated us (Matthew 18:23-35) We’re given a great example of an “employer” in Matthew 8:5-13 Because you work for God too! And God is paying attention!

In our culture this passage can show us how to relate at work 2 Cor 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”