“having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:12) Workplace in the

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (Paul’s general instructions concerning Christians living in the world) That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

The Christian in the Workplace The Christian as Laborer Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-20

Ephesians 6:5-8 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men- pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Colossians 3:22-25 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

1 Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Titus 2:9-10 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

Scriptural Guidelines for Laborers Obey those who are over you unless they ask you to do something illegal or unethical Work with proper respect and good will toward your boss Labor sincerely and heartily “as to the Lord” Demonstrate you can be trusted with responsibility Offer such a service not only to good employers, but even to those who are unfair In doing so, you are pleasing God!

The Christian in the Workplace The Christian as Laborer Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-20 The Christian as Manager Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1; Proverbs 22:16; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Malachi 3:5

Ephesians 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Colossians 4:1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Proverbs 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates. 15 Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the LORD, and it be sin to you.

Malachi 3:5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien-Because they do not fear Me," Says the LORD of hosts.

Scriptural Guidelines for Managers Remember that you have a boss in heaven! Treat employees with justness and fairness Do not oppress or seek to exploit those who are under your authority Do not threaten or bully Applying the “golden rule” will help to manage employees properly “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

The Christian in the Workplace The Christian as Laborer Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-20 The Christian as Manager Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1; Proverbs 22:16; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Malachi 3:5 The Christian as Evangelist Balance Mark 16:15-16 with Titus 2:9-10

Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Titus 2:9-10 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Scriptural Guidelines for Evangelizing in the Workplace Don’t forget the power of a good example (cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-2) Don’t let your speech betray your profession as a Christian (profanity, gossip, anger) (cf. Eph. 5:4) filthiness, foolish talking, coarse jesting Circumstances are rarely good for substantive spiritual discussions (be discerning) Seek to turn casual conversations (re: spiritual matters) to invitations for home Bible studies

Conclusion Principles concerning Servants and Masters can rightly be applied to the Laborer – Employer/Supervisor relationships today. In evangelism, the challenge is to balance our efforts to save and our duties to work. Remember, Spiritual zeal is no excuse for cheating those who have hired you.