MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Living a Life that Counts Lesson Nine

The Real World In this lesson we are looking at how to be an effective witness for Jesus at work. Let me start this by making a very clear statement: “If you want to be good witness for Jesus on the job, then you must be the best worker on the job!” People do not want to hear from the average worker but they will line up to hear from the best! Now that may have hit you right between the eyes because you know that you have not been giving it your best for a long time at work. The great news is that can change today and we are going to show you step by step how to be an effective witness for Jesus on the job!

The Real Word Acts 1:8New International Version (NIV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Luke 10:25-37New International Version (NIV) The Parable of the Good Samaritan 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ [a] ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [b] ”ab 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii [c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’c 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Real Talk What are some ways you can earn the right to talk with your Co - workers about Christ? Is there someone at work who makes your life miserable? Commit to pray for them for 30 days.. See if it makes a difference.. How would you rate your witness effort at work on an scale of one to ten?

Real Steps Here are some principles to take from the parable of the Good Samaritan: #1 – Love takes Initiative – (v.30-34) – You need to reach out. #2 – Love the Unlovable – (v.33) – Easy to love your friends. #3 – No Impact without Contact – (v.33) – Bandage their wounds. #4 – Love Requires a Broken Heart – (v.33) – Have pity on them. #5 – Witness is what you and do – (v.30-34) – Use words if needed. #6 – Be Flexible – (v.33-35) – It may not fit into your schedule. #7 – Be willing to sacrifice – (v.34 & 35) – You may have to give till it hurts. #8 – They are not the enemy – (v.35) – Unbelievers are not the enemy.

Time to Close So reaching out to others in Christ’s name is a dirty business and there may not always be the instant reward that we are looking for in life. It may not all add up in this life but looking back over eternity the loving things done in Christ’s name are the reason we are here on this earth. In Luke 10 Jesus asks: ‘Who is my neighbor?” He then goes to answer the question by telling the story of The Good Samaritan. He closes by asking, “ Which of these three do you think was the neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? They replied, The one who had mercy of him. Jesus replies, Go and do likewise.” Guys, Go and be a good neighbor at work. Reach out and touch somebodies hand, MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE! Time to MANUP!