“Respect in the Workplace” 1 Peter 2:18-25 November 8, 2009

I. Our conduct at work is not contingent upon our situation. Our fundamental responsibility is one of submission. – We are to submit out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

I. Our conduct at work is not contingent upon our situation. Our fundamental responsibility is one of submission. – We are to submit out of reverence for Christ. – We are to convey loyalty for the sake of the Gospel.

Titus 2:9-10 “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.”

I. Our conduct at work is not contingent upon our situation. Our fundamental responsibility is one of submission. – We are to submit out of reverence for Christ. – We are to convey loyalty for the sake of the Gospel. Our proper attitude is appropriate respect. – We rank ourselves under authority. – We are to submit with all respect.

Six Ways to Demonstrate Submissiveness Have a teachable rather than defensive spirit when being corrected or instructed. Don’t complain about your boss or put him down behind his back. You don’t have to agree with the boss’s instructions to faithfully carry them out.

II. The character of others must not alter our conduct. Whether or not they are good and considerate. – We find it easy to work for gracious bosses. – We should work as unto the Lord regardless.

Colossians 3:22-24 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

II. The character of others must not alter our conduct. Whether or not they are good and considerate. – We find it easy to work for gracious bosses. – We should work as unto the Lord regardless. Whether or not they are hush. – Our response should be the same either way. – The Lord will use the situation for our good.

III. Our circumstances do not change our moral responsibility. We glorify God by our submission. – If we do wrong, suffering is a just consequence. – But it is commendable to God if we suffer unjustly.

III. Our circumstances do not change our moral responsibility. We have the example of Christ to follow. – He did not retaliate. He committed no sin (22). He entrusted himself to the one who judges justly (23). – His suffering was necessary for the greater good. He bore our sins in his body on the tree (24) By his wounds we have been healed.

Respect in the Workplace Our conduct at work is not contingent upon our situation. The character of others must not alter our conduct. Our circumstances do not change our moral responsibility. HOW ARE WE DOING?