1. Relationships at Work
Colossians 3:22-4:1

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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.”

7. 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

9. 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”)

10. 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.”

11. 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!

12. 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.”