Audio Recording

Redeemed Workers Rev. Scott Strickman Download

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 3:22-4:1 (ESV)
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Sermon Outline
Colossians 3 contains a foundational principle that helps us as we strive to live wisely in our world.

1. What is the principle?

v23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (3:17)
v24 “You are serving the Lord Christ.”

2. How is it applied?

v22 “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters”
4:1 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

3. Why is it important?

v23 “work heartily”
v22 “not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”
v24 “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance”

4. When do you draw on this?

v24 “from the Lord you will receive... You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Prayer of Confession
Our sovereign Lord, who rules the heavens and the earth: have mercy on us. We have not done all things for your glory. We have not honored you from the depths of our hearts. We have sinned, having fallen for the lies of this world. Forgive our abuse of power, the arrogance with which we have looked down on others, and where we have harmed rather than protected. Forgive our rebellious spirits, all our selfish actions, and all the ways we have been hypocritical. We have not honored you with our work or the things you have entrusted to us. Release us from the power of sin and lead us in the way of freedom. May whatever we do, in word or deed, be done in the name of Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

How are we to do “all things” in the name of Christ? Which parts of your life is Christianity obviously relevant to? Which parts of your life are hard to understand how it connects with following Christ?
Who are some of the people whose approval you want or need? Why?
What are some of the ways corruption makes its way into the work place? How can work be dehumanizing? What temptations do you face in the work you do? What, in your work, do you find most stressful?
What can make work meaningful and rewarding?
In an extremely corrupt work arrangement, like slavery, what options does a suffering worker have? What possibilities should Christians in those circumstances consider?
Why is it important for people with power to understand they are accountable to Christ? Does this inspire you to better steward your power? Does it make you fearful? Why?
How can it help workers to know that Jesus sees all that we do, cares, and will reward his followers?
What does it say about Jesus that he took the form of a servant to free his people from their sin and misery? What does this reveal about God? What does it expose about the world?
In your current work (whether employment or whatever you do), what limitations do you need to accept? What is meaningful? What is problematic enough that you should not ignore it? How can you make the most out of whatever opportunity you have?
How do you need to follow Jesus in your current situation? Is there an opportunity to do something good? Do you need to draw on his strength? Do you need to repent of something? Do you need courage to make a decision? Pray about your circumstances and watch and respond as you go about this week.