Podcast Summary: "Our Work and Our Character"

Podcast Information

• Title: Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
• Host/Author: Tim Keller
• Episode: Our Work and Our Character
• Release Date: June 16, 2025
• Description: This episode explores the biblical approach to work, drawing from Ephesians 5:21-6:9, and offers practical principles for integrating faith into one's professional life.

Introduction: The Gospel in the World

Tim Keller opens the sermon by emphasizing the relevance of the Gospel beyond personal and church life, extending into the realm of work. He poses a fundamental question: "How does being a believer in Christ affect the work you do, whether you're a worker or a manager?" (00:32)

Tim Keller: "The sermons this fall have to do with the gospel in the world. ...how the Gospel affects how you pursue your vocation."

Understanding the Biblical Context: Background Work

Keller addresses a common misconception regarding Paul's instructions to slaves in Ephesians 5:21-6:9. He acknowledges the sensitive nature of the topic, particularly in light of historical abuses of the text to justify slavery.

Key Points:

• Household Codes: Paul's instructions were part of a larger "household code," addressing various roles within the extended family structure of the Greco-Roman world.
• Nature of Slavery: Unlike the race-based, lifelong slavery familiar from American history, first-century slavery was often temporary, not based on race, and slaves possessed certain rights.

Tim Keller: "Paul was addressing households. He was addressing the extended family households of the day." (03:45)

• Revolutionary Attitude: Despite the different context, Paul's message planted the seeds for the eventual decline of slavery by promoting dignity and equality under Christ.

Tim Keller: "FF Bruce says Paul brings us into an atmosphere in which the institution of slavery could only wilt and die." (10:15)

Practical Principle One: Serve Wholeheartedly as Serving the Lord

Keller introduces the first principle derived from the passage: "Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord." He emphasizes that all work, regardless of its nature, is a calling from God.

Key Insights:

• All Work is a Calling: Every job, whether manual or professional, is a divine calling and serves the Lord.

Tim Keller: "All work is a calling from God. All work serves the Lord." (15:10)

• Breaking Down Secular and Sacred: Drawing from Dorothy Sayers, Keller critiques the traditional church separation between secular work and religious life, advocating for an integrated approach where faith informs all aspects of work.

Tim Keller: "The distinction between the secular and the sacred breaks down." (18:00)

• Reformation Insights: He references Martin Luther's concept of the "priesthood of all believers," highlighting that every vocation, whether mundane or esteemed, holds equal value in God's eyes.

Tim Keller: "Luther said all work is God's calling." (19:45)

Practical Principle Two: Obey Your Earthly Masters as Servants of Christ

The second principle focuses on how believers should conduct themselves in their professional roles, particularly in hierarchical structures.

Key Insights:

• Dual Mastery: Christians are called to view their earthly supervisors not as their real masters but as temporary overseers, with Christ being their ultimate master.

Tim Keller: "Don't look at your boss as your real boss. Christ is your real master." (25:20)

• Combatting Overwork and Underwork:

  • Overwork: Believers are encouraged to avoid the trap of overcommitting due to anxiety about pleasing human supervisors.

    Tim Keller: "All that matters is what Jesus thinks. Just do your best and relax." (20:35)

  • Underwork: Conversely, those who feel disenfranchised or undervalued at work are motivated to perform with excellence, recognizing Christ as their true supervisor.

    Tim Keller: "If you are melted by an awareness ... that will make him truly your ultimate Master, and it will change the way in which you work." (35:50)

The Power to Apply: Eternal Perspective and Spiritual Understanding

Keller emphasizes that the Bible not only provides instructions but also equips believers with the power to live out these principles.

Key Insights:

• Fear of Christ: The term "fear" in this context is redefined as a joyful and awe-filled reverence, driving believers to serve others out of love and respect for Christ's sacrifice.

Tim Keller: "The fear of Christ means joyful, astute, awe and wonder before him." (38:10)

• Transformative Gospel: By internalizing Christ's selfless service, believers are empowered to serve their earthly roles with humility and dedication, mirroring Jesus' example of serving even enemies.

Tim Keller: "Jesus is the only master that will forgive you and die for you." (39:15)

Practical Applications and Personal Stories

Throughout the sermon, Keller interweaves personal anecdotes and stories from other scholars to illustrate how these principles can transform everyday work life.

Examples:

• Studs Terkel’s "Working": Illustrates how work can be both physically and emotionally taxing, underscoring the need for meaningful engagement.

Keller quotes Studs Terkel: "Some people experience work as humiliating, grinding drudgery." (05:10)

• R.C. Sproul’s Observation: Highlights the unintentional caste systems that can develop in workplaces, reinforcing the need for a gospel-centered approach to labor.

Tim Keller: "All workers have dignity. All work is the calling of God." (19:50)

• John White’s Transformation: Describes how viewing work as service to God can mitigate the cycle of procrastination and stress, leading to more genuine productivity and satisfaction.

Tim Keller: "He transformed the way in which he studied ... he was ready for a breakdown." (31:30)

Conclusion: Letting the Gospel Transform Work Life

Keller concludes by reiterating that integrating the Gospel into one's work life leads to meaningful, satisfying, and sustainable professional experiences. He encourages believers to let their faith influence their attitudes toward all aspects of work, fostering environments of respect, excellence, and humility.

Final Reflections:

• Submission and Service: Emphasizes mutual submission and service within the workplace as reflections of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

Tim Keller: "Masters serve your servants, servants serve your masters." (40:10)

• Prayer for Transformation: Ends with a prayer asking for divine guidance to apply these principles effectively in daily work lives.

Tim Keller: "Let us pray ... By your spirit, it's in Jesus name we ask. Amen." (40:30)

Notable Quotes from the Sermon:

1. On Viewing All Work as a Calling:

   "All work is a calling from God. All work serves the Lord." (15:10)

2. On Dual Mastery and True Supervision:

   "Don't look at your boss as your real boss. Christ is your real master." (25:20)

3. On the Fear of Christ:

   "The fear of Christ means joyful, astute, awe and wonder before him." (38:10)

4. On Mutual Service in the Workplace:

   "Masters serve your servants, servants serve your masters." (40:10)

Closing Thoughts In "Our Work and Our Character," Tim Keller provides a profound exploration of how Christian faith intersects with professional life. By recontextualizing ancient biblical instructions for a modern audience, he offers practical guidance for infusing daily work with purpose, dignity, and divine calling. The sermon challenges believers to view their careers not merely as means of livelihood but as arenas for living out the Gospel, fostering environments of respect, excellence, and mutual service.