Bible Study - Identity (4) - Life at Work - Colossians 3:22-4:1 - May 14, 2017

Bible Study – Identity (4) – Life at Work – May 14, 2017

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Identity: My Life of Faith.”

Our focus scripture is Colossians 3:22-4:1

Your work is a reflection of your relationship with CHRIST.

The old saying goes, “If you love what you are doing, it is not work.” I was blessed that I enjoyed what I did for most of my work career.

When Adam and Eve sinned, Genesis 3:17-19 reveals:

17 And He (GOD) said to Adam, "Because you listened to your wife's voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'Do not eat from it': The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life.

18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.

19 You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust."

The consequence of sin was not only eternal death but resulted in mankind having to work.

The Apostle Paul is the author of Colossians. He wrote the letter to the Christians in Colossae sometime during 60-62 A.D. while in prison (house arrest) in Rome. For some reason Epaphras was in Rome and visited Paul and reported to him the problems in Colossae. Epaphras had founded the church in Colossae and was meeting in Philemon’s house. Onesimus was the slave owned by Philemon. Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae addressing some of those issues. The letter to the Christians in Colossae focused on “Who CHRIST is, what HE did, what that means to the world and to correct false teachings.” 

The general outline for the letter to the Christians in Colossae is:

-         Exalts CHRIST as the very image of GOD (1:15)

-         The Creator (1:16)

-         The preexistent sustainer of all things (1:17)

-         The head of the church (1:18)

-         The first to be resurrected (1:18)

-         The fullness of deity in bodily form (1:19 and 2:9)

-         The reconciler (1:20-22)

The first four verses of our focus scripture, 3:22-25, addresses slaves and the last verse (4:1) addresses masters. We do not think in these terms today but the principles of authority apply. The word “slave” comes from a Greek word meaning to “bind” and generally translated “slave” or “servant.” Let’s explore!

Let’s read Colossians 3:22:

Do your work with integrity and dependability to those over you.

22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but [work] wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.

Paul made it clear that he was addressing “human masters.” It was without question that Christians are to obey their true Master, JESUS. Christians were to consider their human masters.

The word “master” is translated “lord” meaning “human” and the word “Lord” meaning “divine.” As employees, we are to obey our human employers e.g. those who have authority over us “in everything.” However, Christians are not obligated to do what GOD does not want them to do. Of course, if we refuse, then we will suffer the consequence. The idea is that Christians are to perform their work with integrity and dependability whether or not the “boss” or “master” or “supervisor” is watching. Christians work as unto their LORD/GOD.

Christians are to work “fearing” or out of respect for what JESUS has done for them. The word “fear” is not to be afraid but to show respect and honor. Christians represent the community of faith in JESUS and by their actions bring honor and respect or dishonor to JESUS and GOD. Christians in the workplace are to let the light they have in JESUS be revealed by doing the very best job possible with the right attitude. Does that mean that their masters will always appreciate it? Not necessarily. But often it will be recognized by our human masters but for sure it will be recognized by JESUS/GOD. Such recognition may not be revealed until we see JESUS face to face as we enter into Heaven.

The Apostle Paul continued with this concept ----

Let’s read Colossians 3:23-25:

Do your work enthusiastically for CHRIST.

23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,

24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord-you serve the Lord Christ.

25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

The Apostle Paul draws our attention to the concept of lord (human) and Lord (divine.) The Christians’ true master is the Lord and whatever they do, they need to keep this in their minds because when this life is over, we will all face our true Master Who rewards based upon obedience. Christians will receive their rewards based upon their true heart and not based upon appearing to be obedient. Only GOD knows our true hearts, intentions and motivations. We might fool man but we will never fool GOD.

-         Christians are to be enthusiastic. Being enthusiastic about what we do reveals the right mindset and eagerness to obediently serve GOD. Such an attitude establishes the right work ethic to do a good job and reflects our relationship with GOD. Wisdom comes from GOD and Christians have a resource that transcends earthly knowledge. GOD’S desire is for Christians to excel in all they do because they represent HIM as HIS children.

-         Our work “something done for the Lord and not for people.”

-         Obedience is promised “the reward of an inheritance from the LORD.”

-         The reason for obedience is that “Christians serve the Lord CHRIST.”

-         Disobedience has consequences “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done.”

-         GOD does not show “favoritism.” When JESUS taught HIS disciples to pray, one statement upfront was “thy (GOD’S) will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” GOD expects and honors “obedience.”

Paul made clear the responsibility of Christians. Now, onto earthly, human lords or masters ----

Let’s read Colossians 4:1:

Do what is right and just as CHRIST with you.

1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

The English Standard translation translates “supply” as “treat” or another translation renders “supply” as “deal with.”

Those who have earthly authority over others have a huge responsibility. They are under the authority of GOD. This does not mean those with authority over others are to be wimps but they are to work as unto their Lord. Those with authority are to set the standard of excellence for those under their authority. They are to lead by example.

All supervisors, business owners, hierarchy of management, etc. are to set the right example. They are to execute their jobs to run the business with which they have been entrusted to be efficient, make a profit, maintain a safe work environment, properly train, maintain excellence and the list goes on. If a business is not profitable, it will fail and employees and their families will be hurt and suffer.

The owners of a business or those in management in a business are under the authority of GOD to run the business that has been entrusted to them efficiently, safely, fairly because GOD has entrusted it to them. That does not mean they are to put up with employees that do not measure up to the requirements of the business which has been entrusted to them. They can counsel, retrain and do that which is necessary to have a productive employee but if that employee does not measure up then termination is in order. Owners/Management must keep an eye on itself. Those with authority are accountable.

Many of us have either been in or seen upper management milk a business, organization or company for what they could get out of it. I was told that a person very high in management of a certain company, “if the CEO of that company asked you to go buy a box of chocolates for his girlfriend but you needed to work on something vital and critical to the company, he was to drop what he needed to do and go buy the box of chocolates.” How would or should you respond to such a request in light of our lesson?

Whatever we do as Christians, we are to do as unto the LORD. This applies to our home life, business, social, volunteer life and the list goes on. There does need to be balance in our lives and when we work as unto the LORD, HE gives balance. The old saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” After six days of work, GOD rested. HE set the example.

In Genesis 2:15: 15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.

Man was made for a purpose. Man and ultimately mankind were to have a personal relationship with GOD. Sin broke that relationship but the love of GOD provided a redemptive process to restore that broken relationship through JESUS, GOD’S only Son. The original responsibility of mankind has not changed. We are to manage the earth and all that is in it and upon it. But that is impossible without a personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and believing what JESUS did for us upon the cross. HIS shed blood paid the price for sin, in full. But each one of us must choose to accept the free gift of eternal life that faith in JESUS provides. The choice is up to each of us. 

Now is the moment for salvation. Will you accept JESUS as your Savior?

Blessings!!!