Jesus, Lord of My Work

Colossians 3:22-4:1

Introduction

• Genesis 3:17-18

• Genesis 2:15

• Luke 19:17

• Colossians 3:22

• Galatians 3:28

How Jesus becomes Lord of My Work.

1. Employees' attitude and actions change

• Colossians 3:1

• Colossians 3:17

• Colossians 3:22

• 1 Peter 2:18

• Colossians 3:23

• Colossians 3:24

• Ephesians 6:5-7

2. Employer's leadership changes

• Colossians 4:1

• Ephesians 6:9

• Colossians 4:1

• 2 Corinthians 5:10

Application

• See your job as a mission field

• Repent.

Jesus, Lord of My Work

Colossians 3:22–4:1

Big Idea:

When Jesus is Lord of my work, He changes not only what I do, but why and how I do it—and how I treat the people I work with.

1. Warm-Up

Think about the best job or work experience you’ve ever had. What made it a good experience, and what role did the people you worked with play in that?

Transition:

Our work is about much more than a paycheck. It is one of the places where our character, our faith, and our relationships with others become visible. Paul shows us that following Jesus changes the way we approach our work.

2. Jesus Changes the Way I Work

Read Colossians 3:22–24.

Paul tells Christian workers to obey their earthly masters, but notice where he ultimately directs their attention. What difference does it make when we see our work as something we ultimately do “for the Lord”?

How might Colossians 3:1 and 3:17 change the way we think about our Monday morning?

What are some wrong attitudes toward work that can creep into our lives (complaining, doing the minimum, seeking approval, resentment, etc.)?

How does Paul’s teaching in verse 23 challenge the idea that some jobs are “spiritual” while other jobs are merely secular?

Key Insight:

Jesus doesn't just want to be Lord of what we do at church. He wants to be Lord of what we do at work. Your workplace can become a place where you demonstrate what it looks like to follow Jesus.

3. Jesus Changes the Way I Treat People at Work

Read Colossians 3:22–24 and Colossians 4:1.

Paul addresses both sides of the workplace relationship. Workers are told to work sincerely, not simply when someone is watching. Employers are told to treat their people justly and fairly. What does it reveal about our hearts when we only work hard when the boss is watching?

For those who lead or supervise others, How should knowing that Jesus is your “Master in heaven” affect the way you use your authority?

What would “justly and fairly” look like in a workplace today? Possible areas:

• How you speak to people

• How you handle mistakes

• How you distribute work

• How you give credit

• How you handle conflict

• How you treat people who can't benefit you

Key Insight:

Jesus changes both sides of the workplace relationship. Employees aren't simply called to be productive. They're called to be faithful. Employers aren't simply called to be successful. They're called to be fair and just.

4. My Workplace Is a Mission Field

Read Colossians 3:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Paul's vision is bigger than simply, “Be a good employee.” Our work becomes one of the places where our allegiance to Jesus becomes visible. If your coworkers watched the way you worked, handled stress, responded to criticism, treated difficult people, and handled success, what would they learn about Jesus from you?

Who is one person at your workplace whom God may have placed in your life as an opportunity to demonstrate or talk about your faith?

5. Application

This week's sermon gives us two powerful applications. 1.) See your job as a mission field.

So, this week, don't simply ask, “How can I get through my work?” Ask, “How can I represent Jesus in my work?” 2.) Repent. Take a moment and honestly ask where does my attitude toward work, or the way I treat people at work need to change? Maybe it's:

• complaining

• laziness

• dishonesty

• anger

• gossip

• seeking people's approval

• treating certain people poorly

• resentment toward your boss

• abusing authority

• making work an idol

What is one specific change Jesus is asking you to make in the way you approach your work this week?

Closing Prayer

“Jesus, we acknowledge that You are Lord not only of our Sundays, but of our Mondays. Help us see our work as an opportunity to honor You, serve others, and represent You well. Forgive us where our attitudes and actions have not reflected You. Change the way we work, lead, speak, respond, and treat people. Help us become people whose work points others toward You. Amen.”