Colossians 3:17-4:1
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This is the eighth sermon in our series: Being Human. This sermon is “Work”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect Is there a way in which you could more closely align your sexuality in line with God’s purposes?
Warm-Up
- What is the frontline that you spend most of your time each week? Do you consider this to be work?
- What is your relationship with work like?
Read Genesis 2:4-15
- Where did God place the man? What was he tasked with?
- What clue do we have that work is given to both men and women? (Hint: Genesis 1:26-29)
- What different aspects of work are present in Genesis 1:26-29 and Genesis 2:15? How are we meant to relate to God’s creation?
- Why is it significant that work is given to humanity before sin entered the world? How should that change how we value work?
- Why is work more than just what we get paid to do? What aspects of your work reflect shaping, nurturing, cultivating, serving, designing, protecting, or guarding?
- What is your experience of work at the moment? What are your biggest points of frustration?
- What is the ultimate source of frustration in work? Do frustrations in work mean that all work is meaningless and unimportant to God? Why not?
Read Colossians 3:17, 23-24
- What type of work can we do for Jesus? Why do you think it is easy to forget God cares and values whatever we do?
- What rhythms help remind you that you are working for Jesus?
- Why is working for Jesus more than only sharing the gospel?
- Which of the 6M’s is the most visible on your frontline/in your workplace: (1) modelling godly character, (2) making good work, (3) being a minister of grace & love, (4) moulding culture, (5) being a mouthpiece for truth & justice, (6) being a messenger of the gospel.
- Which 6M would you like to focus on this week? What might be one small step?
- How does our secure future in new creation change how you work today?
Apply Select one 6M to focus on this week, as you orientate whatever you do to Jesus.
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you that you have good purposes for our work and that nothing is wasted in your economy. Please help us to orientate our work for Jesus in whatever we do, for your glory. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
What opportunities do you have this week to demonstrate kindness? Pray for opportunities to show God's kindness.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (Sermon): “The Garden of God” by Tim Keller
- Listen (Sermon): “Bringing life to work” by Mark Greene
- Read (Book): “Thank God It’s Monday” by Mark Greene (also in the library)
- Read (Book): “Every Good Endeavour” by Tim Keller (also in the library)
- Read (Article): “The 6M’s - Uncovering Fruitfulness Where You Are” by LICC
- Read (Essay): “Why Work?” by Dorothy Sayers (1942)
- Watch (Short videos): “6M People” by LICC
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Series Resources
- Read: “You’re Only Human” by Kelly Kapic (also available in the library)
- Read: “Between the Tick and the Tock” by Michael Jensen
- Read: “Becoming Friends of Time” by John Swinton (also available in the library)
- Listen: “Whole” Series by St Barnabas on Broadway
- Listen: “Being Human” by Redeemer
- Watch: “Being a Body: With Sam Allberry” by Single Minded Conference
