We continue in our mini-series from Ephesians 4 about “Living It Out” – this week we consider our work. How does the Gospel transform our occupations, from mundane daily tasks to our overall sense of vocation? Certainly, grace means we rely on the work Christ has done, yet it does not make our work unnecessary or meaningless. So why does our work so often feel like a curse, even as we yearn for it to be a joy? Why do so many of us look to our work to derive our sense of significance? How could God redeem it instead to be a joyful offering? Let's talk about God's design for our work.
Discussion Questions
Even the guy who is at the top of his game is hoping there’s more than this. What is YOUR reaction to HIS reaction to his success? Does this temper your ambitions, hopes, and aspirations at all? What are those goals and aspirations?
What work is not
You want to work. You need to work. Do you agree with this?
What are you trying to do in life? Where are the pinch points and holdbacks? Why aren’t you hitting the marks you’re going for, to a satisfying level? …or maybe you are hitting those marks and you think you’ve arrived? Is it time to stop and collect seashells?
To what degree has your work - whatever you do to make life ‘go’ most days of the week - become your identity? Is this a bad thing, a prison, or a problem? Do you accept all of this talk about identity as it relates to one’s work, or do you have a hard time seeing it? Read Jeremiah 45:5 and talk about your own sense of ambition.
Most atheists are operating from a world view that says all of life is meaningless and insignificant – from beginning to end. If you disagree with the atheists’ position, then what is the purpose of life? Is that purpose unique to each individual to create or discover, or is there a purpose that is common to all of us? How does your work fit into this explanation; interwoven or unrelated?
What work is
Meaningful work has the potential to remake and rehumanize us. How so – in what sense? What’s been your most satisfying season of work until now, or a completed project that you wish you could do again and again, despite all of the labor and toil? Was financial profit the goal and the win?
The fruit of your work is meant to be shared with those in need. Did you resonate with this part of the sermon? How does this color or affect your line of work? Do you see a connection?
So what
In our verse, Paul knows there are thieves! Who is he talking about; pick-pockets and people stealing out of the offering? In what sense can any of us be one of these thieves? Is there a season or moment in your life when this verse was talking about you?
Larry Stewart from Lee Summit, Missouri became a Secret Santa. Retell what you remember of his story and how it inspired you, specifically? We all know the sentiment to “pay it forward.” But how is the message here in our verse and sermon more than just a feel-good moment? How is any of this different and enduring for followers of Jesus?
Gospel: God is in the dirt with you, making something out of nothing. Our work is an echo of what Jesus has done for us. The cross is the center-piece, which has given us immeasurable value; not only paying off our debt, but the cross empowers us to work now for others’ gain. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
