“Striving to be
Jesus-Employees” 9/23/07
“and
He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but
for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
Theme of 1 Peter: SUFFERING 16 X in book. CH 1:1-7 Esp. Verse 6
How do we live in modern Social Institutions such as Government,
Vocations?
GALATIANS 3:28- This could
cause problems….
POINT
1- Our
submission is given to our employers in respect TO GOD All Fear!
A.
We
are called to submit regardless of the employer’s CHARACTER
(This includes the Good, Reasonable, and Crooked;
Ephesians 6:5-9).
B.
We
receive God’s favor when we endure grief; suffering UNJUSTLY
(Submission to God might bring suffering- James
1:12)
WORK RELATIONSHIPS, PARENT – TEEN RELATIONSHIPS, ETC
No Promotion- taken advantage of, yelled at, Just a JERK
C.
Our
reputation as foolish or suffering for God determines God’s FAVOR
(Colossians 3:22-24- We will be rewarded)
Deeper
“Those
who are under the yoke as slaves (employees) must regard their own masters
(bosses) as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and
Christian teaching from being discredited.”
1 Timothy 6:2
POINT
2- Our
submission is to be given because of Jesus’ EXAMPLE
A.
We
are expected to endure suffering & follow in Jesus’ FOOTSTEPS
STORY OF DAVID AND SAUL if TIME ALLOWS
B.
We
have been freed to live for God by Jesus’ death on the CROSS
C.
Jesus
has paid it all for us and is the one who cares for our SOULS
Deeper
"Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify
your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
NKJ 1 Peter
4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of
God commit their souls to Him in
doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
NAU James
1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter
various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces
endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.
NKJ Acts
14:22 (They continued…) strengthening the souls of the
disciples, exhorting them to continue
in the faith, and saying, "We
must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
NKJ Philippians
1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not
only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
NKJ
Acts 5:40 "And they agreed with him, and when
they had called for the apostles and beaten them,
they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let
them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
NET Romans
5:3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance,
character, and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint, because
the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who
was given to us.
NKJ John
16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you
may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I
have overcome the world."
NKJ
1 Thessalonians 3:3 that no one should be
shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to
this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that
we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
NKJ Matthew
7:14 "Because narrow is
the gate and difficult is the
way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.