Discussion Questions | 25 October 2020

SERMON SUMMARY

Many people either hate their job or simply endure it because they have to. Others become workaholics because they find their identity in an occupation or because of a deep-seated obsession with money. But God wants to make our work better. This four-week series discovers God’s vision for our work and how He is at work in our work. While work can often seem like an evil four-letter word, God has formed us to create, build, and steward his creation. Our worship of God does not stop on Sunday but should continue into our workplace Monday–Friday.

DISCUSSION

Work is an important and significant part of our lives. Over a span of forty years of working life, a committed believer would spend 2,260 hours in church services in contrast to 96,000 hours at work. The time we spend at work is significant and it really matters. Often, we try to find different ways to make our work better through changing careers, teams, job descriptions or pay. But have we considered how our faith makes our work better? Ps Chee explored how our faith makes our work better by transforming our perspective of work. We explored how God’s bigger story has implications on our perspective of work:

Creation – what life OUGHT to be by God’s design (Genesis 1:12, 2:4-7, 1:26-31)

My work ought to be a gift. All types of work ought to be used to fulfil God’s purposes.

Fall – what life IS because of sin and corruption of the fall (Genesis 3:17-19)

My work is frustrating. I should expect it and rise above the brokenness. 

Redemption – what life CAN be in Jesus, our crucified and risen Christ (Colossians 1:18-20)

My work can be used by God to give people a taste of what life can be in Jesus. I will seize the opportunities to be fruitful in my work.

Restoration – what life WILL be when God’s reign is fully established (Revelations 21:1-5)

God’s work will fully be completed. So I can continue His work with confidence, hope and perseverance even if I don’t see the results in my lifetime.

Discuss one or more of the following questions:

1. Listening to this week’s sermon, what spoke to you and why?

2. Watch this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbipxLDtY8c

How did this video add to your perspective of your work in God’s story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration?

3. Share with one another how you view and feel about your work. How does today’s sermon change your perspective on work?

4. Break into groups of three and answer the following questions:

a. What work do you do?

b. How did you feel called to do what you’re doing?

c. How do you try to do that work as a Christian?

d. How do you try to serve your neighbours through your work?

e. What are certain opportunities or obstacles you’re facing in your work?

f. How does your faith speak to these obstacles?

g. How can we pray for you?

5. We discussed 6 ways you can be fruitful in your work: 1) modelling godly character 2) making good work 3) ministering grace and love 4) moulding culture 5) being a mouthpiece for truth and justice 6) being a messenger of the gospel. Share examples of how God has used you in your work to bring a taste of what life can be in Jesus.

6. What is something you feel like God is asking you to put into action after this week’s sermon and discussion.