Discussion Questions | 1 November 2020

Discussion

We’ve been discussing how our faith makes our work better. Last week, we discussed how our faith transforms our perspective on work. Today Ps Chee shared how our faith makes our work better by transforming who we are as workers. Our workplace is not just a place of achievement and influence, but it’s a place of formation. Our workplace becomes a place of discipleship when we allow God to take my workplace frustrations and make it God’s opportunities to work on me (James 1:2-4 MSG). Ps Chee shared four common frustrations at our workplace and how God can be at work in us through those situations:

1. The frustration of workplace relationships (Colossians 3:22-25)

God wants to change self-seeking workers to God honouring workers.

2. The frustration of unhealthy work patterns (Genesis 2:1-3, 15)

God wants to change striving workers to restful workers.

3. The frustration of discontentment (1 Corinthians 7:15, 20-24, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Philippians 4:11-13)

God wants to change complacent workers to contented workers.

4. The frustration of unemployment (Genesis 1:27-28)

God wants to change unfruitful workers to fruitful workers.

Discuss one or more of the following questions:

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

2. Read James 1:2-4 (the message version). Every workplace experience pressures and frustrations. What does your response to those pressures reveal about your faith? Can you give an example of how you’ve allowed God to use a workplace pressure do a maturing work in you.

3. Oftentimes our focus in work is in what God wants us to do rather than who God wants us to become. How does this perspective make your work better?

4. Which one of those four frustrations can you identify with in your work? Share with one another. How did you respond to those frustrations?

5. Read Colossians 3:22-25. Paul encouraged slaves that as they trust God to be sovereign, God to reward and God to be just, they would work willingly for the Lord. How does trusting those three characteristics of God shape how you work for the Lord in your current workplace?

6. God designed us to work from rest, and not just rest from our work. Sometimes we need more than just physical rest, but soul rest from striving after significance, success and people pleasing. How do we practically experience that? (Read Hebrews 4:1-13).

7. Read 1 Corinthians 7:15, 20-24, and Philippians 4:11-13. How can you learn to cultivate contentment in your current work?

8. If there are any members who are facing unemployment or underemployment – discuss among your life group what practical things you can do to help that individual find work.

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