Discipleship in the work environment
TEACHER
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Lesson 08
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
2 Kings 5:1-8
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.
3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.
5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.
6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”
8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
GOLDEN TEXT
1 Corinthians 10:33
For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
AIMS
Understand that all actions of the Christian must contribute to the glory of God.
Be aware that the workplace should be used to manifest your faith in Christ and lead people to know the truth;
Apply specific methods of discipleship and evangelism in your work relationships.
INTRODUCTION
It can be said that the social group with which one interacts most is the one related to work.
Christians who are truly committed to their neighbors will see in their workplaces an excellent opportunity to witness for Christ and obey Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations.
1. WORK AS A PRIESTLY EXERCISE
1.1. Medieval theology and
the conception of work
The theological thought developed during the so-called Middle Ages delimited the action of the sacred to certain areas and activities in the religious sphere.
Secular issues came to be considered something out of God’s control and jurisdiction.
However, the apostle Peter, in Pe 2:9, declares Christians are supposed to behave differently. Whether in the workplace or outside, the believer must obey and honor the Lord.
1.2. The reformed theology and
the resignification of work
The principle of the universal priesthood of believers, based on the New Testament and defended by Luther, made everyone look upon themselves as responsible individuals, with equal value before God and men.
This new emphasis made every Christian, through his profession, seek to worship God as he developed his work.
“The minister differed from other Christians only in his office, for the church is made up of Christians who serve one another according to the office given by God.”�(LINDBERG, Thomas Nelson, 2017, p.414).
1.3. My work is for the glory of god
According to the holy scriptures there is no area in the Christian's life to be considered secular (Psalms 24.1; 1 Co 8.6).
The Christian is a steward of God. His work must be seen as a space where the name of the Lord must be glorified, and the gospel shared with love and boldness.
Remember the words of the apostle Paul,
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Co 10:31)
2. FRUIT TREES PLANTED BY THE LORD
like the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon (Psalm 92:12-15), every Christian must be ready to face the challenges of implanting the Kingdom of God in the world. Furthermore, he must announce that the Lord is just and upright in his workplace as well.
We are called to be fruitful; not productive.
Allegorically, Jesus declared ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1)
Every person saved by the gospel of grace is grafted onto the vine, which is Christ.
You were planted in your workplace like a branch grafted into the vine to bear fruit, bringing people to the knowledge of Christ (John 20.31)
2.1. Planted for the glory of God
2.1.1. What are we and who do we live for?
Isaiah 61.3b declares “God’s servants will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor”. Therefore, we can learn:
■ we are planted by the Lord – He stablishes his children right place.
■ We’re oaks of righteousness – The character of those who worship God must be guided by justice and truth.
■ We live for God’s glory – This is the reason why we live.
Human beings use part of their time in work relationships. This is the environment he must bear fruit and make a difference, introducing Jesus to people.
You were planted by God where you work. Your fruits must satisfy the spiritual hunger of workmates.
Remember: It’s time to bear fruit.
2.2. Planted to bear fruit
3. – HOW TO DISCIPLE IN MY WORKPLACE
Since I have to honor God even when I am working, how to disciple in my workplace?
3.1. – Be an example as an employee
As a representative of the Kingdom of God, the Christian must be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Like salt, it does good; like light, he is a reference for co-
workers.
Before being heard, the Christian is observed. He works with dedication, always seeking excellence (Ecclesiastes 9.10).
3.2. – Use the power of gentleness
The kindness opens huge doors for evangelization. There is always room for politeness and cordiality. Common greetings, such as - Good morning, How is it going?, Are you all right?, Can I help you?, Sorry and/or excuse me - are powerful ways to establish a path of empathy with one another.
3.3. – Don’t be inconvenient and seize the opportunities
There are some Christians who have poor reputation in the workplace because they are sometimes careless and neglectful. Others do not know how to work cooperatively in groups. There are still those who make
unpleasant and even inconvenient comments, getting involved in all matters.
James, Jesus’ brother, declares, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19)
3.4. – Pray for your workmates
Depending on the environment, there is sometimes the possibility of praying individually or in groups, at breaks or at appropriate times. It is important that believers in Christ promote meetings among friends to pray for the company's goals, employees and the demands of their work environment.
3.5. – Invite your workmates and friends
to your church events
Themed worship strategy can be used to invite your co-workers. Make yourself available to pick them up at home or provide transportation. If they don't accept it at first, with patience, wisdom and sensitivity, insist! All of a sudden, these people will accept your invitation and go with you. Our role is to introduce Jesus to others, but the one who convinces is the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
The world is thirsty and hungry for God, and those saved by Christ are responsible to bring them the water of life and the living bread that came down from heaven.
Listen to the Holy Spirit and let yourself be used by Him in your workplace. Don’t waste time. (John 4:35,36)
God bless you!
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