Marketplace Ministry
Lesson 2 – Ministry in the Workplace
Sunday, February 17, 2013 – 9:30 am
Colossians 3: 22 to 4: 1
If you ask the average Christian, he/she would say that there is a distinct difference between the work they do in the secular realm, and that which is performed by their Pastor. The common view is that there is “God’s world” which values activities such as prayer, Bible study, worship, meditation, and evangelism – in other words, “spiritual activities“. The contrasting “real world” worships at the alter of power, prestige, and possessions.
Given this understanding, I would like to entertain a question. What does it mean to really work full-time for the Lord?
The thought that there is a great divide between the sacred and the secular does not have its roots in the Word. The genesis of this view can be found in ancient Greek thought commonly referred to as Gnosticism. This thought divided reality into two parts, the material realm (evil) and the spiritual realm (good).
The Impact of Gnosticism in the Believer:
Abandoned advantages – The failure of apprehending resources made available to you.
Lack of Spiritual motivation – The work of ministry is left to the religious professionals.
Moral compromise – The only difference between Christians and non-Christians in some instances are where they spend time on Sunday morning.
What the Word teaches us:
We have a new job description – We go to work to serve others.
We have a new motive – Work provides us an avenue to express our worship to God.
We have a new salary structure – We go to work not to get rich, but to gain an eternal reward.
God wants to use you right where you are!
