MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. Read Ephesians 6:5-9. What stands you to you initially from this passage?
2. Why is the historical context of a bondservant in Greco-Roman times important to understanding this passage?
3. How can your mindset change when you view your work as “unto God” versus working for another person? How does working in this manner provide you freedom?
4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. How can this ultimate job description change your perspective to work?
5. Why does Paul say to obey with “fear and trembling”? Why is it important to read the rest of sentence where is states “as you would Christ”? How is fearing man different from fearing Christ?
6. How can you work with a sincere heart? How does focusing on serving Christ allow your heart to be sincere?
7. Do you identify as a people pleaser? Describe a time when you were working to impress someone else instead of focusing on God? How does it feel different when you are working for God and not to show off or impress others?
8. Knowing your identity is only found in Christ, how does applying that make you view others differently? Does it change your expectations of people?
9. Read Matthew 16:27. How do earthly rewards compare to eternal rewards? Why is it easy to get consumed by earthly rewards?
10. Why is it important to remember that we are representing Christ in our work?
11. Have you ever struggled with a difficult boss? Describe how the struggle changed you.
12. Why is it easy to be disheartened when there is a struggle in the workplace, especially when you are not the one causing it?
13. Why is it easy to make work the highest priority? Why is doing that not healthy?
14. What happens when you put work or your family before God? Why is order so important?

Live It Out:
1. Understand who you work for: Who do you ultimately work for? How is that reflective in your work? If you are a boss, how are you treating your employees? If you are not currently working in a workplace, how does this passage still apply to your life?
2. Working for Christ: Do I serve the Lord with my whole heart in my job? Is it evident in my attitude? Knowing that you will give an account to Christ for the work that we do, how does that change your mindset?
3. Duties of an employee: Rate yourself as an employee in the following areas: obedience, respect, sincerity, loyalty, and good will (wholehearted). What area is your strongest? What area needs improvement?
4. Duties of an employer: Rate yourself as an employer in the following areas: obedience, respect, sincerity, loyalty, and good will (wholehearted). What area is your strongest? What area needs improvement?
5. Pray: Spend time with God, asking Him to align your heart and mind in relation to your work. If you are a boss or business owner, pray for wisdom and discernment on how you treat your employees. Confess to Him areas you know you need to grow and pray for guidance as you move forward.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Ephesian 6:5-9; Matthew 28:18-20
Tuesday: Titus 2
Wednesday: Colossians 3:22-25
Thursday: Proverbs 16
Friday: Psalm 90
Saturday: 2 Timothy 2

Recommended Resources:
“Counterfeit Gods” by Timothy Keller

“Making Things Right at Work” by Gary Chapman

“The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman

“When Work and Family Collide” by Andy Stanley