1. Introduction: Jesus compared his people to salt and light when describing their influence for good in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Now that we are Christians under the Lordship of Christ, we are no longer to be conformed to the ways of the world, but we are to be transformed (Romans 12:2). Outsiders will see this change in us best in our behavior at work and in our community. In these areas we have some of our best chances to show the glory of God and affect the lives of lost people for Christ.
2. Employers And Employees For Christ:
A. Name two duties of a Christian employer to those who work for him:
1. Colossians 4:1; James 5:3-4
2. Ephesians 6:9
B. Why should an employer treat his employees rightly? (Ephesians 6:9)
C. Name three duties of a Christian employee:
1. Ephesians 6:5,6; Colossians 3:22-23
2. Titus 2:10
3. 1 Timothy 6:1
D. Should a Christian employee work well only when his employer treats him right? (1 Peter 2:18)
E. For whom does the employee really work? (Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:23)
F. If a Christian employee is insubordinate or dishonest or lazy, what does this cause the employer to do? (1 Timothy 6:1)
G. If a Christian employee obeys orders; avoids clock-watching, lateness and irresponsible absence; and does the best job possible even when unsuper vised, what does this cause an unbelieving employer to think about Jesus and his teaching? (Titus 2:9-10)
H. What principle of God's word should an employee follow if he is asked to do something wrong as a part of his job? (Acts 5:29)
I. What kind of business practice does God hate? (Proverbs 11:1)
3. Citizens For Christ: (Read Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-25)
A. From whom does all earthly authority come? (Romans 13:1)
B. Does God use earthly leaders and officials to direct and protect the earthly lives of people? (Romans 13:3-4)
C. If a person disobeys the civil authorities, he is really disobeying (Romans 13:1-2).
D. A Christian will obey, not because he might get caught, but because of (Romans 13:5)
E. We should submit to the authorities at how many levels? (1 Peter 2:13-14)
F. Do you think a Christian should consider it smart or clever to "get away" with law-breaking?
G. Taking a principle from Peter's teaching about masters and slaves, would you say that a Christian should obey an official because the official al ways does right, or because of the authority of the office held by the official? (1 Peter 2:18)
H. If a government should begin to mistreat Christians, or if enemies of Christians should start to slander them, what is the best way for Christ ians to counteract this? (1 Peter 2:13-15)
I. Does paying taxes have anything to do with pleasing God? (Romans 13:6-7)
J. Should a Christian want to get by without carrying his share of the tax load, while enjoying the benefits paid for by taxes? (Galatians 6:5; Acts 20:35)
K. What should a Christian do when there is some worthwhile community project that needs help? (Titus 3:1)
L. What do we owe our government leaders besides obedience and payment of taxes? (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17)
M. Just because we live in a country where we are free to say any kind of thing about a leader, does this mean that a Christian should do so? (Titus 3:2; Exodus 22:28)
N. When we live in a country where we are free to choose good leaders through elections, do you think God will hold a Christian responsible to vote?
O. What is the greatest thing a Christian can do to help his government lead ers and to change things for the better in government? (1 Timothy 2:l-4; Proverbs 21:1)
P. What should a Christian do if his government orders him to do evil? (Acts 4:18,19; 5:29)
4. Conclusion: Christians should be the best employers, employees, and citizens of all. This will bring glory to our Lord and make others want to follow him.