3.29.26 – Living What You Proclaim
Opening Prayer: “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.” (Psalm 119:18) Lord, we come to you asking that you would open our eyes to see your truth clearly. Help us not just to understand your Word, but to live it. Shape how we think, how we work, and how we represent you this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
INTRO:
This week’s sermon walked us through a challenging passage, but the focus wasn’t on getting stuck in the issue of slavery—it was on what the passage teaches us about everyday life. Rodney pointed out that Paul is speaking into real work environments and real relationships, calling believers to live in a way that reflects their true Master—Jesus.
The message kept coming back to this: there should not be a gap between what we proclaim on Sunday and how we live Monday through Friday. If Jesus is our Master, then our work, our attitude, and how we treat authority all become part of our witness.
MAIN POINT: If Jesus is your Master, your everyday work and attitude toward authority should reflect Him so that God’s name is honored.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2 aloud together. Before moving into the questions, take a few minutes to share what stood out to you from the passage.
Additional references from the sermon include Genesis 50:20, Philippians 1:1, Mark 10:45, Philippians 2:7, Philippians 2:14–15, and Colossians 3:22–24.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: How does your view of your work need to change? (1 Timothy 6:1)
Reminder: “Your work does not dignify you—you bring dignity to your work.”
- How do you typically think about your job or daily work?
- Where are you tempted to believe your work is insignificant?
- What would it look like this week to approach your work as something that matters to God?
Q2: How do you respond to authority in your life? (1 Timothy 6:1–2)
Reminder: “Respect does not mean agree—but it does mean honor.”
- Who are the authorities in your life right now?
- What is your natural attitude toward them?
- How might your thinking need to change to regard them with respect?
Q3: Are you living a single story life or a divided one? (1 Timothy 6:1–2)
Reminder: “What we hear in here should shape how we live out there.”
- Where is there a gap between your faith and your daily life?
- Why is it easy to separate spiritual life from everyday responsibilities?
- What is one practical way you can bring your faith into your work this week?
Q4: What is motivating the way you live and work? (1 Timothy 6:1)
Reminder: “Your work either adds credibility to your witness—or calls it into question.”
- How does your attitude at work affect your witness?
- Have you seen credibility strengthened or weakened by how someone worked?
- What would change if your motivation was to honor God’s name?
LET’S REMEMBER:
There should not be a gap between the Christianity we claim and the life we live. Jesus is Lord over every part of our lives, including our work and relationships. When we honor authority and work faithfully, we honor God and strengthen our witness.
Since what we’ve discussed is true and relevant, what is one specific way you will change how you work or respond to authority this week?
Example: Instead of complaining about your job or boss, choose to pray for them and approach your work as if you are working for the Lord.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank you for placing us where we are. Help us to see our work through your eyes and to live in a way that honors you. Teach us to respect those in authority and to work as if we are working for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.