Bigger Than the American Dream

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Bigger Than the American Dream
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work what is the American way to work? 1.
work is something to be tolerated, not
enjoyed 2. our job defines us
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what is the kingdom of God way? 1. work is
inherently good Well-spoken words bring
satisfaction well-done work has its own reward.
Proverbs 1214 First this God created the
Heavens and Earthall you see, all you don't see.
Genesis 11
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2. I am defined by my connection with God work
is a place I can live out the kingdom 11 Stay
calm mind your own business do your own job.
You've heard all this from us before, but a
reminder never hurts. 12 We want you living in a
way that will command the respect of outsiders,
not lying around sponging off your friends.
1 Thessalonians 411-12
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2. I am defined by my connection with God work
is a place I can live out the kingdom 11 Make
it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind
your own business and to work with your hands,
just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life
may win the respect of outsiders and so that you
will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 411-12 (NIV)
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3. Work is a place I can reveal the kingdom by
my actions and by my words. - sometimes were
afraid to let our sacred and secular
sides collide
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16 The longer Paul waited in Athens for Silas and
Timothy, the angrier he got all those idols! The
city was a junkyard of idols. 17 He discussed it
with the Jews and other likeminded people at
their meeting place. And every day he went out on
the streets and talked with anyone who happened
along. 18 He got to know some of the Epicurean
and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these
conversations. Some of them dismissed him with
sarcasm "What an airhead!" But others, listening
to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection,
were intrigued "That's a new slant on the gods.
Tell us more.
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19-20 These people got together and asked him to
make a public presentation over at the Areopagus,
where things were a little quieter. They said,
"This is a new one on us. We've never heard
anything quite like it. Where did you come up
with this anyway? Explain it so we can
understand." 21 Downtown Athens was a great place
for gossip. There were always people hanging
around, natives and tourists alike, waiting for
the latest tidbit on most anything.
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22 So Paul took his stand in the open space at
the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is
plain to see that you Athenians take your
religion seriously. 23 When I arrived here the
other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines
I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to
the god nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you
to this God so you can worship intelligently,
know who you're dealing with. Paul continued .
. .
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(No Transcript)
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now what? 1. work hard, to the glory of God 10
Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived
with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." 11
And now we're getting reports that a bunch of
lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of
you. 12 This must not be tolerated. We command
them to get to work immediately no excuses, no
arguments and earn their own keep. 13 Friends,
don't slack off in doing your duty. 2
Thessalonians 310-13
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now what? 1. work hard, to the glory of
God Let every detail in your lives words,
actions, whatever be done in the name of the
Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step
of the way. Colossians 317
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2. be honest Meanwhile, live in such a way that
you are a credit to the Message of Christ.
Philippians 127a - not getting caught is not
the same as living honestly
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3. value people 9 Love from the center of who you
are don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil
hold on for dear life to good. 10 Be good friends
who love deeply practice playing second
fiddle.Romans 129-10
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4. seize the workday Use your heads as you live
and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick.
Make the most of every opportunity. Colossians
45 - learn the art of spiritual conversations
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4. seize the workday Through thick and thin, keep
your hearts at attention, in adoration before
Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and
tell anyone who asks why you're living the way
you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 1
Peter 315 - Tims favorite questions are
you a spiritual person? are you happy with
life? hows your soul?
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5. recognize your work as an act of worship So
here's what I want you to do, God helping you
Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping,
eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life
and place it before God as an offering. Embracing
what God does for you is the best thing you can
do for him. Romans 121
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- what can you do this week to begin worshiping
God at work?