Growing Giants Pt. 3
Working for the Glory of God
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT) – Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
In 1857, a businessman by the name of Jeremiah Lanphier felt a deep burden for the city of New York.
Lord, what will you have me do?
Within six months, 10,000 businessmen were praying daily in New York City.
Within two years, 1 million people in America had come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Ed Silvoso – “Today millions of men and women are called to full time ministry in business, education, and government. These three areas are called the marketplace.”
Ed Silvoso – “They need to know that God has called them and anointed them for ministry in the marketplace.”
On this Labor Day weekend, I believe the Holy Spirit wants to speak with us about working for the Glory of God.
Acts 17:4 – And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of devout Greeks; and not a few of the leading women.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 – That you also aspire to lead a quiet life (peaceful, tranquil), to mind your own business, and to work with you own hands, as we commanded you.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 – For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
1. WORK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
Colossians 3:23 – And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
Whatever work we are called to do, whatever ministry, whatever task, we do it with all of our heart, we do it to the best of our ability, and we do it unto the Lord as an act of worship, to bring Him Glory.
We are working for the Glory of God!
We show up on time, we work hard, we do our best, we have a good attitude, we help our co-workers, and we honor and respect those in authority over us.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NLT) – Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you.
2. WORK AS A WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST
1 Thessalonians 4:12 – That you may walk properly toward those who are outside.
Outside – outside the faith, unbelievers
1 Thessalonians 4:12 (NLT) – Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live.
How we work is a witness for Jesus Christ.
The way we work is a witness for Jesus Christ.
The way we work with others is a witness for Jesus Christ.
Are we looking for and praying for Divine Appointments to share Jesus Christ?
3. WORK TO BE A CONDUIT OF GOD’S PROVISION
1 Thessalonians 4:12 – That you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
God provides – we gather.
Our Heavenly Father’s heart is to not only provide for us, but to provide for others through us!
Ephesians 4:28 – Let him who stole, steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Proverbs 19:17 – He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
In these last days, Father God is looking for Marketplace Ministers with a heart to advance the Kingdom of God.
Jeremiah Lanphier – “LORD, WHAT WILL YOU HAVE ME TO DO?”
Questions for Discussion
1. What speaks to you the most about the story of Jeremiah Lanphier and the Businessman’s
Revival that began in 1857? 2. Have you ever looked at your work or business as a calling from God? Why or why not? 3. If you started working every day for the Glory of God, how would your workday look
different? 4. Have you had opportunities at work to witness for Jesus Christ? If so, could you share one? 5. Are you praying for opportunities to share Jesus at work? Why or why not? 6. According to Ephesians 4:28, one of the reasons we work is to help provide for others.
Have you tried to apply that verse to your own life? If so what happened?
Verse to Remember: Colossians 3:23 – And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.