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Introduction: The
Sermon on the Mount lays down life principles that not only
clarified the Jews’ misunderstandings about and
misinterpretations of the Law of Moses but also helped those whom
He taught that these principles needed to apply to
every aspect of their lives. Despite society’s attempts
to keep religion only in the churches on Sundays, Christ teaches
in this Sermon that His disciples cannot separate their faith from
their everyday lives, including their lives on the job. I
believe the key to this particular lesson is the statement our
Lord made in chapter 7:12 – “Therefore, whatever you want men
to do to you, do also to them; for this is the Law and the
Prophets.” This lesson will discuss principles taught in the Sermon on the Mount that should be applied to our lives “on the job,” regardless of what our jobs may be. Discussion: I.
Resolving Conflicts on
the Job (5:21-26) A.
Avoid name-calling (21-22);
Eph.
4:31-32. B.
Don’t ignore the problem! (23-24);
Eph.
4:25-27. C.
Resolve the problem quickly! (25-26) D.
Pray for your opponent! (43-48) E.
Forgive those who wrong us (6:14-15) II.
Romance on the Job (5:27-32)
A. The
workplace is the #1 place for married people who commit adultery
to meet the other person (www.cheatingspousepi.com/affair_at_work/).
B.
Jesus is giving an illustration of
what God taught in the 10th Commandment –
Exodus 20:17. C.
“Flee sexual immorality” (28-30);
I Cor. 6:18; I Thess.
5:22.
1. Wasn’t Joseph on the job?
Genesis 39.
2. “Abstain from every form of
evil” – I Thess.
5:22.
3. Violation of the “Golden
Rule” – Matthew
7:12.
4. Causes a multitude of sins
against others – I Cor. 6:18
a. Against God – I Cor.
6:19-20.
b. Against your spouse & family
– Proverbs
5:15-20.
c. Against the other person – I
Cor. 6:18.
d. Against the other person’s
spouse & family – Proverbs
6:34-35.
e. Against yourself – Proverbs
6:24-29, 32. III.
Honesty is the Best Policy
(5:33-42)
A. Keeping promises (33-37)
1. A man’s word used to be his bond.
2. Contracts and agreements are easily broken today.
B. Being truthful (33-37)
1. A sign of the “new man” – Eph. 4:25; Col.
3:9.
2. Be truthful even in difficult situations.
C. Don’t Seek Vengeance When Wronged
(38-42)
1. One of most misunderstood parts of the Sermon-should I
allow another person
2. Vengeance belongs to God – Romans
12:19-21.
D. Provide an “honest day’s work”
(41)
1. Hard work (“going the second mile”) will be
rewarded.
2. “Do all in the name of the Lord…” –
Col.
3:17.
3. Don’t expect success without working hard –
2 Thess.
3:10. IV.
Religion and the Workplace
(6:1-16)
A. When can I pray during the day?
(5-8,
16-18).
B. Can I ready my Bible at work? Psalm
1:1-2.
C. How much should I share my faith on the job?
I Peter
3:15. V.
Greed vs. Contentment (6:19-21,
25-34)
A. Keep our lives and possessions in proper focus and
perspective (19-21);
Col. 3:1-
1. Focus must be on heaven; earthly possessions must be
used to teach us gratitude
2. Possessions should be shared to help others in time of
need – I Tim.
6:17-18. B. God will provide even in difficult times if we put Him first (25-34); Phil. 4:18-19; Hebrews 4:16. Conclusion: 1. We are to “shine our lights” at all times –
5:16;
Phil. 2:15-16. 2. The workplace is a great place to “shine our lights”!
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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