Many recognize the Bible for its proven methods

• World Wide Web evolution. Ecc. 1:9-10, there is nothing new under the sun

• “Writing tips from the shortest verse in the Bible – Jn. 11:35” (author unknown). Jesus wept.

– Omit needless words– Use simple, direct language– Use definite, specific, concrete words– Sentences using mostly single-syllable words are

OK

• “Doing Business by the Good Book” (David Steward)

– Be a customer-driven company, treat people the same way you want them to treat you Mt. 7:12

– Implementation, prove yourselves doers Ja. 1:22

– Praise and recognition, Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due Prov. 3:27

– Good leadership, love one another, just as I have loved Jn. 15:12

Copying God’s methods is not new, Ac. 19:11-14

– Those who copy God’s methods are in good company – God copied Himself (miracles; written law)

– But the primary intent of the Bible is salvationsalvation

• Ja. 1:21…25– 21, …which is able to save your soulsto save your souls – Rm. 1:16, salvationsalvation– 1 Tm. 1:5, lovelove

Copying the Lord’s methods is testimony of His wisdom

Four applications from 1 Pe. 2:18-25

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect

1. Be Completely Committed1. Be Completely Committed

“Jesus' teachings were not meant to be spoken only on Sunday. Rather, those teachings were meant to be implemented everywhere, including the workplace” (Steward)

– Prov. 3:6

• In allall your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight

– Col. 3:17

• Whatever you doWhatever you do in word or deed…

– 2 Tm. 3:15-16

2, 3, 4, Be An Excellent Employee2, 3, 4, Be An Excellent Employee

• Our closest parallel to the master/slave relationship is the employer/employee relationship

The voluntary nature of these relationships increases our responsibility

2. Develop contentment2. Develop contentment

• NOT “contempt.”

• Mt. 20:1…12-15, …take what is yours and go

– Don’t discuss salary. It is likely to lead to discontent or pride

– If you’ve made an agreement, don’t complain

3. Develop thick skin3. Develop thick skin

• Ja. 1:19-10, …the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

– It will come to no good

• Prov 17:27b, he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding

– Contrast boiling water

– “Like water off a ducks back.” Used when something has no effect on a person

3. Develop thick skin 3. Develop thick skin (cont.)(cont.)

• Prov. 16:32b, he who rules his spirit [is better] than he who captures a city

– Ja. 3:1…7-8, …But no one can tame the tongue

• Difficult!

• Self-control, especially when under pressure, will be rewarded by God

4. Develop a great work ethic4. Develop a great work ethic • Col. 3:22-23

– whatever you do, do your work heartilyheartily as for the Lord

– This doesn’t necessarily mean volunteer to do more

– Prov. 18:29, He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys. Bad company

– Prov. 10:26, Like vinegar to the teeth… so is the lazy one to those who send him. Annoying

• This causes a bad reputation for God

• A Christian should never be fired for laziness. A Christian should stand out for his zeal.

4. Develop a great work ethic 4. Develop a great work ethic (cont.)(cont.)

• Prov. 14:23, mere talk leads only to poverty – Don’t spend too much time around the water cooler

• Ecc. 5:12, the sleep of a working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much

– “An honest day’s work”