Working Challenges

Six studies on the Sermon on the Mount looking at key challenges at work

Week 6

The Challenge of Our Lives at Work

Matthew 7:1-8:3 (focus on 7:21-8:3)

Introduction:

What things have been the biggest challenge in this course so far? Why?

Danger 1 (v.21-23)

What makes the people in these verses look like they are genuine Christians?

1. verbal profession
2. orthodox
3. enthusiasm
4. public
5. spectacular works

How are these people deceived about their relationship with Jesus according to verses 21-23?

Mere verbal profession doesn't make you a Christian - It is saying and doing

Danger 2 (v.24-27)

What are the similarities between the wise and foolish builders?

What is the key difference between the builders (see v.24 and 26)

Mere intelectual knowledge doesn't make you a Christian - It is hearing and doing

If all this talk of needing to "say AND do" and "hear AND do" makes it feel like the Christian faith is salvation by works, then look at 8:1-3.

The Sermon on the Mount is used by Jesus to bring us to a reminder that we spiritually are like the man with leprosy physically. We can't clean ourselves of our sin and shortcomings - but Jesus can.

It is like the very first beatitude in Matthew 5:3 - we need to recognise that we are poor in spirit. We can't meet God's standards in our own strength. We need rescuing by Jesus. And wonderfully, because of Jesus' death on the cross, that has happened.

But the challenge still comes to us - those who are truly Christians will be looking to obey what Jesus wants us to do - expressing our faith through what we do.

 Conclusion:

So what is the key challenge or challenges that you want to do differently as a result of this course and the teaching from the Sermon on the Mount?

How will you go about looking to implement these changes in your life at work?

Read 7:7-11 for an encouragement.

Take time to pray to our Father in Heaven about the challenges you have mentioned.