Working for the Lord

I. Spirit-filled employees are serving the Lord

* Work with the right heart attitude as to the Lord!

1. Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart (Eph. 6:5, 6).

2. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free (Ephesians 6:7, 8; see Proverbs 16:2).

II. Spirit-filled employers are serving the Lord

* Work for the advantage of your employees at heart!

  1. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him (Eph. 6:9).
  2. Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1; see 1 Corinthians 15:58).

III. Spirit-filled believers are serving the Lord

* The "Jethro Plan" must be practiced in the church too! (Exodus 18:13-23)

  1. God be with you - (Exaltation) 18:19 - Trusting God
  2. Bring matters to God - Entreaty) 18:19 - Love people
  3. Teach them God's Word - (Exposure) 18:20 - Modeling His Love
  4. Make known God's Way - Evangelism) 18:20
  5. Teach them how to Walk - (Edification) 18:20 - Ministering His Love
  6. Teach them how to Work - (Equipping) 18:20
  7. Select able godly people - (Enlistment) 18:21 - Multiplying His Love
  8. Appoint qualified Leaders - (Evaluation) 18:21
  9. Let them serve God's People - Expansion) 18:22 - Christ-like Disciples!

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 1st, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Working for the Lord

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Your Life Group is part of God?s plan of advancing His kingdom. Discuss how the "Jethro Plan" in Exodus 18:13-23 can be lived out through your group.

Getting Started:

  1. What kind of work ethic was modeled and taught to you in your upbringing?
  2. How do you view the importance of work as a follower of Jesus Christ (John 5:17)?

Discussing Truths:

  1. Can you defend the fact that Christianity has been the leading advocate for the abolition of slavery?
  2. Why does Scripture address slavery without condemning it? Do you agree that all slavery is sinful in all its forms?
  3. Do you tend to work hard as unto the Lord, or work seeking the approval of man (Colossians 3:22-24)?
  4. If you are in a position of authority, how should this passage change the way you treat people who report to you?
  5. What does the Bible say about retirement? Do you realize that one may retire from a vocational job or career, but Spirit-filled Christians NEVER retire from serving the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)?
  6. How does the "Jethro Plan" lay out some practical guidelines for Believers who want to faithfully serve the Lord without burning out (Exodus 18:13-23)?
  7. Do you see how our purpose statement aligns with the way the "Jethro Plan" is explained?

Now What? Application:

  1. What are some practical ways that you can improve your attitude and effort in your work, your giving, or your service for the Lord this week?
  2. Ask yourself how to impact your OIKOS by prayer, acts of kindness and loving invites.