17.耶和華的教导…
16.真正做工的是…
「摩西、亚伦在法老面前行了这一切奇事；耶和华使法老的心刚硬，不容以色列人出离他的地。【出11: 10】
每一项警告的行动都可以让法老释放以色列人，但每一次灾难过后，他都食言了。最终，神降下灾难击杀了所有埃及人的长子以及一切头生的牲畜。法老很快就发现，奴役别人的骇人效果不过是“刚硬”了自己的心，让自己失去了同情，公义，甚至自保的意识。当神解放百姓时，他恢复了他们享用自己亲手劳碌之成果的权力。工作，以及从事工作的环境，是神最关心的事情。
以色列人从埃及到西奈的旅途是神创造和救赎故事的延续。摩西、亚伦和其他人都在努力工作，但真正做工的是神。
神对他的百姓救赎的工作，扩展为在他们中行公义的工作。以色列在埃及监工的监视下，已经经历了不公平的对待。当他们自由以后，他们正当地寻求神来解决他们之间的争端。圣经的经义还“关乎努力的、持久的工作，为要培养和练习每天施行医治和恢复的热情，以及每天都拒绝各种不诚实的所得。”
摩西有解决争端的欲望。人们需要摩西做一个审判官，因为众多百姓需要他做决定，“从早到晚”都围着他。摩西要合法地解决百姓的争端。其次，他要教导神的律例典章给那些寻求道德和宗教指引的人。
「摩西的岳父说：“你这做的不好。」【出18:17】他的解决方法是让摩西继续担任只有他有资格担任的、神的代表：为了百姓向神求情，指示百姓，决定困难的事情。但是，他应将其他所有的事都委派给下属的审判官，让他们在四级的司法系统中服侍。
这些审判官的资质是这个智慧的计划之关键，因为他们不是按照各支派或他们在宗教上是否成熟而选出来的。他们必须满足四项资格。要从百姓中拣选有才能的人，就是敬畏神、诚实无妄、恨不义之财的人，
授权是领导力的一个重要部分。虽然摩西具有担任先知、政治家和审判官独特天赋，但他并具有无限的天赋。若任何人以为只有他或她有能力把神交托的工作做好，那么他大概已经忘记了作为人意味着什么。因此，领导力的天赋最终是把权力合理分派出去的天赋。
像摩西一样的领袖必须识别出工作所需的能力，训练那些将要得权柄的人，并找到监督他们的方法。领袖也需要有人监督。智慧、有决断和有同理心的领导是从神来的天赋，每个人类社区都需要这样的领袖。然而出埃及记告诉我们，问题不在于寻找一个有天赋的领导人凌驾众人之上，而是在于依照神设计的过程在社区中间建立某种领导结构，让有天赋的人能够担任领袖。授权是唯一能够增进一个机构或社区能力、发展未来领袖的方法。
我们可以看到摩西对接受神通过以色列人之外的人转达给他的智慧建议持有完全开发的态度。这一点可以鼓励基督徒接受和尊重来自于更为广泛的传统和宗教之建议，在工作中取得显著成效。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 :不管是从内部还是外部来的建议，基督徒都应当好好地分辨采纳。但最终我们坚信，“所有真理都是神的真理。”蒙主恩典！阿们！
1.让上帝在我们里…
【创39:20-23】你是否同意，无论在什么情况下，约瑟都拥有上帝赐予的卓有成效的商业管理天赋?
此时，约瑟所从事的某些活动是否明显与上帝有关?
反 思: 约瑟的主人把约瑟下在监里，就是王的囚犯被囚的地方。于是约瑟在那里坐监。但耶和华与约瑟同在，向他施恩，使他在司狱的眼前蒙恩。司狱就把监里所有的囚犯都交在约瑟手下。他们在那里所办的事都是经他的手。凡在约瑟手下的事、司狱一概不察、因为耶和华与约瑟同在；耶和华使他所作的尽都顺利。
耶和华与约瑟同在。无论在什么情形下，他的 商业管理天赋都取得了成果。无论在何种情形下，约瑟显然有经商的天赋。他所到之处，上帝赋予他的才能都取得了成果。
你知道你的才能是什么吗？把他们列在下面。
你的才能在经商中有成果吗？
你是否认识到你在商业中的才能是上帝的恩赐
你能回忆起是什么时候你被赋予这些恩赐？
在埃及的早期岁月里，上帝就一直在为将来的角色预备约瑟。我们已经看到，早在他解梦的天赋开始发挥作用之前，他的管理天赋就已经开花结果、发展并完善。这是一种无法被环境所抑制的天赋。只要有机会，只要有人意识到他的天赋，它就蓬勃发展。我们也要认识到，无论我们的环境如何，上帝的恩赐渴望在我们的生活中结出果实。每当我们看到持续的成效，我们就可以确信神正在做工。
然而，我们的恩赐永远不会成就神的伟大工作结出属灵的果子，除非我们以同样程度的谦卑来伴随我们的恩赐。如果我们想要真正的成功，我们必须学习承认上帝是我们天赋的来源。谦卑地倚靠上帝是属灵成功的基本要素。约瑟好不容易学到这个功课。现在我们来看如何做到这一
点。
教 导: 成 功 的 基 本 要 素.
在他服刑期间，约瑟另一个大家更熟悉的天赋出现了 – 解梦的天赋。
【创世纪 – 14】他们有些日子在监里。被囚在监之埃及王的酒政和膳长二人同夜各做一梦，各梦都有讲解。到了早晨，约瑟进到他们那里，见他们有愁闷的样子。他便问法老的二臣，就是与他同囚在他主人府里的，说：“你们今日为什么面带愁容呢？”他们对他说：“我们各人做了一梦，没有人能解。”
约瑟说：“解梦不是出于神吗？请你们将梦告诉我。” 但你得好处的时候，求你记念我，施恩于我，在法老面前提说我，救我出这监牢。
如果我们要看到上帝通过我们做工，一个基本的品质就是真诚地渴望用我们的天赋来服侍神和他人。猛地一看，约瑟像是有这个愿望。他对狱友们表现出明显的同情，并好心地表示愿意为他们解梦。
那时，埃及王的酒政和膳长因梦愁烦，求梦的讲解。我们不知道他是怎么做到的，但是约瑟确信他能解梦，并表示可以为这两人解梦。这令人感觉太冒险了，它说明当时约瑟对自己的第二个天赋有着强大的信心。
约瑟先是承认只有上帝才能解梦。经文写道：约瑟对他们说“解梦不是出于神吗? 告诉我你的梦。”(注意这里强调的是‘我’)。
在他的话里有一丝微妙但意味深长的傲慢，正像我们将会看到的，这表明他还没有完全顺应所有天赋都来自上帝，由这些天赋所带来的荣耀应归给上帝的原则，也就是说他还没有完全顺服神。
讨 论.
你认为这些人会不会以为是约瑟而不是上帝能解梦呢?
当约瑟知道了梦的解释后，他就用它为自己谋利。你认为他为自己谋利是个重大错误吗? .
教 导
在给酒政和膳长解梦时，约瑟没有明确区分上帝和他自己。这听起来可能很苛刻，但是，我们将会看到，两年后，当他最终站在法老面前时，他把上帝和自己做了很明确的区分。这样的区分是非常必要的。
【创41:15-16】法老对约瑟说：“我做了一梦，没有人能解。我听见人说，你听了梦就能解。”约瑟回答法老说：“这不在乎我，神必将平
安的话回答法老。”
法老要约瑟解梦时早知道他的名声，他没有把解梦的天赋归给上帝，而是归给了约瑟。这表明酒政没有认为约瑟的天赋来自神。
然而，约瑟对法老的回答与两年前在地牢里时的完全不同。这次他做了每个要为神国结出果实的神的仆人，在每个新关系中必须做的事，而且这事越早做越好。他清楚地表明上帝才是解梦的那位，他只是上帝的代理人：“这不在乎我，神必将平安的话回答法老。”约瑟认识到他的能力是借上帝之手，并清楚地表明他解梦的能力是上帝的恩赐。
这是信徒一生中决定性的时刻之一，尤其是当我们希望把我们的工作当成我们的事工时。这是我们为神站出来的时刻，谦卑地承认他的大能和我们对祂的依赖。这是我们让神完全进到我们里面的时刻，也是我们的事工真正开始的时刻。从这一刻起，荣耀将归于上帝。
讨 论.
当约瑟见到法老时，他对自己天赋来源的态度有了什么改变？关键的区别是什么?
真正的谦卑使人对他人感到好奇和关心，而不是只关注他人如何使自己得利。
谦卑是有关真正服务他人，而不是自我陶醉。
通过承认错误或承认自己不对，谦卑的人不只是道歉，而
且也着手改变。
真正的谦卑建造;虚伪的谦卑拆毁。
一个人的责任或权力越大，就越需要谦卑。
为什么对那些有天赋的人来说，真正的谦卑如此重要?
反 思
约瑟的一生似乎经历了一连串的起起落落。他早期的生活就像是门徒训练课程; 他的天赋为他带来的每一次提升，都给他上了谦卑的一课。然而，不管他的环境如何，他的天赋都结出果实，无法被压制。他学会了既有恩赐又谦卑这一成功的基本要素。
思考约瑟早年生活中发生的事是怎样培养他的天赋和塑造他的性格的。神是怎样用你生命中发生的事来培养和塑造你的? 描述一下你从商的经历.
约瑟的“门徒训练课程”父亲的家 波提乏的家 监狱 法老的王宫谦卑之门神给约瑟的恩赐不能全然地结果子，直到他完全谦卑地把所有的荣耀归给神。之后约瑟不但被放出了监狱，而且开始了他的事工。通过了谦卑之门后，他一生的工作都是向前和向上的。他已准备好在他的世代成就神的目的。
反 思.
拥有上帝赐予的天赋你仍谦卑吗?
你能公开承认上帝是你天赋的来源吗?
从来没有 、一直是、
如果要通过重要的领导角色来荣耀上帝，承认上帝是我们天赋的来源是至关重要的，
“凡在人面前认我的，我在我天上的父面前也必认他；凡在人面前不认我的，我在我天上的父面前也必不认他。”【太10:32-33】
如果我们希望在商业上取得成功，我们就要让上帝在我们里面 孕育谦卑。它是上帝赐予我们的天赋之必要补充。
讨 论.
这个星期你会如何采取实际行动在别人面前承认神呢?
有天赋/准备好了/愿意被使用愿景
通过商业实现神的目的.
法老对约瑟说，我梦见我站在河边，有七只母牛从河里上来，又肥壮又美好，在芦荻中吃草。随后又有七只母牛上来，又软弱又丑陋又干瘦。在埃及遍地，我从来没有见过这样丑陋的母牛。这又乾瘦又丑陋的母牛吃尽了那以先的七只肥母牛。可是，他们吃了以后，谁也看不出来是吃了什么。它们看起来和以前一样丑陋。然后我醒了。
我梦见一棵麦子长了七个穗子，又饱满，又佳美。随后又长了七个穗子，枯干细弱，被东风吹焦了。这细弱的穗子，吞了那七个好穗子。我将这事告诉了术士，他们却没有一个能给我讲解。
约瑟对法老说，法老的梦乃是一个。神已将所要作的事显明给法老了。七只好母牛是七年，七个好穗子也是七年。这是同一个梦想。那随后上来的七只又乾瘦又丑陋的母牛是七年，那七个被东风吹焦的穗子也是七年，都是七个荒年。【创41:17-31】
这就是我对法老所说，神已将所要作的事显明给法老了。埃及遍地要来七个大丰年，随后又要来七个荒年。这样，埃及地就全然忘记先前的丰收，全地必被饥荒所灭。因为后来的饥荒甚大，就不记念那地的丰裕了。
教 导.
法老的梦是先知性的，同时带来了挑战和机会。约瑟用他解梦的天赋描述了将要发生的事情。约瑟和法老一起向他们的
世代宣告了神的话。
有天赋/准备好了/愿意被使用 计划
约瑟本可以在解梦之后停下来，但他的另一个天赋却开始发挥作用。约瑟在商业管理方面的天赋无法被抑制，他立即对这个先知性的梦做出反应，制定了一个商业计划，利用当时的情况抓住机会。
法老和他的官员们一定对即将到来的饥荒充满了恐惧。约瑟的回答清楚而简洁。这是一个拥有上帝恩赐的商人的计划，这是上帝的计划。这个商业计划本身就是来实现预言和上帝的目的的。
【创41:33-36】法老当拣选一个有聪明有智慧的人，派他治理埃及地。法老当这样行，又派官员管理这地，当七个丰年的时候，征收埃及地的五分之一，叫他们把将来丰年一切的粮食聚敛起来，积蓄五谷，收存在各城里做食物，归于法老的手下。所积蓄的粮食可以防备埃及地将来的七个荒年，免得这地被饥荒所灭。”
行 动.
约瑟的天赋是关键，不仅是对法老梦的解释，也是对法老梦想的实现。一旦被任命实施他的计划，约瑟就积极行动，确保梦想得到实现。创世纪讲述了约瑟实现梦想的主要行动计划。看看下面几段经文，想出能描述与约瑟所做之事相关的现代商业用语。
【创41:48-49】约瑟聚敛埃及地七个丰年一切的粮食，把粮食积存在各城里，各城周围田地的粮食都积存在本城里。约瑟积蓄五谷甚多，如同海边的沙…
【创41:46】约瑟从法老面前出去，遍行埃及全地。有天赋/准备好了/愿意被使用 行动.
【创41:56-57】当时饥荒遍满天下，约瑟开了各处的仓，粜粮给埃及人。在埃及地饥荒甚大。各地的人都往埃及去，到约瑟那里籴粮瑟买粮.
那时治理埃及地的是约瑟，粜粮给那地众民的就是他。
【创世记 】后来打粮食的时候，你们要把五分之一纳给法老，四分可以归你们做地里的种子，也做你们和你们家口孩童的食物。是约瑟为埃及地定下常例，直到今日，法老必得五分之一。
持续性的成果保证传承的体系监督和管理 贸易准备调查研究来自上帝的愿景上帝赋予灵感的商业计划行动
讨 论.
在他生命的最后，约瑟终于明白了上帝在这一切事情上的目的。约瑟认为他一生工作的主要目的是什么?
约瑟的5点行动计划是如何结合起来实现神在他那个世代的目
的的?
实现上帝的目的.
上 帝 的 目 的.
【创50:19-20】有天赋/准备好了/愿意被使用愿景 计划.
约瑟对他们说：不要害怕，我岂能代替神呢？从前你们的意思是要害我，但神的意思原是好的，要保全许多人的性命，成就今日的光景。
约瑟的哪一项属灵恩赐对实现神的目的贡献最大，为什么?思考约瑟的实际行动与这些行动的属灵成果之间的关系。这表明上帝赋予商业在社会中的角色是什么?
反 思.
在他生命的尽头，约瑟知道他完成了神的计划，而这计划是好的.他的工作拯救了许多人的性命。在约瑟父亲雅各的先知性预言中，他也预见更大的果子将由犹大的后裔而来，而犹大的性命是借着约瑟的行动从饥荒中拯救出来的。
在下面写下你的公司存在的目的。 1 2 3.
这些是上帝对你的公司的目的吗?
【创49:10】圭必不离犹大，杖必不离他两脚之间，直等这杖所属的人来到，万民都必归顺。
【太2:6】犹大地的伯利恒阿，将来有一位君王，要从你那里出来，牧养我民以色列。
约瑟只是努力去解释他自己童年的梦。作为一个年轻人，他有预言性质的梦只导致了傲慢，说来好笑,这竟导致梦中预言真正实现的开始。
当约瑟兄弟们的嫉妒让他们把他卖为奴隶时，他们怎么也想象不到事情会这样发展。结果比约瑟能“要求或想象”的更好。你能放松下来，因知道神能成就比你所要或所想的更好而安心吗?
教 导.
这个故事的核心是一个关键的时刻。这个时刻在每个基督徒的生活中都是必不可少的。因为约瑟将荣耀归给神，承认神是他天赋的来源，别人才能认识到神是他能力和智慧的来源。
【创41:37-40】法老和他一切臣仆都以这事为妙。法老对他们说，像这样的人，有神的灵在他里头，我们岂能找得着呢? 法老对约瑟说，神既将这事都指示你，可见没有人像你这样有聪明有智慧。你可以管理我的家。我的民也都听从你的话。只是在宝座上我比你大。
这段经文的中心是一个基督徒所能得到的最大的赞美之一：“像这样的人，有神的灵在他里头，我们岂能找得着呢？”。法老认出约瑟解梦和随后的商业计划背后的力量。他看出神的手在约瑟身上做工。这非常重要。如果基督徒在商业上的天赋和成就从来没有被认为是神的灵的工作，那么我们和非基督徒同行之间就没有什么明显的区别了。作为基督徒企业家，我们需要被人知道是“有神的灵在里头的人”。这是一个国度企业家的基本特征。
讨 论.
你是否认识到你是“有神的灵在里面”的人?
其他的人也这样认为吗?
教 导.
约瑟有神的恩赐善于经商。一旦他明白成功的基本要素并走过谦卑之门，他的属灵恩赐就能结出许多果实，并成就神赐给他这些天赋的真正目的，即拯救许多人的性命。约瑟可以说是一个伟大的国度企业家。他的商业生涯显示了神如何通过有恩赐的商业领袖来建立祂的国度。对约瑟来说，经商就是事工。
在他生命的最后，约瑟认识到他已经通过上帝赐予的天赋实现了上帝的目的。我们也可以这样。
恩赐 目的谦卑之门.
祷 告:
以简短的祷告来结束。为你的属灵恩赐感谢神，祈求神给你机会，谦卑地使用这些恩赐，来完成祂在这世代的计划。
15.救赎首先是释…
神希望他的百姓经历好的生活。“我起誓应许给亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的那地，我要把你们领进去，将那地赐给你们为业。”【出6:8】
救赎首先是释放的工作。“我要用伸出来的膀臂重重的刑罚埃及人，救赎你们脱离他们的重担，不做他们的苦工。 ” 这个释放的工作直率地表明了一个现实，这个世界是一个存在各种压迫的地方。有些时候我们用拯救这个词来描述神的这一举动，但是我们必须小心去避免把它理解成从地到天的拯救，或者仅仅是对罪的宽恕。
出埃及记不仅仅表现了神把以色列人从埃及法老手中释放出来，也设定了弥赛亚君王耶稣的舞台。他要把他的百姓从他们的罪恶里释放出来，并且战胜邪恶这个终极的邪恶暴君。
神要创造一个圣洁的社区。当这些价值和行动充满了他们与神的相交以及彼此的相处时，神将会在他和他的百姓之间创造一种持续的关系。“你们要知道我是耶和华你们的神，是救你们脱离埃及人之重担的” 神是一位守约的神，为了他的百姓争战，将他们举国从奴役中解救出来。
神的意愿是将他的百姓从压迫和有害的生活条件下释放出来。有些工作将百姓从肉体的危险中拯救出来；另一些工作则专注于减轻精神和情绪上的创伤。医治的工作接触每个单独的人；那些为了我们的需要而提出政治解决方法的人，则可以祝福整个社会和各阶级的人民。
在执法部门和法律系统工作的人应当管制和惩处那些行恶的人，保护百姓，照看受害者。考虑到这世界上无处不在的压迫，我们总会有很多的机会和方式去做释放的工作。
传福音的工作和属灵的成长荣耀了神的工作的一个维度；平安和公义则荣耀了人际关系的维度。在本质上来说，这两个方面是无法分割的；我们是世上的光，所以我们应叫这光照在人前。
神圣的工作会促进人们得到好的生活。神引领他的百姓出埃及，是为了让他们进入应许之地去安家、生活和发展。然而，以色列人在那里所经历的事情距离神的理想还差的很远。同样的，基督徒在这世上的经历也远远不是理想状态。进入神安息的应许仍然有效。
我们还在等待一个新天和新地的来临。但是神在圣约中通过摩西给百姓颁布的律法，有很多都涉及到人们之间彼此相待的伦理。于是，神的祝福在我们与他人共同生活和工作中体现出来。神希望我们拥有的生活：充满爱，公义，和仁慈。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 :神的使命既需要言语也需要行动。生态灾害是神对法老的残暴和压迫的报复。在现代社会，环境恶化和生态灾害的主要因素是政治和经济压迫。蒙主恩典！阿们！
14.进去的路
「神听见他们的哀声，就记念祂与亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各所立的约。【出2: 24】
这圣约，是以色列人存在的架构，不仅应用于他们在西奈半岛的旷野游荡的时候，也指导他们在应许之地的安定生活。从各方面说，以色列都必须深切注意他们跟从神的生活与那些跟从迦南众神的人的生活之间显著的不同，并深刻认识到他们自己的生活的优越性。
神想要我们找到更好的方法去管理我们的公司，去对待他人。但是获得这种新行为方式的路径依赖于理解我们是神救恩的接受者，知晓神的工作，并训练自己跟随他的道。
在创世记中，埃及是一个好客的地方，出埃及记一书始于400年前创世记结束的时候。埃及是一个压迫的地方，埃及人很少把以色列人看做神圣的祝福，虽然埃及人不想放走他们的奴隶。
出埃及记中神的百姓很大程度上还处于身份转换的时期。以色列人的数目众多说明了神的恩典，但他们下一代的男童却面临着被灭绝的危机。以色列国作为一个整体仍然没有到达应许之地。
以色列人被埃及人苦待提供了他们蒙救赎的背景和动机。但以色列人在埃及的经济系统中作为工人所受的压迫，神听见他百姓的哭诉并采取了某种行动。作为回应，神的救赎不是他们完全的休息，而是把他们从压迫的工作中释放出来。
埃及人强加在以色列人身上的工作，其动机是邪恶的，本性是残忍的。神意图借由这个民族来祝福世界。在之前的政府治下，以色列人有皇室的允许在这片土地上生活和工作。但新的埃及王觉得以色列人数众多，威胁到他的国家安全，因此决定“用巧计”对待他们。
工作或许让人的身体或精神感觉繁重劳累，这工作本身不是一个错误。让以色列人无法忍受在埃及光景的不仅是奴役，还有极度的严苛的工作环境。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 :工作，本是人类存在的主要目的之一和喜乐的来源，现在却被严苛和压迫扭曲成为一种痛苦。蒙主恩典！阿们！
13.神的意思原是…
「有不认识约瑟的新王起来，治理埃及(是埃及历史上喜好建筑的雷米西斯第二)【出1: 8】
每一代的人都需要对神忠心，才能在他们的时间领受神的祝福。遗憾的是，约瑟的后代忘了神的应许，随流失去他们的信心。但神并没有忘记祂对亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各及他们后裔的应许。在他们的后裔中，神将会兴起新的男人女人，传送神应许的祝福。
约瑟兄弟们悔改的话语，让他进入他生命中、也是创世记中一个最具有神学意义的时刻。”约瑟提到“多人”，是回响神圣约的应许，要祝福“地上的万族”。从我们的角度，我们可以看见神赐下的祝福，是超过约瑟所求所想的。
神透过约瑟所做的工作有真实、实际、重大的价值：保存性命。我们在工作中所做的事情本身，对神和其他人来说，都是十分重要的。有时因为我们的工作是更大整体的一部分，所以这是真确的，只是我们很容易忽略这工作的成果。约瑟用更宽广的视野来看待他的工作，并不因为有不可避免的高潮与低潮而气馁。
因此，认定饶恕是工作中很适切的行为，并不是偏狭的想法。
生活中总会有许多伤痛和痛苦。没有任何一间公司或组织对此免疫。约瑟承认他兄弟们的意思确实是要害他，在同一句话有一个更大的真理，是关于神美善的旨意。当我们觉得受伤，我们可以想想这一点，如此可以帮助我们忍受痛苦，也可以与基督认同。
约瑟视自己为神的中间人，扮演关键的角色执行神在祂子民身上的工作。他知道他家庭的信仰故事也有怀疑的成分、有带着自保动机的忠心服事、有诚实与欺骗。他也知道神给亚伯拉罕的应许、神祝福这家庭的承诺，以及神用生命的炉火熬练祂子民所展现的智慧。他没有美化他们的罪行，反而是在体认到神伟大工作的情况之下，接受这些事实。当我们体认到，神的应许在祂的全权之下一定会成就，那么无论我们付出多少代价，我们的工作就有价值。
我们工作的场所提供处境，让我们的价值观和品格，在我们做出影响自己和周围人士的决定时，可以被人看见。神藉由祂睿智的大能，可以在我们忠心的时候与我们同工、修剪我们的软弱、熬练我们的失败，来成就祂为我们这些爱祂之人所预备的。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 : 创世记有很多关于工作的教导，但这一个很能经得起时间的考验，甚至解释了何为救赎：荣耀的主被钉十字架。 蒙主恩典！阿们！
12.从玛拿西到以…
约瑟给长子起名叫玛拿西，因为他说：『神使我忘了一切的困苦，和我父的全家。他给次子起名叫以法莲，因为他说：『神使我在受苦的地方昌盛。』【创41: 51-52】
约瑟立即投入法老指派给他的工作。他体认到他的智慧和洞察力都是神的赏赐，他的工作几乎触碰到所有人民生活的现实层面。他的职责让他必须学习法律、沟通、协商、运输、安全又有效率的粮食保存方式、建筑、经济、参谋、记录、发放粮饷、处理银两、人资及不动产的交易。他面对神与面对人民所展现出来的过人之处，并不是分开来的。约瑟成功的秘密在于他有效地整合神赏赐的天赋和后天习得的技能。对约瑟来说，这一切的工作都是属神的。
约瑟做的第一件事情是“出去遍行埃及全地”，一个视察之旅。他需要熟悉务农的人民、农地的地点和状况、农作物、道路、运输工具。很难想象约瑟可以靠自己一个人完成所有的事情。他需要成立并监督类似农业部和税捐处的单位。在七年的丰收时期，他把粮食储存在本城中。之后的七年，他分发粮食给埃及人以及其他受到大饥荒影响的人。要创建并管理所有这些。
当人民的银两用尽，约瑟让他们用牲畜交换食物。这计划维持了一年，约瑟在这期间接收了马、绵羊、山羊、牛和驴。他需要给这些牲畜估价，建立公平的交换制度。当粮食欠缺的时候，人民特别关心自己和所爱之人的生存。提供管道，让他们可以取得粮食，并公平对待他们，成了非常重要的行政工作。
当所有的牲畜都换完了，人民愿意把自己卖给法老当他的奴隶，也把自己的土地卖给他。约瑟容许人们卖掉他们的土地，并成为奴隶。他定规，人民收成的百分之二十要归给法老。这意味着要设立制度来监督并确认人民会守法，也要设立专门管理税收的部门。返都是给他们量身订做的。
信徒在工作时，可能会经历到张力，一方面我们同理弱势群体，但另一方面我们也有责任对我们的团体和公司交代。约瑟在这些困难的工作中经历了神的引导。同样的，我们也领受了神的应许：“我总不撇下你，也不丢弃你”。
当约瑟应用出神给他的技术和智能，他成功带领埃及度过农业的大灾难。当七个丰年来到的时候，约瑟规划出囤粮的机制，把这些榖物保存起来，预备应付将来的旱灾。当七个荒年临到，“约瑟开了各处的仓”，提供足够的食物让国家可以度过饥荒。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 : 在一个会压迫人民的社会中作官员，他成了权力结构的一部分，而且他亲自逼迫数不清的人民变成奴隶? 这世界原是交付给魔鬼的，全世界都卧在那恶者手下。 蒙主恩典！阿们！
9.the cor…
Leadership is one of the fundamental preoccupations of modern business and for good reason. It matters. Few subjects have been more written about in recent years than leadership. Good leadership is at the heart of every successful organisation. As kingdom entrepreneurs, we must look to the greatest of leaders as our role model. We must learn to lead like Jesus.
Activity.
Write down some of the words that come to mind when you think of business leadership.
Teaching.
If we are to lead a fruitful business ministry, we must cultivate a Christ-like approach to leadership. We suggest that the core characteristics of Jesus’ leadership are authority and service. Were these on your list? The people around Jesus recognised that He ‘taught as one who had authority and they ‘praised God, who had given such authority to man.’ The people recognised that Jesus acted with authority long before they understood his positional authority as the Son of God.
Do you have authority? If so, what is it based on?
Reflection.
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralysed, suffering terribly.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Shall I come and heal him?’ The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go,” and he goes; and that one, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’
Matthew8:5-10
Teaching.
If Jesus’ authority was so important, we need to understand better. It helps to think about where authority comes from. Authority always flows from a higher authority. Even Jesus looked up. He had authority yet was Himself under the authority of His Father. The Centurion was commended by Jesus for recognising this. The passage illustrates how authority flows within a hierarchy. Authority always starts at the top where the buck stops. From there, it flows down the hierarchy. Being under authority means you operate with the authority of the one whose authority you are under. As Kingdom Entrepreneurs, we are leaders who are under the authority of Christ. We act with His authority.
What are the benefits of knowing that we are ourselves under the authority of Christ?
Teaching.
Too often in business, authority is based on positional leadership alone. It becomes ‘the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience over subordinates.’ Not so for the Kingdom Entrepreneur. This is because Christ-like leadership is characterised by both authority and the equally essential and complementary characteristic of service.
Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Matthew20:25-28
Jesus turns the world’s pattern of leadership on its head. He modelled servant leadership and made this a clear priority for His disciples. If we are to become Christ-like leaders we too must model an attitude of service towards those who are under our authority. Great leaders are not better than others. They are just the ones willing to lay down their lives for others. This turns the normal understanding of authority upside down.
What might it look like when a business leader gives their life for their subordinates?
Hierarchy 、 Obedience 、 Trust 、 Faith。
God.
Delegation 、 Empowerment 、Authority。
The diagram above illustrates the flows in a hierarchy. Discuss where the word ‘service’ should go on the diagram.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.
Ephesians6:5-9
Discussion.
Reflect on the passage. Note that masters are called to treat their employees in the same way as the Lord does. List what is expected from masters.
The Bible makes it clear that both employees and their employers have a Master in heaven who will treat everyone without favouritism. What would change in business if earthly masters behaved in this way and showed ‘no favouritism’?
When we recognise that we are under the authority of Christ we will be able to model Christ-like servant leadership.
The goal of every ministry is to bear fruit. Not just any old fruit, but spiritual fruit that will last. This can only be achieved in God’s way, through spiritual means. We must seek to ensure the activities of our business bear spiritual fruit.
‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’
‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.’
John15:5,John15:16
Jesus makes it clear that he has appointed us to bear much fruit. It is empowering to know that this is God’s desire for us. As the leader of a business ministry, we can confidently expect to bear spiritual fruit, in and through the activities of our business. It is
essential, however, that we remember how this is achieved. We must learn to operate ‘in Christ’.
Discussion.
Jesus tells us that we can ‘do nothing’ apart from Him. Why can’t a Kingdom Entrepreneur bear fruit apart from Jesus?
What does this tell us about the kind of fruit we are to bear?
Teaching.
Jesus goes on to set out why we are to bear fruit.
We are called to bear fruit for the Father’s glory. We do this by showing ourselves to be Jesus’ disciples. Business as a ministry is all about the spiritual fruit that occurs when Kingdom Entrepreneurs confidently and publicly live as visible disciples of Jesus.
The BizMin Course seeks to set out what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in the business context. When we learn how to do this we will have become the leaders of a fruitful Christian ministry. We can rejoice in knowing that it will bring glory to God.
We must never forget that Jesus is the source of our fruitfulness and that it is for the Father’s glory, not our own.
Reflect on the following account of a kings downfall.
‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’
John 15:8, Daniel4:28-33a
All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’ Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass
by for you until you acknowledge that the Highest is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.’ Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.
Who did the king think was behind his achievements and who’s benefit and glory were they for?
Discussion.
How might a Kingdom Entrepreneur ensure that they and their company avoid the king’s mistake and remain ‘in Christ’?
If we are to bear spiritual fruit we must remain in Christ.
he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Ephesians1:9-10
This passage sets out that God’s purpose is ‘to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.’ This is the primary objective of any Christian ministry and must involve bringing all aspects of our business under Christ. The book of Ephesians sets out how this goal is achieved in chapters 4, 5 and 6.
The diagram opposite illustrates the process. At the centre is the church and those called to ‘equip the saints for works of service.’ With the support of our church, we are required to progressively bring all areas of our lives under Christ. First and foremost, our own lives are to be brought under Christ through personal discipleship. Secondly, we are to bring our family and homes under Christ. Next, we are to be disciplined as workers, serving the Lord wholeheartedly. The master, the employer or Kingdom Entrepreneur is the final step in the process. It is here,
in the hands of leaders, that all things on earth might be brought under Christ.
When your business is brought under Christ you will have done your bit to bring unity to all things on earth. This is BizMin’s
Teaching.
goal. We want to equip Kingdom Entrepreneurs to play their part in bringing all things under Christ. That includes your business. We believe this is one of the key reasons why God is calling and equipping a new generation of Kingdom Entrepreneurs. It is a key part of what He purposed in Christ.
At the centre of this process is the local church. Has your church equipped you for ‘works of service’ in the world of work? Discuss what your church could do to better support believers in the workplace.
Discussion.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians6:10-13
It is at this point that the book of Ephesians turns to the spiritual battle. A Kingdom Business is a front-line in the battle for the Kingdom of God. It is essential that we recognise this.
Bringing every aspect of our business under Christ will be a spiritual battle. This battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. It will not be won through anything other than the authority of Christ. It is by remaining
Teaching.
in Him and standing in His authority that this battle will be won. First in our own lives, then in our homes and finally in our workplace. As this occurs in our business, we will see it transformed into a fruitful ministry.
Without evidence of a spiritual battle, we may need to consider whether we are really striving to achieve spiritual fruit. Is your experience of business a spiritual battle?
Think of an example of where you have taken a stand over a situation in your business. Write down the testimony of how you were successful.
Reflection.
What was the role of prayer in this process?
How often do you pray for your business?
Never All the time Business is at the front-line of the spiritual battle for the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to equip Kingdom Entrepreneurs to take a stand and, when everything is done, to still be
Discussion.
standing. The good news is that we do not need to fight in our own strength. Remember, we are in Christ and can do nothing apart from Him. Any spiritual fruit we bear is a product of grace and most often the result of prayer.
The Kingdom of God will advance as our business is brought under Christ. This is a spiritual battle, won by grace.
In section 9.2 we identified that all of this is ‘for the Father’s glory. In a Kingdom Business, it is God who should receive both the praise and the glory. When you succeed, who receives the praise? Is it you, your colleagues or God?
If it is you, that is not surprising. You are the boss, and the boss is often the For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians2:8-9.
the figurehead for the team’s success. If it is your colleagues, that is impressive. It is not easy to let others have the limelight. Hopefully, you are one of the first to sing your team’s praises when they do well. It is much harder, however, for our success to result in God getting the glory.
Discussion.
How are we to ensure that God gets the glory through our business success? Reflect on the power of testimony.
If we don’t regularly praise and thank God for what He is doing in and through our business, who else will! Has your business success been for ‘the praise of His glory?
If we are to transform our business into a fruitful ministry, it must be for the praise of His Glory.
Close the session with a short time of prayer. Ask God to equip you to take a stand and bring every aspect of your business under the authority of Christ.
10. Redee…
When you commit to doing business as a ministry and are equipped to do business God’s way, we hope that your mind will turn to how your personal transformation might affect the culture of your company.
At the very least, you will want to ensure that your company is a place where a Biblical approach to business is able to flourish and prosper. Importantly, this is about more than you. It is about more than being a better Christian at work. In addition to transforming the way you do business, it is about redeeming the culture of your company, which is the way you and your company do business.
Your business is a separate legal entity with an identity, values, and a culture of its own. This culture will determine how the company functions, how it is perceived, and ultimately what kind of fruit it achieves in the world. Doing business as a ministry is about cultural transformation. It is this that ensures your company will bear spiritual fruit that will last, even when your leadership ends.
Both you and your business are called to play a part in the ministry of business. Your business needs you to mold and lead it, changing its culture from the inside. If you are successful in this task, your business will become a context that helps nurture and sustain your own walk and witness.
As importantly, it will also help to transform the lives of those around you, including your colleagues, customers, and even your competitors. Finally, it will help to sustain your business as a Kingdom Business long after you have gone.
we are seeking Kingdom Entrepreneurs who will make their business their ministry. A key responsibility of the Kingdom Entrepreneur is to embed a Biblical way of doing business in their company. This is the pursuit of what we call a Kingdom Culture Company.
The diagram below illustrates how your personal transformation can ultimately establish and sustain a Kingdom culture in your company, such that it bears spiritual fruit and becomes resilient enough to outlast the company’s Christian founders. This is BizMin’s goal.
Reflection.
Look at the diagram and mark where you and your company are on this journey, from Kingdom Entrepreneur to Kingdom Culture Company. In order to sustain this transformation in your own life and embed this in your company, it is helpful to regularly audit how you are doing. This is why we have created the BizMin Audit.
You adopt it, your company.
Reinforce, celebrate & embed it in your culture
Look back to the activity on Session 1.1 page 10 which explored the difference between the culture of business and the character of God and His Kingdom.
A Kingdom culture is often contrary to the prevailing business culture. We must actively swim against the tide if we are to see business transformed into a fruitful ministry and become part of a great move of God.
Reflection.
Are you increasingly confident to swim against the tide of prevailing business culture and model a Kingdom Culture in your company?
Is there evidence that this is influencing the behavior of others?
Pledge 1 – I recognize that business needs transformation through a great
move of God and I will seek to play my part.
Joseph was spiritually gifted for business. Once he had learned the essential ingredient of success and walked through the gateway of humility, his spiritual gifts were able to bear much fruit and achieve the primary purpose for which they were intended. Joseph demonstrated how God can achieve His purposes through gifted business leaders.
Teaching.
Gifted for a Purpose (Session 2)
1. Activity.
The record below your abilities/ gifts and God’s purpose for your company as recorded in Session 2.1 page 23 and Session 2.4 page 35.
Your abilities/ gifts、 God’s purpose。
Pledge 2 – I humbly acknowledge that it is God who has gifted me for His purposes.
1. God has a call on your life and has prepared you for ‘good work’. In Session 3, you established whether or not that was a call to a business. We believe God is calling a new generation of Christian Entrepreneurs to do business as ministry. We hope you feel equipped to press on and take up that calling.
Reflection.
Are you called to do business as a ministry?
Are you prepared to do business as a ministry?
Called to Business (Session 3)
Are you committed to doing business as a ministry?
Pledge 3 – I will take up the call to do business as a ministry.
At the core of BizMin is the idea that business should be transformed into a fruitful ministry. Our core belief is; if it is your business, it is also your ministry. A complete Christian ministry will ‘carry forth Christ’s mission in the world through a spirituality that balances Deed, Word, and Spirit.
A Complete Ministry (Session 4)
Do you have examples of how you and your company are doing ministry in each area?
Deed 、
Word 、
Spirit。
How might you and your company take practical steps to become a more complete ministry?
Pledge 4 – I will make my business a complete ministry with equal emphasis on Deed, Word, and Spirit.
As Kingdom Entrepreneurs, we must balance work with care so that our good works are sustainable. To do this successfully, we need to pursue a godly vision of prosperity.
Reflection.
The Creation Mandate (Session 5)
Reflection.
Are you living within the moral limits of Biblical prosperity?
Is your business trading off and promoting a way of life that is sustainable within the moral limits of Biblical prosperity?
Pledge 5 – I will sustain fruitfulness by pursuing a Biblical vision of prosperity that balances work with care.
A Kingdom Business will demonstrate love for God, our business neighbors, and ourselves.
Activity.
On the diagram below, mark how you and your company are currently expressing love. Join up the dots to reveal the current ‘shape’ of your company. Who is receiving the most love? Who might you need to love more?
The Great Commandment (Session 6)
Pledge 6 – I will love God, my neighbors and myself, in and through my business.
A Kingdom Business will do good work that wins the respect of those with whom it works. It will model Christ and help both us and others to know Christ and become more Christ-like.
The Great Commission (Session 7)
Are you modeling Christ at work?
Pledge 7 – I will not be ashamed of the gospel and will respectfully model Christ at work.
If we are to prosper in business, we must master money. We must proactively pursue purpose before profit, adding value across multiple bottom lines. A generous spirit should underpin all that we do.
Activity.
On the diagram below, mark the impact you and your company is currently making in each area of value.
Profiting through Purpose (Session 8)
and upheld Pledge 8 – I will profit through purpose and will be extravagantly
generous with all that I receive.
As Christ-like leaders, we must recognize our place in God’s hierarchy. We must remain both under Christ and in Christ. Out of this, we can serve others and prayerfully lead our companies in a spiritual battle that advances the front-line of the Kingdom.
A Fruitful Ministry (Session 9)
of God and, when we have done everything, stand. Then our ministry will bear spiritual fruit for the praise of His glory.
Are there any areas of your business that you are struggling to bring under the authority of Christ? Take a moment to pray into these issues, and stand.
Reflection.
Pledge 9 – I will remain both in and under Christ, bearing spiritual fruit
for the praise of His glory.
Throughout this course, we have built a vision for how a business can become a fruitful ministry. We need to humbly recognize that the goal is not perfection but direction.
In ‘Life Together Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely identifies the dangers for those who set their love and pursuit of a vision of something above their love of the reality of that thing. He writes; ’He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.’
We might rephrase this as; those who love their dream of what a Kingdom Business could be more than they love their colleagues, customers, and competitors will become a destroyer of their dream. We must guard against the pursuit of an idealistic vision for our business. This is a humble venture rooted in grace.
We do not believe it is necessary or even beneficial to make our ways ‘law’. Culture is ‘the way we do things around here’ rather than ‘the things you must do around here. A healthy culture has willing participants. All we can do in light of this is what has become our mantra
That is; press on to take hold.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider me yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians3.12-14
Pledge 10 – I will ‘press on to take hold of my ministry, upholding and revisiting each of the BizMin pledges.
Take a moment to pray for one another. It is important to be commissioned into your new role as a Kingdom Entrepreneur.
Share your reflections on the course.
Write down your plans for the next month, the next year, the next 5 years, and beyond.
Discussion.
Consider how you might stay connected with other Kingdom Entrepreneurs who can encourage you to press on and take hold…
Close the session with a short time of prayer.
7.Open th…
A complete ministry must help deliver the Great Commission.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
Matthew28:18-20
This is the Great Commission, the mission statement of the Church. For an activity to be considered a comprehensive Christian ministry it must effectively contribute to achieving this great missionary endeavour. That is, it must help take the gospel to all nations. We will now consider how business might do this.
Open the session with a short time of prayer.
Discussion.
Do you agree that the world of business needs this missionary endeavour?
‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
Acts1:8
Activity.
To achieve the Great Commission we, first and foremost, need the power of the Holy Spirit. We must then establish our mission field and ask ourselves; where is our Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria? The influence of your company may even extend to the ends of the earth. In the context of business it can be seen as follows:
A、B、C.
Write the answers for A, B and C for your business and establish your specific areas of influence. This is your mission field.
Christians quietly getting on with their day job, doing it the way that God intended, will slowly but surely find that they influence the behaviour of their colleagues, customers, suppliers and competitors. In time, this can transform the culture of the business.
Business is at the heart of society and the way we do business, a company’s culture, significantly influences the values of those it connects with. As the culture of a Kingdom Business is aligned with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, so in turn, are the values of those who connect with it. This simple but profound ability for our business culture to inform and affect the values and behaviour of those around us is what discipleship is all about.
Whether it be a geographical or cultural mission, we are all called to help take the gospel into every area of life.
Business is a powerful vehicle for taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Kingdom Entrepreneurs have the amazing privilege of going beyond the transformation of their own business practice. They have the potential to influence and define the culture of their company and, as a result, the behaviour of others with whom their company comes into contact. Having discovered God’s truth for ourselves, we have the opportunity to create a place where colleagues, customers, suppliers and competitors discover a Kingdom Culture and experience firsthand the power of the Gospel at work in the world. As we choose to confidently do business God’s way, others will taste and see that God is indeed good.
StephenRundle
What distinguishes the Kingdom Entrepreneur is that he or she not only models Christian discipleship but goes out of their way to create opportunities to tell others about the motivation behind his or her behaviour.
Discipleship is the process of becoming more Christ-like. This diagram illustrates the cycle by which disciples are made.
Identify something that you know to be God’s way of doing business (it can be something as simple as not swearing in the
office) and consider how others might come to be discipled into that way, using the process set out in the diagram above.
We must remember that it is God’s responsibility to bring the transformation that we desire to see in others. Discuss whether you think it is necessary to say “don’t blaspheme in my office”.
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Discussion.
Phil.1:6
Teaching.
People are increasingly looking for businesses that will live with integrity, having the confidence to apply their values to their work. The leaders of a company are expected to set the tone. It is their values that others choose to follow.
Christians in business should be equally confident to hold forth the values they believe in. They are, after all, good. We could go even further and say that they are in fact values that are inherently good for business. Holding out our values for all to see is ultimately what witness is.
To witness is to unashamedly live and declare a way of life that is true to the values we hold. In our case, these are the values taught and upheld by Jesus and found in the Bible. That is why it is so essential that we can answer the question; ‘What would Jesus do and how would Jesus do it, if he were running my business?’
What are your company values?
Are these values a reflection of God’s values and character?
Do you think there would be enough evidence, or witnesses for that matter, to convict your company of being run in accordance with Christian values?
Discussion.
World’s values God’s values In which box does your business currently sit?
When Christian business leaders live out God’s values with confidence and integrity, others will encounter the gospel.
you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thess.4:11b-12.
You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
你们是世上的光… 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。
Matthew5:14-16.
Teaching.
If every believer can discover how to do their daily business in such a way that even their quietly undertaken good deeds are both seen and respected by those around them, society will surely take note. The trick is to make sure we don’t
confuse ‘quietly’ with ‘secretly’. We are called to take both the good news and our good deeds out from under the ‘bowl’, allowing their light to be seen. Leaders of an organisation will be observed more closely than most and their example more readily followed by those they lead. As leaders, we set the tone for the organisation, both by what we do and what we say. Christians in business would do well to consider how their daily work might win the respect of outsiders.
Is your approach to business winning the ‘respect of outsiders’? Mark on the scale below how you are doing.
Reflection.
Never 、 Always
To have an effective witness we must be clear and confident about our beliefs.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
Activity.
1 Peter书3:15
In pairs, reflect on the diagram below and list the reasons for the ‘hope that you have’ for the future of your business.
My personal business gifts God’s ordained purpose and plans God’s word to for business me personally
Gifts from God。
A word from God.
This God-given hope results in confidence, optimism and peace about both your present circumstances and the future. Such hope will be noticed and respected by others. They may even want to know its source.
To have an effective witness we must also make the gospel known. Being clear and open about the Christian faith is fundamental to any Christian ministry. This may sound obvious, but it is easy for us to be good people without explicitly being God people. Beware! God is a jealous God and Jesus is clear when he says in Luke 9:26 ‘whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory.’ For us to have any form of effective witness we must ‘come out as Christians. Where there is an opportunity for an extended witness, we should make it known that we are Christian to our colleagues and repeat customers.
This allows what we believe, and whom we believe in, to be revealed naturally in the course of our business life. The trick is to both seek and seize the moments. This is, for most of us, the hardest part of the Great Commission. We must overcome any concern that an openly Christian basis for the way we do business might be bad for business.
Teaching.
Are you known as a Christian in your workplace? Does this reputation extend to your work colleagues, customers and even your sector and your industry?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans1:16
Do you think it is appropriate for the gospel to be explicitly made known in the workplace?
Discussion
Look at the example of Daniel to see how this might be done gently and respectfully.
Teaching.
Daniel2:14-28a
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, ‘Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?’
Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:
‘Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his…you have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.’
Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, ‘Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.’ Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, ‘I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.’
The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), ‘Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?’ Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what
will happen in days to come.’
Daniel2:46-49
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honour and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, ‘Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.’
Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chief ministers over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.
Daniel took God’s Word to the king. Going through the scripture, write down the steps that Daniel took that led to
him revealing God to the king with ‘wisdom and tact’.
Discussion.
Why do you think Daniel never told Arioch that God was the source of the interpretation?
What was the outcome of Daniel ‘coming out’ and declaring God’s role in the interpretation?
Reflection.
Eric Liddell
We are all missionaries. Wherever we go we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from Christ.
On the line below, mark where you are and then where your company is on the spectrum.
Repel from Christ Nearer to Christ
What might help you and your company establish a more effective witness and move to the right?
Discussion.
Think of an example of how you and your company can draw people nearer to Christ.
To play their part in the Great Commission, Kingdom
Entrepreneurs must make Christ known, bringing colleagues, customers and competitors nearer to Christ.
Close the session with a short time of prayer. Ask for the courage and wisdom to play your part in the Great Commission.