4.商业经营为主内…
3.用时间来思考未…
你是否曾感到很难决定你的一生该干什么？花点时间来思考你是怎么走到今天的岗位的。你如何描述上帝在其中的作为？写下重点内容。如果可能，与小组分享其中的关键时刻。
你是否曾觉得很想以某种形式全职做教会事工？
反 思 祷 告 你知道你的呼召吗？
在简短的祷告后开始开始会议。
如果是，这是否会影响你全身心投入目前的岗位？
也许你已经发现自己在考虑把目前用在工作上的时间用在教会的事工上是否会更好。你甚至可能为自己对工作的热情以及能够用在“教会工作”上的时间有限而感到内疚。不是只有你一人有这样的感受.
教 导:
因在废除奴隶贩卖运动中所扮演的角色而闻名的伟大的政治改革家威廉·威尔伯福斯（William Wilberforce），年轻时曾有个对他一生影响重大的时刻。像许多信徒一样，他曾郑重思考自己的呼召以及他应该走的路。他问自己是否应该藉着他对上帝的重新认识离开他正在显现的政治生涯，转而进入教会事工。
他的好朋友，即将成为总理的威廉·皮特（William Pitt）安排废奴主义者们到他家去鼓励他认清，实事上他的呼召甚至他的事工只有在他的政治生涯中并通过他的政治生涯才能取得最大的成就。这一会面记录在电影《奇异恩典》中，电影以有力而改变人生的评论结束：“我们知道你目前难于抉择是做上帝的工作还是做政治活动家的工作，我们诚恳地指出你两者可以同时做到。”
你相信威尔伯福斯的政治生涯是他的事工吗？
认为经商生涯和富有成果的基督事工并非互相排斥。实事上，你可以两者兼顾！本课程旨在揭示如何做到这一点。
我们相信; 如果这是你的商业经营，那它就是你的事工。
讨 论
教 导
上帝赋予威尔伯福斯废除奴隶贩卖的热情在他全情投入的政治生涯中得到最好的实现。上帝给予他的岗位和责任正是在那里。大约经过痛苦的十五年之后，他在下议院不懈的努力最终使整个大英帝国废除了奴隶贩卖。
这可能是十九世纪伟大事工之一的这个事工最光辉的时刻。如果你同样面临做上帝的工作还是做商业领袖工作这一选择难题，我们也同样诚恳地指出你应该两样都做。伟大的事情也许会因此展开。
讨 论
威尔伯福斯难以明白政治生涯如何能成为上帝的工作。你是否也难以明白一个人的经商生涯如何能成为上帝的工作？
讨 论
纵观历史，人们一直难以明白工作和事工如何能够结合，甚至耶稣也得和这种偏见做斗争，他同时代的人不明白一个职场人士怎么可能属灵。
耶稣说完了这些比喻，就离开那里，来到自己的家乡，在会堂里教训人，甚至他们都希奇说，这人从哪里有这等智慧，和异能呢？这不是木匠的儿子吗？……这人从哪里有这一切的事呢？他们就厌弃他。
马太福音13:53-57a
使徒保罗以织帐篷和做使徒而闻名，显然他把工作和见证耶稣完美衔接。有意思的是，不知道早期教会更多地将他看成个会讲道的织帐篷的人，还是个会织帐篷的传道人。我们不知道保罗是不是在意两者之间的区别。他的工作与他的事工完全融合在一起，他从未为自己的工作感到羞耻。
你认为保罗在这两项活动中都同样在为主作工吗？
保罗本人明确表示，我们每个人都必须工作，而且无论做什么，你都应“从心里做，像是给主做的，不是给人做的”（歌罗西书 3:23）。
反 思
你认为自己目前在“为主做“还是在“为人做”？
讨 论
你是否完全是“从心里做”的？如果没有，什么使你不能那样做？
1666 年的“伦敦大火”之后，世界著名的建筑师克里斯托弗·雷恩（Christopher Wren）受委托重建圣保罗大教堂。
1671 年的一天，雷恩在脚手架上观察三个瓦工。他问他们每个人“你在做什么？”第一个瓦工，三个瓦工中效率最低的，回答说“我在铺砖”。第二个瓦工回答说“我在筑墙。” 第三位瓦工，三个瓦工中效率最高的，回答说：“我正在为全能者建造一座大教堂。”
教 导
你是否认识到你的工作是为了全能者？
第三位瓦工非常清楚地认识到他在为上帝工作。这种认识将怎样影响我们的工作态度？
讨 论
铺砖 筑墙为全能者建造
你是否看到上帝亲手造你的方式和你的工作之间的联系？
我们原是祂的工作,在基督耶稣里造成的,为要叫我们行善,就是神所预备叫我们行的｡
以弗所书2:10
Works. 圣经清楚地表明我们被造都是为了行善。
上 帝预 备我们做善工 上帝完美的创造 上帝预备你你做善工
你认为你当前的工作是“善工”吗？
你是否意识到你的工作是事先准备好让你做的？
路加福音19：1-10
耶稣进了耶利哥，正经过的时候，有一个人名叫撒该，作税吏长，是个财主。他要看看耶稣是怎样的人；只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看见。
就跑到前头，爬上桑树，要看耶稣，因为耶稣必从那里经过。耶稣到了那里，抬头一看，对他说：“撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。”他就急忙下来，欢欢喜喜的接待耶稣。众人看见，都私下议论说：“祂竟到罪人家里去住宿。
”撒该站着对主说：“主啊，我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。”耶稣说：“今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。”
讨论这段经文中耶稣对这个职场男人的态度以及“众人”对他的态度之间的区别。
耶稣的态度对撒该以及撒该对待工作的方式会有什么影响？
讨 论
耶稣愿意与商人在一起，遇见耶稣改变了撒该的经商态度，一夜之间，他从以自我为中心的人变为仆人，从守财奴变为传道人。你认为耶稣为什么没有像他对十二个门徒所做的那样，要求撒该离开他的工作而“跟随我”？
你认为收税是一项“善工”吗？这有可能是上帝对撒该的呼召，一个上帝提前为他预备好的工作吗？思考下面的问题也许会有帮助，如果没人收税，或者不是由敬虔的基督徒来收取，这会给社会带来什么后果？
教 导
耶稣对什么是“善工”有广泛的看法。下面就是一个很好的例子。
埃里克·利德尔（Eric Liddell）是英国最优秀的短跑运动员之一，也是个坦然无惧的属神的人。他也很清楚地知道积极参加教会事工并同时活跃在体育界两者之间的张力。他因为在1924 年巴黎奥运会上为英国那次赛跑而出名。
并不是每个人都能接受埃里克的奔跑能力是上帝的恩赐，更不用说是上帝对他的呼召了。以他的故事为蓝本的电影《烈火战车》中一个精彩的情节表现了这一点，埃里克在与他是基督徒的妹妹交谈，他妹妹对他在跑步上不断增加的投入深感担忧，并试图说服他去中国传教，一个他后来去了并很年轻就死在那里的地方。
有一个场景是他们在爱丁堡的山上行走。埃里克对她恳求的反应非常有趣。他对他妹妹说；“珍妮，我相信上帝造我是有目的的，但祂也使我跑得快。”他停顿下来，好像迷失在跑道上那些瞬间的记忆中，“当我奔跑时，我感受到祂的喜悦。” 埃里克发现跑步是个恩赐，并且像所有的恩赐一样，揭示了上帝对他生命的呼召。他知道跑步是一项“善工”，并且当他做这善工时，他感受到上帝的肯定。
在 1924 年奥运会上，埃里克被选中参加 100 米比赛。令埃里克失望的是，100 米决赛将在周日举行。埃里克不愿意在安息日跑步，他甚至准备抵制王室对他参加决赛的请求。尽管王室试图说服他，然而他还是没有参赛，他对安息日的立场引起了媒体的轰动。不过他的故事和见证并没有到此为止，400 米决赛给了他一个参赛的机会，而这场比赛巩固了他的历史见证。奔跑着，手持一位基督徒竞争对手给他的经文“尊重我的，我必重看他”，他最终广为人知地成功赢得了金牌。
他顺服神不在安息日参加比赛的决定让世界瞩目，并为人们所纪念，2012 年伦敦奥运会还特别委托制作了电影《烈火战车》的舞台剧。同年，印度一家报纸甚至还发表了一篇文章，文章的重点不是他的获胜，而是他对安息日的立场。在为着基督的立场上，这个有上帝赐予的擅长奔跑的恩赐为支持的立场上，埃里克为上帝的国度取得了持久的成果。如果你为此被造，那么即使是体育运动也是一项“善工”！
你是上帝为特定的目的亲手而造；这就是你的“善工”。
你清楚你的呼召在哪儿吗？如果你是基督徒，那么上帝对你的一生有个目的，并有个“善工”恩赐给你，最终，你被呼召为实现祂在我们这代人身上的目的做出贡献。
如果你是一名从事商业活动的基督徒，尤其是拥有或领导一个企业的基督徒，那么以下三种选择之一对你来说会是真的：
经商颇有成果是上帝对我生命的呼召
我被呼召在经商之外的事情上有成果
我没有被呼召有成果
这三个陈述中哪一个最符合你？
你被呼 召经商 吗？
反 思:
如果你是基督徒，选项 C 不能为真。C
“你们多结果子，我父就因此得荣耀，你们也就是我的门徒了。”
功用也有分别，神却是一位，在众人里面运行一切的事。
约翰福音15：8 .林 前12：6
如果你不能确定 A 或是 B 符合你，那么以下四个问题会有所帮助。
你有经商的天赋吗？你参与其中的企业繁荣发展吗？
创世记39：3,5a
他主人见耶和华与他同在，又见耶和华使他手里所办的尽都顺利 ,耶和华就因约瑟的缘故赐福与那埃及人的家。
经商会让你激动不已吗？你有经营理念和管理一个企业的热情吗？
霍华德瑟曼
不要问世界需要什么。问什么使你活着，然后去做。因为世界需要的是活着的人。恩赐 热情
反 思
你是一个慷慨和乐于给与的人吗？
问题不是我把多少我的钱捐给了上帝，问题是我把多少上帝的钱留给了自己。
你是否具有成功的基本要素：谦卑？
华理克
谦卑不是小看自己，而是少想自己。
分成 3 或 4 个小组，思考下面的分类。每人在组内分享你自己所属的类别。 慷慨 谦卑
活 动
你对所有四个问题 你对问题 1 和 2 回答了 你对问题 1 和/或 2都回答了“是” “是”，但对问题 3 都回答了“否”和/或 4 回答了“否”
每小组花些时间为每个类别的人祷告：
清楚自己被呼召
肯定并鼓励那些清楚自己被呼召的人。祈祷他们继续努力抓住他们的呼召。
被呼召但有挑战
清楚自己被呼召 被呼召但有挑战 可能未被呼召经商
对于这个类别的每个人，找出他们认为有挑战的具体因素（慷慨或谦卑）。他们需要两者兼具才能使自己的商业经营成为富有成果的事工。用祷告支持他们，寻求神的帮助以解决问题。
被呼召做商业领袖
你的小组中可能有些人没有被呼召经商。对于一些人来说，这不会是个问题（例如教会领袖或只是对本课程感兴趣的人）。而对其他一些人，这也许是个出乎意外的结论。祈祷他们得到所需的勇气去发现和追求自己真正的呼召。
无论你属于哪个类别，你都需要支持来继续前进。可以考虑与属灵的朋友分享你的发现。当你接受你的呼召，踏上你面前的冒险之旅时，你会需要他们的祷告和鼓励。
教 导
我们希望你感受到你的呼召同时得到了上帝和你的教会的认可。我们希望你感受到你是被呼召去经商的。
这不是说我已经得着了，已经完全了；我乃是竭力追求，或者可以得着基督耶稣所要我得的。
腓立比书3：12
使徒保罗意识到他尚未达到他的目标。如果我们要使经商成为一个富有成果的事工，我们必须像他一样竭力追求这一呼召。
我们希望你被激励把经商作为你的事工。本课程的其余部分将帮助你完成这一任务。我们希望你在你的呼召上被建造并且强壮有力。现在是时候竭力追求上帝预备你要做的“善工”了。商业界和神的国度都需要像你这样的人来接受这一呼召。
我们希望你清楚你的呼召，竭力追求你的事工。我们希望把经商做为事工是一个呼召。
简短的祷告后结束会议。祈求上帝确认对你的呼召并给你勇气去“得着基督耶稣所要你得的”
3.what to…
Have you ever found the decision about what to do with your life a difficult one? Take a moment to reflect on how you ended up in your current role. How would you describe God’s hand in this? Write down the highlights and, if you can, share a key moment with the group
Have you ever felt pressure to go into some form of full-time
church ministry?
Open the session with a short time of prayer.
If ‘yes, is this having an effect on your commitment to your current role?
You may have found yourself wondering if the time you are spending at work could be better spent in a church ministry. You may even have felt guilty about your passion for your work and the limited time you seem to be able to give to the ‘work of the church’. You are not alone.
There is a powerful moment in the early years of William Wilberforce, one of the great political reformers who is famous for his role in the abolition of the slave trade. He, like many believers, was deliberating over his calling and what path he should follow. He questioned whether his renewed awareness of God should lead him away from an emerging career in politics and into a church ministry.
His great friend and soon-to-be Prime Minister, William Pitt, arranged for abolitionists to come to his home and encourage him to recognise that his calling, even his ministry, was in fact best achieved in and through a career in politics. The meeting is recorded in the film ‘Amazing Grace’ and closes with the powerful and life-changing remark; “We understand you are having problems choosing
Teaching.
whether to do the work of God or the work of a political activist. We humbly suggest that you can do both.”
Do you believe that a career in politics was Wilberforce’s ministry?
BizMin believes that a career in business and a fruitful Christian ministry are not mutually exclusive. You can in fact do both! This course is designed to reveal how.
We believe：if it’s your business, it’s your ministry.
Discussion.
Teaching:
life-changing Wilberforce’s God-given passion for the abolition of the slave trade was best served through a dedicated career in politics. That was where his God-given role and responsibility lay.
Some fifteen painful years later, his tireless campaign in the House of Commons resulted in the abolition of the slave trade across the British Empire; possibly the greatest moment in one of the great ministries of the nineteenth century.
If you are having similar problems choosing whether to do the work of God or the work of a business leader, we would also humbly suggest that you should do both. Great things may yet depend on it.
Discussion:
Wilberforce found it hard to see how a career in politics could be the work of God. Do you struggle to see how a career in business can be the work of God?
Teaching :
Throughout history people have struggled to see how work and ministry can combine. Even Jesus had to struggle against this prejudice. His peers could not see how someone from the marketplace could possibly be spiritual.
When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked. ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offence at him.
Matthew13:53-57a
The Apostle Paul was famously a tentmaker and an apostle. He clearly moved quite seamlessly between work and witness. It would be interesting to know if the early church saw him more as a tentmaker who preached or a preacher who made tents. We are not sure that he would care much for the distinction. His work was fully integrated with his ministry and he was never ashamed of his work.
Do you think that Paul was working equally for the Lord in both activities?
What Paul himself made clear is that we all have to work and, whatever you do, you should ‘work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’ (Colossians 3:23).
Reflection :
Would you consider yourself to be currently working ‘for the Lord’ or ‘for human masters’?
Discussion :
Are you doing it with ‘all your heart’? If not, what is holding you back?
After the 1666 ‘Great Fire of London’, the world-famous architect Christopher Wren was commissioned to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral. One day in 1671, Wren observed three bricklayers on a scaffold. He asked each of them “what are you doing?”
The first bricklayer, the least productive of the three, replied “I am laying bricks.” The second bricklayer replied, “I am building a wall.” The third bricklayer, the most productive of the three, replied, “I am building a great cathedral for The Almighty.”
Teaching:
Are you aware that your work is ‘for The Almighty’?
The third bricklayer had a greater awareness that he was working for the Lord. How might this awareness affect our
attitude to work?
Discussion:
Do you see a connection between how you have been created,as God’s handiwork, and your work?
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians2:10
Works.
Do you see your current work as ‘good work’?
Do you recognize that your work was prepared in advance for you to do?
Luke19：1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord!
Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’
Discuss the difference in this passage between Jesus’ attitude to a man from the marketplace and that of ‘all the people’.
What was the impact of Jesus’ attitude on Zacchaeus and on his approach to his work?
Discussion:
Jesus was comfortable being in the company of business people. Encountering Jesus transformed Zacchaeus’ attitude to the way he did business. He went from self-centered to servant, and miser to minister, overnight. Why do you think Jesus didn’t ask him to leave his work and ‘follow me as he had done with the twelve disciples?
Do you think collecting taxes is ‘good work’? Could this have been Zaccheus’ God-given calling; a work prepared in advance for him? It may help to consider what the consequences for society would be if taxes were not collected and by a Godfearing Christian.
Teaching:
Jesus had a broad view of what constitutes ‘good work’. Here is a good example.
Eric Liddell was one of Britain’s greatest sprinters and an unashamedly fearless man of God. He also knew well the
tension between wanting to be active in both a church ministry and the world of sport. He famously ran for Britain in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. It was not easy for everyone to accept that Eric’s ability to run was a gift from God, let alone his calling.
There is a wonderful line in the film made about his story called ‘Chariots of Fire’ that illustrates this. Eric is talking with his Christian sister. She is deeply concerned with his growing commitment to running and seeks to convince him to go into the mission field in China; a place to which he later went and died young.
On one occasion they are walking on the hills above Edinburgh. Eric’s response to her pleas is delightful. He says to his sister; “Jenny, I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast,” and he pauses as if lost in the memories of those moments on the race track, ”and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
Eric had discovered that running was a gift and one, like all gifts, that revealed God’s call on his life. He knew that running was a ‘good work’ and felt God’s affirmation when he did it.
At the 1924 Olympics, Eric got into the squad and was to run in the 100m race. Much to Eric’s disappointment, the final of the 100m race was to be held on a Sunday. Eric was not willing to run on the Sabbath and was even prepared to resist the pleas from the Royal Family for him to run.
Despite their attempts to persuade him otherwise, he did not run and his stance on the Sabbath became a media sensation. His story and witness did not end there though. A place was found for him to run in the 400m final. It was a race that was to cement his witness in
history. Running, clutching the scripture ‘He that honors me,I will honor,’ which had been given to him by a fellow Christian competitor, he famously went on to win the gold medal in style.
His decision not to race on the Sabbath, in obedience to God, gained international exposure and was still being remembered when the Olympics were held in London in 2012 through a specially commissioned theatre production of the film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
There was even an article in an Indian newspaper that same year, focused, not on his winning, but on his stance on the Sabbath. In that one stand for Christ, a stand facilitated by his God-given gift for running, Eric achieved lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God. Even athletics is ‘good work’ if that is what you were created for!
You are uniquely made as God’s handiwork for a specific purpose; this is your ‘good work’.
Are you clear on what you are called to? If you are a Christian, God has a purpose for your life, a ‘good work’ for your gifts, and ultimately, a contribution you are called to make towards achieving His purposes in our generation.
If you are a Christian and in business, especially a Christian who owns or leads a business, it follows that one of these three options is true for you:
A fruitful role in business is God’s calling on my life.
I am called to be fruitful in something other than business.
I am not called to be fruitful.
Which of these three statements best describes you?
Reflection :
If you are a Christian, option C cannot be true.
‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
John15：8 .1Corint 12：6
If you are not sure whether A or B is true for you then here are four questions that may help.
1. Are you gifted at business? Do ventures prosper when you’re involved?
Genesis39：3,5a
When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did the Lord
blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.
2. Does business excite you? Do you have a business idea and a passion to run a business?
Howard Thurman
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Reflection :
3. Are you a generous and joyful giver?
R.G.LeTourneau
The question is not how much of my money I give to God, but rather how much of God’s money I keep for myself.
4. Do you have the essential ingredient for success; humility?
RickWarren
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.
Break into small groups of 3 or 4. Consider the categories below. Within your group, each share which category
you think you fall into.
Activity:
You answered ‘yes’ You answered ‘yes’ to You answered ‘no’ to to all 4 questions question 1 and 2, but question 1 and/or 2 ‘no’ to question 3 and/or 4
As a group, take time to pray for the people in each category:
Called & clear :
Affirm and encourage those who are clear in their calling. Pray that they continue to press on to take hold of their calling.
Called but challenged :
For each person in this group, identify the particular area they find challenging (generosity or humility). They will need both in order to make their business fruitful.
ministry. Support them in prayer, seeking God’s help in resolving issues.
Not called to business leadership:
There may be people in your group who are not called to be in business. For some, this will not be an issue (e.g.church leaders or anyone with a general interest in the course). For others, this may be an unexpected outcome.
Pray that they would receive the courage they will need to discover and pursue their true calling.
Regardless of which category you fall into, you will need support going forward. Consider sharing your findings with a spiritual friend.
As you take up your calling, you are going to need their prayers and encouragement in the adventure that lies ahead. We hope that you feel endorsed by both God and your church in your calling. We hope that you feel called to business.
Teaching:
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.
Philippians3：12
The Apostle Paul recognized that he had not yet arrived at his goal. We must, like him, proactively press on to
take hold of this calling if we are to make the business a fruitful ministry.
We hope you feel inspired to make your business your ministry. The rest of this course will help in that task. We want you to be established and robust in your calling.
It is time to press on and take hold of the good works that God has prepared you for. Both the world of business and the Kingdom of God need people like you to take up this calling into business.
We hope you feel clear in your calling, ready to press on and take hold of your ministry. We hope that it is a calling to do business as a ministry.
Close the session with a short time of prayer. Ask God to affirm you in your calling and give you the courage to take hold of that ‘for which Christ Jesus took hold of you.
2.God-giv…
Genesis(39:20-23)
Would you agree that Joseph had a God-given gift for business administration that blossomed, whatever the context?
.At this point, is there anything obviously spiritual about any of the activities that Joseph is undertaking?
Reflection.
Joseph was clearly gifted at business, whatever the circumstances. Everywhere he went, his God-given abilities bore fruit.
Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness ness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warder.
So the warder put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warder paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
The Lord was with Joseph. Whatever the context, his gift of business administration bore fruit.
Do you know what your abilities are? List them here.
1 . Are your abilities bearing fruit in business?
Do you recognize your abilities in business as God-given gifts?
Can you recall when these gifts were given?
During the early years in Egypt, Joseph was being prepared for the role that lay ahead. We have seen that long before his gift of interpreting dreams would begin its work, the gift of administration was blossoming, developing, and being refined. This was a gift that could not be repressed by circumstances.
As long as there were opportunities, and people to recognize his gift, it prospered. We too need to recognize that, whatever our circumstances, God’s gifts long to bear fruit in our lives. Whenever we see consistent fruitfulness, we can be sure that God is at work.
However, our gifts will never achieve a great work of God, bearing spiritual fruit, unless we complement our gifting with an equal measure of humility. If we are to be truly successful, we must learn to acknowledge God as the source of our gifts. Humbly relying on God is the essential ingredient of spiritual success. Joseph learned this the hard way. We will now see how.
Teaching.
2.2 The essential ingredient for success.
During his time in prison, Joseph’s more widely recognized gift emerged…the gift of interpreting dreams.
Teaching.
An essential attribute, if we are to see God working through us, is to genuinely desire to serve God and others with our gifts. On first impressions, it would seem that Joseph had this desire. He showed clear compassion towards his fellow prisoners and offered to interpret their dreams as an act of kindness. On this occasion, both the cupbearer and the baker
Genesis& 14
After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men- the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison- had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.
So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, ‘Why do you look so sad today?’ ‘We both had dreams,’ they answered, ‘but there is no one to interpret them.’
Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams…But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.’
of the king of Egypt were troubled by dreams and desired an interpretation. We don’t know how, but Joseph clearly believed that he could interpret their dreams and offered to do so for both men. It must have felt like quite a risk. This suggests that Joseph already had a strong sense of confidence in his second
gifting.
Joseph began by acknowledging that only God can interpret dreams. The passage says; ‘Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.’‘ (Note the emphasis is on ‘me’).
There is a subtle but significant hint of arrogance in his statement which, as we will see, revealed that he was not yet fully reconciled to the principle that all good gifts come from God and it is God that should receive the glory for their use. It reveals that he was not yet fully submitted to God.
Discussion.
Do you think these men might have thought it was Joseph rather than God who was able to interpret the dream?
Once Joseph knew the dream’s interpretation, he sought to use it for his own benefit. Do you think this self-interest was a significant mistake?.
Teaching.
In interpreting the cupbearer and bakers’ dreams, Joseph fails to draw a clear distinction between God and himself. This may sound harsh but, as we will see, two years later, this is a distinction he made very clear when he eventually stands before Pharaoh. It is an essential distinction.
Genesis(41:15-16)
Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh,‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’
When Pharaoh demands that Joseph interprets his dream, his reputation has preceded him and Pharaoh attributes the gift of interpreting dreams, not to God, but to Joseph.
This suggests that the cupbearer had missed God’s hand in Joseph’s gifting. However, Joseph’s response to Pharaoh is fundamentally different from two years earlier in the
dungeon. This time he does what every servant of God must do in each new relationship if it is to bear fruit for the King dom of God, and the earlier the better.
He makes it clear that God is the one who interprets dreams and that he is merely His agent; ‘‘I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’’ Joseph recognizes God’s hand in his ability and makes it clear that his ability to interpret dreams is a gift of God.
This is one of those seminal moments in any believer’s life, particularly if we want our work to be our ministry. This is the moment we come out for God, acknowledging His power and, in humility, our dependency on Him. This is the moment God is fully let in and the moment our ministry truly begins. From this moment, the glory will go to God.
Discussion.
How had Joseph’s attitude to the source of his gift changed by the time he saw Pharaoh? What is the key distinction?
1.Real humility leads a person to be curious about and concerned for others, not fixated on how others can lead to one’s own enrichment.
2. Humility is about true service, not self-congratulation.
3.In admitting an error or acknowledging that one is wrong, the humble person not only apologizes but also changes course.
4. Real humility builds up; false humility tears down.
5. The more responsibility or power one has, the more humility one need.
Reflect on Joseph’s story up to this point. Do you think he had learned real humility?
Why is it so essential for those who are gifted to have real humility?
Reflection.
Joseph’s life seemed to go through a series of ups and downs. His early life was like a discipleship course; each time his gifts resulted in promotion, he received a lesson in humility.
However, regardless of his circumstances, his gifts bore fruit. They could not be held down. He learned to be both gifted and humble; the essential ingredients of success.
HUMILITY GATEWAY
Reflect on how the events of Joseph’s early life nurtured his gifts and shaped his character. How has God used the events of your life to nurture and shape you? Describe a little of your journey into business.
Joseph’s God-given gifts could not be fully fruitful until, in complete humility, he gave all the glory to God. Then Joseph was not only released from prison but also into his ministry.
Having passed through the gateway of humility, it was all onwards and upwards with his life’s work. He was ready to fulfill God’s purposes in his generation.
Reflection.
Are you humble with your God-given gifts?
Are you able to publicly acknowledge God as the source of
your gifts?
Never 、 Always。
Acknowledging God as the source of our gifts is essential if God is to be glorified through a significant leadership role.
‘Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.’
Matthew(10:32-33)
If we hope to succeed in business, we need to allow God to nurture humility within us. It is the essential
a complement to our God-given gifts.
Discussion.
How might you take a practical step this week to acknowledge God before others?
2.3 Achieving God’s purposes through business
Prepared VISION
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘In my dream, I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds. After them, seven other cows came up—scrawny and very ugly and lean.
I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. The lean, ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first. But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before. Then I woke up.
‘In my dream I saw seven ears of corn, full and good, growing on a single stalk. After them, seven other ears sprouted—withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. The thin ears of corn swallowed up the seven good ears. I told this to the magicians, but none of them could explain it to me.’
Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears of corn are seven years; it is one and the same dream. The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless ears of corn scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.
Genesis(41:17-31)
‘It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe.’
Teaching.
Pharaoh’s dream was prophetic and revealed both a challenge and an opportunity. Joseph used his gift of interpretation and described what was about to happen. Together, Joseph and Pharaoh declared God’s word to their generation.
Joseph could have stopped after interpreting the dream, but then his other gift came into action. Joseph’s gift of business to the administration could not be contained and he immediately Prepared.
responded to the prophetic dream and set out a business plan that would leverage the situation and realize the opportunity.
Pharaoh and his officials would have been full of fear at the prospect of approaching famine. Joseph’s response was clear and succinct. It was the plan of a God-gifted business person. It was God’s plan. It was also a business plan which would itself enable the fulfillment of the prophecy and God’s purposes.
Genesis(41:33-36)
‘And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.
They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.’
Activity.
Joseph’s gifts were central, not only to the interpretation but also to the fulfillment of Pharaoh’s dream. Once appointed to deliver his plan, Joseph proactively set out to ensure the dream was fulfilled.
Genesis describes Joseph’s key action plan for fulfilling the dream. Look at the following scriptures and come up with relevant modern business terms that might describe what Joseph is doing.
Prepared
Genesis(41:48-49a)
Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city, he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea.
Genesis(41:46b)
Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled
throughout Egypt
Genesis(41:56-57a)
When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph…
Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people.
Genesi
‘But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children. So Joseph established it as a law concerning land in Egypt – still in force today – that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh.
47:24,26a Joseph’s 5-point action plan , Fruit that will last Perpetuate a sustainable 5 SYSTEMS system God-inspired RESEARCH TO ENSURE A LEGACY Business plan God-given vision 2 PREPARATION
4 OVERSIGHT & GOVERNANCE 3 TRADE 1
Discussion.
By the end of his life, Joseph finally came to understand God’s purposes in all that had happened. What did Joseph believe was the primary purpose of his life’s work?
How did Joseph’s 5-point action plan combine to achieve the purposes of God in his generation?
2.4 Prepared
Genesis50:19-20
But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’
Which of Joseph’s spiritual gifts contributed most to achieving God’s purpose, and why?
Reflect on the relationship between Joseph’s practical actions and their spiritual outcomes. What does this suggest about the God-given role of business in society?
Reflection.
At the end of his life, Joseph was aware that he had achieved what God intended, and it was good. his work had saved many lives. In the prophetic, his father, Jacob, also foresaw that far greater fruit was to come through the line of Judah, whose life had been saved from the famine by Joseph’s actions.
The record below the purpose of your company.
Are these God’s purposes for your company?
Joseph only struggled to interpret his own childhood dreams. As a young man, his prophetic dreams led only to the arrogance that ironically led to the beginning of their fulfillment.
Things did not work out the way he or his brothers could ever have imagined when Joseph’s brothers jealously led them to sell Joseph as a slave. It was more than Joseph could ‘ask or imagine’. Are you able to rest,
Genesis49:10
‘The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.’
Matthew2:6
‘But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah…out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’
secure in the knowledge that God can achieve more than you ask or imagine?
Teaching.
At the heart of this story is a key moment. It is essential in every Christian’s life. Because Joseph gave the glory to God, acknowledging God as the source of his gifts, God is recognized by others as the source of his abilities and wisdom.
Genesis41:37-40
The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’
At the heart of this passage is one of the greatest compliments that a Christian can ever receive; ‘‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’’ Pharaoh recognized the inspiration behind Joseph’s interpretation and subsequent business plan. He saw that the hand of God was at work in Joseph.
This is so important. If the gifts and achievements of Christians in business are never recognized as the work of God’s spirit then there is little, if any, discernible difference between us and our non-Christian peers. As Christian entrepreneurs, we need to be known as those ‘in who is the Spirit of God.’ This is the essential hallmark of a Kingdom Entrepreneur.
Discussion.
Do you recognize that you are ‘one in whom is the Spirit of God?
Do other people?
Teaching.
Joseph was spiritually gifted for business. Once he 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 real purpose for which they were intended; the saving of many lives.
Joseph can be considered a great Kingdom Entrepreneur. His career in business
demonstrates how God can build His Kingdom through gifted business leaders. For Joseph, business was a ministry.
At the end of his life, Joseph came to recognize that he has achieved God’s purposes through his God-given gifts. The same can be true for us.
Prayer.
Close the session with a short time of prayer. Thank God for your spiritual gifts and ask Him for the opportunity to humbly use them to pursue His purposes in this generation.
2.上帝赐予商业管…
【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。
企业家培训: 1.…
2019 年，爱德曼信任晴雨表（一项对来自 28 个国家的 33,000多人的调查）表明，只有 20％的受访者认为当前的经济体系在为他们服务。76％的受访者认为商业领袖应带头进行变革，而不是等待政府来推动。
教 导.
讨 论.
你是否认为“经济体系”需要改变？ 如果是，你认为需要改变什么？
你是否认为“修复”经济的责任在于商业领袖和企业主？
“商业领袖应带头进行变革”
讨 论.
在下面左栏中写出你认为能描述当今盛行商业文化的七个单词。
在下面右栏中写下这些单词的反义词。
商业文化 、 对立面
哪一栏最能反映上帝及其国度的品格？当今的商业文化有多敬虔？
活 动.
商业已经忘记了其通过正义手段实现共同富裕的初创者之角色。流行的商业文化需要改变。
如果在职场有“上帝伟大的行动”，它将如何改变商业文化？
葛培理.
你是否认为所有经商的基督徒都被呼召在“上帝伟大的行动”中发挥积极主动的作用？
你是否认为基督徒企业家，企业主和领导者应扮演特殊的角色？
以下四个选项中哪一个最能说明“基督徒企业”一词对你的意义？
A 由基督徒创立.
B 由基督徒领导.
C 基督教精神.
D 基督徒职工.
讨 论.
反 思.
无需 A 或 B 能实现 C 吗？
这些都是世界领先的公司。它们涵盖了经济的所有领域。你也许会感到惊讶，所有这些公司的创始人都是基督徒。
这些基督徒企业家经商的方式改变了职场文化。这些敬虔的企业家为社会做了很大的贡献。一个多世纪以来他们创建的公司使他们的工人富裕，他们改变了工人的权利，建立了备受喜爱的社区，并倡导以道德和可持续的方式经商。许多人还为教会的使命做出了很大贡献。在公司普遍设立社会责任部门很早以前，他们就已经在通过他们的经商方式来开展事工。也许最重要的是这些公司大胆又闪亮的基督徒见证。
教 导.
这些基督徒企业家没有站在一边进行论断。相反地，他们卷起袖子，成立公司，坚持以上帝的方式经商。毫无疑问这些基督徒企业家的宗教信仰和商业信条是一致的。他们的基本价值观所建造的公司内部文化，在公司创始人离开后很久都还保持着。
他们并不是完人，但毫无疑问，他们的所作所为是强有力的遗产和典范，应当激发我们这一代基督徒企业家。当今的圣徒可
以在这一传承上继续建造。
今天，这些公司中几乎没有由基督徒领导的了。他们的基督徒见证不幸地暗淡下来。我们需要新一代的基督徒企业家来捡起指挥棒再次引领商业文化。
这些基督徒领袖和他们的企业为共同财富做出贡献的做法与今天盛行的经商方式有何不同？
讨论.
下面是 2005 年《今日基督教》上一篇文章的片段；就在信贷危机前几年：
‘今年几个高级别基督徒商人的庭审发出了一个明确的信号：许多信徒完全不知道他们的信仰与其工作的关系。今年 7 月在WorldCom 首席执行官伯纳德·埃伯斯因他在美国历史上最大的公司欺诈案中所扮演的角色被宣判之后，舆论界把火力对准了他。
他们指出，这个“好基督徒”自称的信仰与他领导管理团队走上欺骗道路的行为之间存在脱节。被判有罪的埃伯斯和安然高管肯尼思·莱，以及被宣判无罪的 首席执行官理查德·斯克鲁西，都是已知的积极去教会的信徒。
这些“好基督徒”在一家重要的公司承担了领导职责，这值得赞赏。这不是一项容易的工作。但令人失望的是，似乎没有人来装备他们去通过自己重要的职位使神的国度兴盛，最终也带来他们自己的成功。
根据你的经验，经商的基督徒在他们“自称的信仰”和他们的经商方式之间，是否有明确的联系？
讨 论.
如果基督徒商业领袖成功地将商业实践与基督信仰相结合，你能想象的结果是什么？For them 对于他们.
对于他们的公司.
对于商业文化.
在 1 到 5 分之间，你觉得你的商业实践与你的信仰之间的联系有多紧密？
仅仅因为我们是信徒又碰巧是职场的领导者，甚至是成功的领导者，并不能保证我们可以自动有效地在上帝伟大的行动中发挥自己的作用。就像任何其他领域的基督徒门徒训练一样，职场的信徒也需要被装备以上帝的方式经商。
你是否同意这种说法？
反 思.
完全无关.
完全结合.
讨 论.
对你目前经商方式产生主要影响的是什么？
在经商中，你是否定期从圣经寻求智慧？
如果我们要在职场看到上帝的伟大行动，我们需要向上帝寻求.
1. world’…
In 2019, The Edelman Trust Barometer (a survey of over 33,000 people from 28 countries) indicated that only 20% of the interviewees felt that the current economic system was working for them. 76% believed that business leaders should take the lead on change rather than waiting for governments to impose it.
Teaching.
Discussion.
Do you believe the ‘economic system’ needs to change? If so, what do you believe needs to change?
Do you believe that the responsibility to ‘fix the economy lies with business leaders and owners?
Discussion.
Write seven words that you feel describe the prevailing culture of business today in the left-hand column below. Write down the opposite of these words in the right-hand column.
Business culture. Opposite.
Which column best reflects the character of God and His Kingdom? How godly is today’s business culture?
Activity.
The business has forgotten its true role as the creator of collective prosperity through just means. The prevailing culture of business needs to change.
If there was a ‘great move of God’ in the workplace, how might this change the culture of the business?
Abraham
Do you think all Christians in business are called to take a proactive role in this ‘great move of God’?
Do you think Christian entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders have a special role to play?
Which of the four options below best describes what the term ‘Christian company’ means to you?
A Founded by a Christian.
B Led by a Christian.
C Christian ethos.
D Christian workforce.
Can C be achieved without A or r B?
Discussion.
Reflection.
These are some of the world’s leading companies. They cover all sectors of the economy. It may surprise you to know that all of these companies had Christian founders.
The way these Christian entrepreneurs did business changed the culture of the workplace. These godly entrepreneurs achieved a great deal of good in society. They created companies that have prospered their workers for over a century, transformed workers’ rights, built many loved communities, and championed an ethical and sustainable approach to business. Many also contributed much to the mission of the Church.
Long before it was commonplace for companies to have a corporate social responsibility department, they were doing ministry in and through the way they did business. Perhaps most significantly, these companies had a Christian witness that was both bold and bright.
These Christian entrepreneurs did not stand on the sidelines and pass judgment. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves, set up companies, and got stuck into doing business God’s way. There is little doubt that the religious beliefs and business
Teaching
The creeds of these Christian entrepreneurs were aligned. Their founding values created cultures within their companies that lasted long after their founders stood down.
They were not perfect but there is no doubt that theirs is a powerful legacy and a model which should inspire our generation of Christian entrepreneurs. It is a heritage on which today’s saints can build.
Few, if any, of these companies are today led by Christians. Their Christian witness is sadly growing dim. We need a new generation of Christian entrepreneurs to pick up the baton and lead the culture of business again.
What is it about the way these Christian leaders and their companies contributed to the commonwealth that is different from the prevailing way in which business is being done today?
Discussion
Below is a clip from an article in Christianity Today from 2005; just a few years prior to the credit crunch:
‘The trials of high-profile Christian businessmen this year have sent a clear signal: Many believers have little idea how their faith relates to their work. After the July sentencing of World Com CEO Bernard Ebbers for his part in the largest corporate fraud case in American history, commentators had a field day.
They pointed to the disconnect between the professed faith of this ‘good Christian man’ and the way he led his management team in the paths of deception. The convictedEbbers and Kenneth Lay, the Enron executive, and the acquitted HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy are all known as active churchgoing believers.’
It is commendable that these ‘good Christian men’ took on the responsibilities of leadership in a significant company. This is not an easy undertaking. It is disappointing that no one appears to have equipped them to prosper the Kingdom, and ultimately themselves, in and through their significant roles.
In your experience, do Christians in business have a clear connection between their ‘professed faith’ and the way they do business?
Discussion
What do you imagine would be the outcome if Christian business leaders successfully combined business practice with the Christian faith?
For their company.
For the culture of the business.
On a score of 1 to 5, how connected do you feel your business practice is to your faith?
Not at all Fully integrated.
There is no guarantee, just because we are believers and happen to be leaders in the workplace, even successful ones, that we will automatically be effective in playing our part in a great move of God.
Like any other area of Christian discipleship, believers in the workplace need to be equipped to do businessGod’s way.
Do you agree with this statement?
Reflection
Discussion
What is the primary influence on the way you currently do
business?
Do you regularly look to the wisdom of the Bible on business?
If we are to see a great move of God in the workplace, we need to look to God for His vision for the business.
Most of us have read a host of secular books on business but we would have little to say in answer to the questions ‘If Jesus was leading my company, what would Jesus do?’ and ‘What would Jesus not do?’
11.当我们与人和…
「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；」【创50: 20】
当我们与人和好，我们就更认识神。和好的工作可以应用在家庭、朋友、教会、公司，甚至人种与国家。唯有基督是我们的和平，但我们是祂的和平大使。这祝福乃是源自神一开始给亚伯拉罕的应许，而且要扩展到全世界。
神透过约瑟的生平，最直接实现祂说要借着亚伯拉罕的后裔祝福列国的应许。约瑟理解这个使命，且按照神的心意论到他人生的目的：“要保全许多人的性命”。
人纵使我们确定自己是对的，也不代表我们就不需要同理别人可能有不同的观点。好的领袖会努力培养团队精神，而不是嫉妒。约瑟没有注意到这点，使他与他兄弟之间产生严重的对立。因他从小就相信神在身上有伟大的计划。透过梦境，他会高升到领导的位置，高过他父母与兄弟。他兄弟一开始策划要杀害他，但最后决定把他卖给路过的商队。
当我们知道我们是属于主的，也知道祂为弱者伸冤，这的确能帮助我们面对困境而不放弃。带有盼望的故事。最终靠着神的恩典，良善会获胜。即使我们被诬陷、被不当对待，我们还是可以继续进行神给我们的工作，让神最后为我们平反。
在法老面前，约瑟没有使用神唯独启示给祂子民的圣约名字。他避免对法老做出不必要的冒犯。在这点上他做对了，因为法老称颂神把他梦的意思启示给约瑟。在工作场合，有时候信徒可以用很肤浅的方式，把他们获得成功的功劳归给神。约瑟的作法让法老印象深刻，显示出在公开场合把功劳归给神，可以有让人信服的方式。
神与约瑟同在的事实是那么明显，让法老抬举约瑟成为埃及第二大的官员。跟约瑟一样，当我们承认自己无法胜任我们面对的挑战，并找到合适的方式把成功的功劳归给神，我们等于是铸造了强力的护具，把经常随着公开赞扬而来的骄傲挡下来。
约瑟的升迁让他拥有领导者的重要配备。神帮助我们面对失败和挫折，但我们也许更需要祂帮助我们面对成功。经文给了我们几个线索，让我们知道约瑟用合神心意的方式面对他的升迁。其中一部分跟他在升迁之前的预备有关。
当神让约瑟作了关于领导的异梦，使他知道他有一个神给他的神圣使命，是他永远不会忘记的。他的能力是来自于主。约瑟谦虚得体，显示出他想要尽所能地帮助法老和埃及人的渴望。即使埃及人已经失去银两和牲畜，约瑟还是赢得他们和法老自己的信任。他余下的人生是当行政官员，总是委身于良好的管理，使众人得益。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 : 约瑟的故事提醒我们，在我们这个破碎的世界，神对我们祷告的回应不一定总是实时的。约瑟的兄弟们把他卖去当奴隶的时候，他才十七岁。他最后从监牢被释放的时候，已经三十岁，过了整整十三年。蒙主恩典！阿们！
10.凭信心求神的…
「我们要起来，上伯特利去，在那里我要筑一座坛给神，就是在我遭难的日子应允我的祷告、在我行的路上保佑我的那位。』【创35: 3】
以撒的生命是神赐下的礼物。亚伯拉罕和撒拉很爱他，并把他们的信仰和价值观传递给他。他和他父亲一样，并没有把财富积藏起来，而是忠心实行神所给他的角色，把祝福传递出去，最终万国都会因而受到祝福。以撒是一个负责任的儿子，学了如何领导家庭并经营事业，而且用的方式尊荣了他那位有能力又敬虔的父亲。
经营家族事业意味着家族的根本结构需要保持完整，而且这是父亲的工作。长子继承权和祝福。以撒没有理解雅各才是接受长子继承权及祝福的人选，是因为他视自己安乐的重要性高过家族结构的需要。
过渡沈浸在自己个人的视角可能会导致我们严重误判情势。我们每个人都受到试探，要专注在自己的舒适、偏见和个人喜好上，但此举让我们看不见我们工作更长远的重要性。我们的弱点可能在于跟我们完成神旨意的工作有所冲突的荣誉、稳妥的财务、冲突避免、不正当的关系、短期奖励及其他个人的好处上。在这方面，有个人的因素，也有结构性的因素。
雅各与神面对面了。在他软弱的时候，他凭信心呼求神的祝福，因而在恩典之中被改变了。
虽然神的计划是要让雅各继承以撒，但利百加和雅各用欺骗和偷窃的方式取得祝福，让整个家庭陷入危机。他们为了保有未来，用不符伦理的方式对待丈夫和哥哥，而不是信靠神，结果这对家庭事业造成重大又长期的分化。
神的圣约祝福是礼物，只能领受，不能自行抓取。这祝福带来责任，领受者要与别人分享这祝福，而不能藏起来独享。雅各没有承担起这责任。虽然雅各有信心，他却仰赖自己的能力去取得他重视的权利。雅各利用以扫饥饿的弱点，怂恿他卖掉他的长子继承权。虽然雅各重视长子继承权是一件好事，但他将之占有的自私动机却表现出信心的缺乏，尤其是他占有的方式。他遵从他母亲利百加的建议，欺骗了他父亲。他之后逃家的生活证明了他这行为有多么不可取。
雅各一直以来都真实相信神的圣约应许，但他却没有活出信靠神的生活。成熟、敬虔的人已经学会让他们的信心转变他们的选择。雅各固执地要为自己抓取利益，显示出他的恐惧使他无法被神的恩典改变。若我们真的相信神的应许，我们比较不会去刻意操作情势，让我们得到好处。我们需要不断提醒自己，我们很轻而易举就可以欺骗自己，相信自己的动机是纯洁的。
在这段期间，雅各学到如何给牲畜育种，他就利用这技术跟拉班讨回公道。透过育种的技术，他从拉班那里得到很多财富，到一个地步，拉班的儿子抱怨：“雅各把我们父亲所有的都夺了去，并藉着我们父亲的，得了这一切的荣耀。”
虽然他表面上把荣耀归给神，但显然他的财富是他耍花招得来的。在这阶段，我们没有看到他把信仰跟工作结合在一起。这是故事刻意营造的悬疑，藉此强调雅各与神与人的争战，是不可分割的。雅各为我们做了一个信仰核心真理的示范：我们与神的关系，跟与人的关系，是有关联的。我们与神和好，可以让我们与别人和好。奉主耶稣基督的圣名祈求！阿们！
学习体会 : 原来神不只是敬拜与信仰的对象，也是工作与家族事业的神。祂完全可以胜过雅各这个狡猾的操控者。仗着自己的优势，祂打伤雅各的髋部，造成永久性的伤害，但雅各在虚弱之余，对攻击者说，他不会投降，除非祂给他祝福。蒙主恩典！阿们！
9&10…