The World Sphere 

 Abiding is the key 

• Gods person meeting with us via the Holy Spirit
• Gods direction in the word
• Gods people teaching—clarifying –supporting –accountability
• Visuals – what happens when we get abiding wrong – the size of the sphere is not Gods design
• Next week – the enemies desire to entice us from abiding because it impacts that sphere of our lives

The world sphere (what is included in this sphere)

• Constant theme – out of reverence for Christ –Remember Jesus and who He is
• Work—slaves and masters – 30% of the Roman world were slaves –not racial and not chattel slavery –scripture doesn’t affirm it, scripture acknowledges it.
• My identity is established already – a child –redeemed –a brother or sister – a part of the body – purpose
• How does this sphere become all consuming?
• The world expanded –Hobbies, Politics, etc…

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) — 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1. Humility before the Lord and others plays out in every sphere of a disciple’s life

• Ephesians 6:5–9 (NIV)
• Colossians 3:22–25 (NIV)
• Romans 13:1 (NIV)

2. Disciples do work – work is Gods idea

• Scripture reveals We work before the curse —–it was good –has become bad because of sins
• Genesis 1:28 (NIV)
• Genesis 3:17 (NIV)

3. What is the purpose of work?

A. To provide for our families

2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 (NIV) — 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

B. So we have something to share

Ephesians 4:28 (NIV) — 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

C. As our mission field in the world

1 Peter 2:12 (NIV) — 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Titus 2:9–10 (NIV) — 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

D. As a way of bringing order to chaos – doing things that redeem our broken world

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

4. Work remains what it is supposed to be when we abide

• The constant reminder of who we are in Christ keeps us in check

Ephesians 5:15–20 (NIV) — 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 3:12–13 (NIV) — 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

For discussion with your small group, family and friends.

Ice Breaker suggestion: What is your favorite t-shirt slogan, bumper sticker, or meme?

Passages: Ephesians 5:1-21, 6:5-9; Matthew 5:13-16.

Questions to discuss:

1. What was important to you from the sermon? What is God showing you about being a revolutionary disciple?

2. When you think of the world sphere what comes to mind? What would you include in your sphere?

3. Read Ephesians 5:15-19 & 6:5-9. What do these passages show you about the world sphere – interacting in the spaces & places where we work, live and play?

4. What is significant about the attitude of your heart when it comes to work? (All work, whether there is a paycheck involved or not ☺) A)How are the culture’s purposes for work different from God’s purposes for work? B) What part does humility and pride play in how you approach work?

5. Read Matthew 5:13-16. Where has God placed you to be salt and light? A) What opportunities do you have to do good for others and reflect the Kingdom of God to those you work with or live near?

6. What can cause the spheres of your life to get out of sync? A) How is your ‘abiding’ sphere impacting your approach to any of the different spheres?