FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Romulus, MI Rev. Carl Threat, Jr. Pastor

Week 9: Keep the Right Attitude (Part 1)

OVERVIEW & LESSON

SERIES OVERVIEW:

Though Zacchaeus had a bad reputation, he wanted to see Christ Jesus for Himself and took full opportunity to welcome the LORD into his life. As a result, the former shady tax collector changed his attitude and began to serve the LORD through the financial gain of his enterprise.

Likewise, we all should seek to serve God through our jobs, hobbies, careers, and philanthropy. This can include charitable giving, applying our talents to such service, or any host of endeavors inspired by the Holy Spirit.

This series explores Biblical texts that should motivate us to work for Christ (not for man) no matter our area of employment, entrepreneurship, public service, career, or philanthropy.

TODAY'S LESSON:

Many people call the beginning of Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount the "Beatitudes." In our study today, we'll look at these teachings to learn how to properly motivate ourselves to serve God and gain the benefits He has promised.

MEDITATION

[Col 3:23-25 KJV] 23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

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[Col 3:23-25 NLT] 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Holy Text

Matthew 5:1-16

[Mat 5:1-16 NLT] 1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them. 3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.