February 24, 2023 -- Acts 18:1-4 -- The Acts of the Apostles: faithfully working and faithfully declaring God to those around us

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After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:1-4 ESV

Perhaps you have heard a fellow Christian use this expression: “he has a tentmaking ministry”. That expression finds its origin here. Paul, and the couple Aquila and Priscilla, made their living by their trade. Their trade happened to be making tents. Today that expression “tentmaker” is used to describe Christians who both work to support themselves and are sent off to proclaim the Gospel.

It is a deep truth. Consider these words “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (II Thessalonians 3:10 ESV). Yet many men today stay home, playing video games and RPG’s, or getting into trouble in a host of ways, not even cleaning their own house or doing appropriate chores to keep their place tidy. They live as if they were children, and this because they have become lazy and unwilling to work.

Believers who work show their devotion to God in their attitude at work. Those who have integrity and give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay are respectable.

Believers who work have opportunities to share their faith with their coworkers. It is amazing the range of things co-workers will talk about. You, believer, share your faith and the deep hope which the Spirit has given you that has its foundation on Jesus Christ.

Believers who, for whatever reason are not able to work, show their devotion to God by their willingness to volunteer, by keeping their place tidy, and by keeping their lives free from sinful practices.  

Believers who work demonstrate the Gospel in action. At every work place there will be times of drama, of misunderstanding and so on. The Christian will show his virtue as he deals with stressful and difficult circumstances. His life reveals that God is his shield and very great reward.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Great and Holy Name. Useful and important work is a joy and privilege that You give to believers. As we work, may Your Spirit empower us to live out our devotion to Jesus. Among fellow Christians who are retired may their lives show that we are not our own, but every part of our lives belongs to You. Where believers are struggling because they cannot find work, or disabilities prevent full or gainful employment, let Your people show their devotion to You by the way in which they live in times of hard circumstances. Amen.

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