In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode, we discuss the hidden business codes in the New Testament and how they apply to modern-day entrepreneurship. We introduce the concept of household codes, which were instructions for Christian households to live out their faith in a pluralistic culture. These codes also apply directly to business and provide guidance for creating a redemptive and impactful business.

Show Notes

• David Lomas - Reality SF on Household Codes
• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.

Takeaways

• The New Testament contains hidden business codes known as household codes that provide guidance for creating a redemptive and impactful business.
• Businesses should be viewed as economic households, and the values and ethics of the home should be integrated into the business.
• Right relationships in the home are the basis for a godly business that can transform culture.
• The biblical household codes address different groups of people and provide instructions for living out faith in a pluralistic society.
• Integrating personal and professional life and cultivating right relationships are essential for creating a redemptive business.

Keywords

hidden business codes, New Testament, household codes, redemptive business, right relationships, integration of personal and professional life

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode we talk about the false promise of prosperity Gospel, or a "God hack", in our business. We mix up our calling to start a business with the promise that we'll be successful. As we prepare to dive into the New Testament business codes, we have to do a heart check about what we believe God's real purpose is in our business.

Show Notes//

• Virtual Discipleship Groups + Events
• 5Q Assessment: How You're Gifted to Lead Like Jesus
• IT Crowd "spaceology" scene
• John Mark Comer
• David Lomas of Reality SF

Keywords

business, Bible, guiding philosophy, God hack, prosperity gospel, success, wealth, influence, reframing, kingdom of God

Takeaways

• The search for a guiding philosophy for business in the Bible and the temptation to find a 'God hack' for success
• The influence of the prosperity gospel and the obsession with wealth and success in our culture
• The need to decouple financial success from obedience and redefine what success looks like in business
• The importance of reframing our mindset and being open to the unexpected teachings of Jesus
• Seeking God's way of doing business and prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly success

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. If you behave in a moral way, and love your employees, you'll basically meet the mandate. But we believe there is much more to uncover. In this episode we explore the reality many entrepreneurs face: a lack of focus. We see the world in opportunity but struggle to focus our goals. And, even more, we struggle to feel that our work is fully aligned with our life as a believer.

Show Notes //

• Virtual Discipleship Groups + Events
• 5Q Assessment: How You're Gifted to Lead Like Jesus
• With Everything by Hillsong

Takeaways

• As Christian business people, we can experience disorientation as we navigate the tension between the kingdom of God and the world of business.
• It is important to seek God's instructions and align our business practices with His ways, rather than relying solely on secular business philosophies.
• Integrating faith and business means surrendering every aspect of our work to Jesus and allowing Him to guide our decisions and actions.
• Worshiping God through our work means recognizing that our business is an opportunity to honor and glorify Him.

Keywords

hidden business codes, New Testament, guidelines, leading a business, Bible, disorientation, secular business philosophies, seeking God's instructions, integrating faith and business, worshiping God through work

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Search for Business Guidelines in the Bible

03:01 Disorientation and the Tension Between the Kingdom of God and Business

09:56 The Temptation to Rely on Secular Business Philosophies

14:51 The Importance of Seeking God's Instructions for Business Practices

19:58 Integrating Faith and Business: Surrendering to Jesus

24:56 Worshiping God Through Our Work: Honoring Him in Business

28:07 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode