Prepper Church - August 17, 2025

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The Importance of Paying Fair Wages 

Welcome & Introduction

Welcome, Prepper Church family. Today we honor Christ by honoring those who labor—because in Scripture, fair wages are an issue of justice, mercy, and love.

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are just and merciful. Teach us to reflect Your character in all our dealings—especially with those who work for and alongside us. Grant us wisdom, integrity, and generosity. In Your name, Amen.

Music

Alabama - Forty Hour Week (For A Livin') (Official Video)

Scripture Readings

Read aloud (assign verses to different readers if in a group):

  • Leviticus 19:13 – Do not withhold a worker’s wages.
  • Deuteronomy 24:14–15 – Pay promptly, especially the needy.
  • Jeremiah 22:13 – Woe to those who make others serve without pay.
  • Malachi 3:5 – God judges oppression of the hired worker.
  • Luke 10:7 – The laborer deserves his wages.
  • 1 Timothy 5:18 – Don’t muzzle the ox; the worker deserves wages.
  • James 5:4 – Withheld wages cry out to the Lord.

Sermon / Devotional

Main Idea

Paying fair wages is a spiritual practice that displays the justice and compassion of Christ. Our prepping, bartering, hiring, and skill‑sharing must reflect the kingdom ethic of honesty, promptness, and dignity for every worker.

Key Points

  • God’s Standard: Scripture consistently commands fair, timely pay and condemns exploitation.
  • Prepping Context: Whether cash, barter, or mutual aid—fairness is the measure. Value time, skill, and effort.
  • Witness: Paying rightly honors Christ, strengthens trust, and sets a righteous pattern in your community.
  • Restitution: If you’ve underpaid or delayed, make it right where possible (Matthew 5:23–24 principle of reconciliation).

Personal Reflection (Quiet Time)

  • Have I ever withheld or minimized fair payment? What would making it right look like?
  • Do my deals and trades treat others’ time/skill with dignity and promptness?
  • How can my household model Christlike fairness in our work and bartering?
  • Is there a worker or neighbor I can bless this week in Jesus’ name?

Communion (Optional)

Communion is for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (see Matt 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Cor 11:23–26). Prepare simple bread and cup.

  • Remember: His body broken and His blood poured out—our model of generous love.
  • Examine: “Before you eat… take a long look inside” (self‑examination; 1 Cor 11:28).
  • Receive: With gratitude, in faith and reverence.

Offering

Standard weekly statement: We trust each local group or household to manage their offering locally, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Let your generosity strengthen your nearby community and meet real needs.

Today’s focus idea: Consider blessing a worker, tradesperson, or neighbor who depends on timely wages.

Closing Prayer

Father, every good gift comes from You. Make us a people who pay fairly, act promptly, and love generously, so that our work and worship honor Christ. Send us as faithful witnesses this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

After the Service (Local Groups)

  • Fellowship: Share brief testimonies or needs (keep simple if short on time).
  • Prayer: Pray for workers, employers, and just practices in your community.
  • Action: Identify one tangible way to practice timely, fair compensation this week.

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