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Studies in Ephesians (36) BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS. Ephesians 6:5-9. Text addressing bondservants and their masters While an ugly part of our history, slavery has been done away with
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Studies in Ephesians (36)BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS Ephesians 6:5-9
Text addressing bondservants and their masters • While an ugly part of our history, slavery has been done away with • The Bible addressed it as tolerated and regulated it. In reality, scripture points toward it being best if abolished – Matthew 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:20-22, Philemon 12-16, 22-23, etc. • The Bible was not written with the intent of overthrowing governments or social orders. The gospel is about changing souls! Our text
Bondservants - Often part of the household – called upon to be respectful • Be obedient – do your job! • With fear and trembling – one day we will answer for our failures – Philippians 2:12 Employees (Bondservants) – 6:5-8
In sincerity of heart – singleness (KJV) – to act with undivided attention. Give your best! • Not with eye service – as men pleasers – we must have a good “work ethic” – do your job, even when the boss is not around.Also without bitterness, complaining, criticizing, etc. Employees (Bondservants) – 6:5-8
As bondservants of Christ – doing His will from the heart! When we give our best it is “the will of God” Colossians 3:23 • With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord – Cheerfully, graciously and gladly doing your work! Do NOT contribute to a poor work environment Employees (Bondservants) – 6:5-8
Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord – do you feel unappreciated in your job? Do your best, and what is right – God knows and sees – Galatians 6:7, 2 Corinthian 5:10 Employees (Bondservants) – 6:5-8
Other texts • Colossians 3:22-25 obey in all things, do it heartily as to the Lord • 1 Timothy 6:1-2 – count your master worthy of honor. Do not despise, even believing masters • Titus 2:9-10 – respectful, don’t pilfer • 1 Peter 2:18-20 – not only to the good and gentle. Employees (Bondservants) – 6:5-8
Do the same – consider the above qualities! Be a Christian. • Do not threaten them – don’t be harsh or overbearing! Colossians 4:1 • Realize you are serving God – you have a master in heaven! Put yourself in the shoes of the one working for you (be considerate) • There is no partiality with Him - Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11 – treat all fairly and equally (consistent) Employers (Masters) – 6:9
Other texts – • Colossians 4:1 – be just and fair • Matthew 7:12 – treat them like you want to be treated • James 5:4 – judgment for those who defraud Employers (Masters) – 6:9
We are bondservants of Christ (6:6) • Romans 6:16-18, 22 – we are His bondservants • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – you are not your own • 1 Corinthian 4:1-2 – a faithful steward • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – always abounding in the work of the Lord Spiritual application – 6:5-9
We are bondservants of Christ • Are we obedient with fear and trembling? • Are we sincere of heart? • Is our service only “with eyeservice”? • Do we act with goodwill toward Him? • Do we serve Him in hope? Spiritual application – 6:5-9
We are always representing Him! How is our conduct in our employment?