Studies in Ephesians 36 BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS EPHESIANS

Studies in Ephesians (36) BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS EPHESIANS 6: 5 -9

Our text 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! •

Employees (Bondservants) – 6: 5 -8 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.

Employers (Masters) – 6: 9 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 •

Spiritual application – 6: 5 -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?

We are always representing Him! How is our conduct in our employment?