ANNOUNCEMENTS During June we are collecting canned and individual serving sized applesauce for Eastern Henrico FISH No jars please !!!

Lesson 55, June 26, 2016 GOD’S NEW FAMILY

Ephesians 6:5-7 NKJV 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

Ephesians 6:8-9 NKJV 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Basic Facts about Slavery  Paul does not appeal to the order of creation since there was no slavery in the beginning.

Basic Facts about Slavery  Paul does not appeal to the order of creation since there was no slavery in the beginning.

Basic Facts about Slavery  Slavery was generally accepted by everyone as a fact of life.

Basic Facts about Slavery  Under Roman law slaves were considered chattel.

Basic Facts about Slavery  The fact that Paul addresses the issue of masters and slaves is an indication that both were an accepted part of the Christian community in that day.

Basic Facts about Slavery  The fact that Paul addresses the issue of masters and slaves is an indication that both were an accepted part of the Christian community in that day. Paul makes a Christ-centered appeal in his instructions to both slaves and masters.

I.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Christian Masters & Slaves in the First Century Christian Slaves 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

Christian Slaves 1)Be Respectful 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling,

Christian Slaves 1)Be Respectful 2)Work Wholeheartedly 6 not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Christian Slaves 1)Be Respectful 2)Work Wholeheartedly 3)Have a Clear Conscience 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

Christian Slaves 1)Be Respectful 2)Work Wholeheartedly 3)Have a Clear Conscience 4)Serve Willingly 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord,

Christian Slaves 1)Be Respectful 2)Work Wholeheartedly 3)Have a Clear Conscience 4)Serve Willingly In each instance the demand is connected to Christ. So by respecting the authority of their earthly masters, they were manifesting their respect for the Lord’s authority.

I.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Christian Masters & Slaves in the First Century Christian Masters 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Christian Masters 1)Be Respectful 9 Masters, do the same things to them.

Christian Masters 1)Be Respectful 2)Do Not Threaten 9 giving up threatening …

Christian Masters 1)Be Respectful 2)Do Not Threaten 3)Remember You Have a Master 9 knowing that your own Master also is in heaven,

Christian Masters 1)Be Respectful 2)Do Not Threaten 3)Remember You Have a Master 4)Jesus Is an Impartial Master 9 and there is no partiality with Him.

I.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Christian Masters & Slaves in the First Century Christianity Undermined Slavery

1)The Common Lordship of Christ

Christianity Undermined Slavery 1)The Common Lordship of Christ 2)The Principle of Justice

Christianity Undermined Slavery 1)The Common Lordship of Christ 2)The Principle of Justice 3)The Doctrine of Salvation

Christianity Undermined Slavery 1)The Common Lordship of Christ 2)The Principle of Justice 3)The Doctrine of Salvation Paul recognized that if God changed the heart and man became a new creature, then logically the rest would follow.

II.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Us in Our Vocations Today Whether “master” or “slave” we should do everything “as unto the Lord.”

II.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Us in Our Vocations Today God will reward our work.

II.The Significance of Paul’s Words for Us in Our Vocations Today Our work is a spiritual issue.