Studies in Ephesians (36) BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS

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?