1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

2. RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY
From our last study, entitled “Precepts for Christian marriage”, we learnt that the true measure of a Christian home is not it’s abundant material possessions but the quality of love, care and submission that exists in it. The submission of the wife to her husband reflects her submission to Christ. The love of the husband shows His obedience to Christ. And as the Church is the Bride of Christ, every believer – married or unmarried – should endeavour to be part of the universal, heaven-bound church.”

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 737: BELIEVERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AT HOME AND AT WORK
MEMORY VERSE: …… “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be free or bond” (Ephesians 6:7,8). TEXT: Ephesians 6:1-9

4. INTRODUCTION
The family is the basic unit of the church as well as the society. A healthy family will positively affect the society and vice versa. In a godly home, there is healthy relationship between husband and wife and between parents and children. The believer is expected to show godly character at home either as a child, father or mother, or at work either as an employer or employee and wherever he finds himself. His life should be of positive influence.

5. GODLY CHARACTER AND RESPOSIBILTIES OF CHILDREN AT HOME Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 23:22
Children are commanded to obey and honour their parents regardless of whether they are Christians or not. Their obedience should be prompt and precise but it must be in the fear of the Lord, as long as their parents’ requests do not contradict the Word of God. They are also expected to honour their guardians at school, church and in the community.
QUESTION 1: To what extent should Christian children obey their parents? – Eph 6:1; Acts 5:29

6. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF SCRIPTURAL PARENTING Colossians 3:21; Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 22:6
Parents should bring their children up in a godly way by leading them to know the Lord (in word and example), training them, providing for them, nurturing them, controlling them, loving them, correcting and instructing them. Correction should be void of anger, harshness and malice. Parents should avoid provoking their children, bringing them down, discouraging or intimidating them.
QUESTION 2: Mention negative ways in which some parents treat their children– Col 3:21; Gen 25;28

7. GODLY SERVICE AND INTERGRITY OF RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEES Ephesians 6:5-8
There is no place for laziness or eye service as a Christian. We should be punctual, faithful, obedient, honest, responsible and diligent at work. We should serve in singleness of heart because faithfulness at work is acceptable service unto the Lord.
QUESTION 3: How should servants and employees discharge their duties? – Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-24
QUESTION 4: As Christians, what should characterise our service at the place of work? – Rom 12: 11a; Eph 5:16; Eccl 9:10

8. BROTHERLY LOVE AND HUMLITY DISPLAYED BY MASTERS Ephesians 6:9 ; 1 Peter 3:8
Christians who are employers or have positions of authority should consider it as a privilege from God and should use their position for God’s glory by loving and helping those under them. They should be humble and should not consider themselves superior to them. They should be patient, kind, courteous and avoid hurting others.
QUESTION 5: What should be the right attitude of masters to their servants? – I Pet 3:8; Lev 19:13 ; 1 Thes 3:12

9. CONCLUSION
Our Christianity should be visible at home and at work. Parents should lead their children to Christ, provide for, care for and correct them. Children should obey and honour their parents in the Lord. Employees must not do their work with eye service but faithfully and diligently as unto the Lord. Employers should lead by example. They should love and help the less privileged. They should be humble and not lord it over those that are under them.