Ephesians 6:5-9
Introduction
Not the chattel slavery that comes to mind
Why the ESV uses bondservants
Slaves were considered to be members of the Roman Household
The end of the Household relationship discourse
Addressing workers in the household, applicable for all working relationships
v. 8, “whether he is a slave or free”
Instructions for Servants v.5-8
v. 5-6: “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers,"
A change in attitude
Obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart
Not out of fear of retaliation
Paul’s use of fear is similar to the Fear of the Lord - “As you would Christ”
Not out of a desire for your own gain
AFCA conference
Many people will do anything just to try and get ahead
For some - every interaction was an interview
These people would do anything for their Head Coaches, in the hope of getting a recommendation for a better job
Rather, work as if you’re working for the Lord
v. 6-7, Work “as bondservants [or Slaves] of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,”
Two ideas from Paul’s writings come together in v. 6 and 7
Slaves to Christ
Romans: But now that you [Believers] have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
All believers are no longer slaves to sin, having been purchased by the blood of Christ
To be a slave to Christ is to present yourself to Christ as a living sacrifice, living in righteousness and the fruit of the spirit
And, "rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man”
The Colossian Household - Ch. 3
v. 23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”
Your work is the testimony of who you serve, a testimony for the Lord.
The Coach from Texas
“I’ve thought about moving up, but right now I know that God has placed me here, so I’m going to do my best where I’m at.”
He wasn’t concerned with people pleasing
This countercultural attitude was a testimony to his faith
The reassurance
Why work when you get nothing in return?
v. 8 “Whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.”
God is just, and he will repay good for good
Also a reminder that this command is for everyone. In every situation, work as if you’re working for the Lord
Instructions for Masters v.9
“Do the same to them”
Every instruction for the slave applies to the master as well.
Treat those that work for you with respect, as your work is your testimony
Many coaches berate players to “motivate” them
The best coaches care for their players
Players will do more for a coach they know cares about them
They may get forceful and stern when necessary, but the players know that they are cared for
“And stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.”
God is supreme over all
He does not care about your wealth, status, or position
He will not excuse your behavior
“We’re getting closer to the God who’s not short on cash”
Conclusion
Your work is a testimony for God
He is over your whole life, the master over everything you do. He is the master over those who you work for, He is the master over those who work for you. Even if they don’t know it.
In your work, work as if you are working for Christ himself
To those you are in charge of, show Christ’s love
You have been purchased by Christ’s blood. You are no longer owned by sin, by status, by man’s approval, or by wealth. You do not need to work for any of those things. Work for the one who purchased you — The God of the Universe come to sacrifice himself so that you might be redeemed and have relationship with him. In all things, work as if you are working for the Lord.
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