(EPH 6:5-9)

Slaves and Masters:

Does the Bible condone slavery?

A) Slave ownership was a common practice long before the time the Mosaic Law was given. So, the law neither instituted slavery nor ended it; rather, the law regulated it. It gave instructions on how slaves should be treated but did not outlaw slavery altogether.

B) Hebrews with Hebrew slaves. The law allowed for Hebrew men and women to sell themselves into slavery to another Hebrew. They could only serve for six years, however. In the seventh year, they were to be set free (Exodus 21:2). This arrangement amounted to what we might call indentured servanthood. And the slaves were to be treated well: “Do not make them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you” (Leviticus 25:39–40). The law also specified that, “when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you” (Deuteronomy 15:13–14). The freed slave had the option of staying with his master and becoming a “servant for life” (Exodus 21:5–6).

-The Bible protected slaves so they would not be mistreated

-People actually sold themselves into slavery because they could no longer pay for the necessities

In the Book of Genesis, there was a major famine in the land of Egypt. When the people ran out of money to by food, they sold there property. But when they ran out of things to sell, they sold themselves into slavery to pay back debt

1.(V5) Slaves, obey with deep respect and fear.

A) Slaves were under the authority of their masters.

-Paul says, be wise because they have the right to rule over you

B) The salve should serve sincerely, as they would serve Christ

C) Work hard all the time, even when they are not around

-Work with enthusiasm and put your heart into it

D) Your reward comes from God for your service towards him (Slave or free)

(Application:) How do we apply this to our life today?

1.a) For me personally, I do not have any checking in on me or making sure that I am doing my job.

Eph 6:6 “Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”

-I work hard to be well pleasing to the Lord, even though nobody is watching

1.b) How does this topic relate to you?

We can relate this to an employee / employer relationship

OR

For you it would be a student / teacher relationship or parent / child relationship

You should treat them with deep respect, work hard even when no one is watching (God is always watching)