Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Ephesians 6:5–9

Introduction:

· Context is King: The Household code describes spirit-filled living in various relationships

LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE GOSPEL TRANSFORMS THE MISSION FOR FAMILY, THE PRACTICE OF PARENTING, AND OUR VOCATION.

I) The New Mission for Parenting

A. The Family is the Incubator for Faith

i. The Challenges to Family:

1. 1stcentury families were less-stable structure focusing on safety, provision

2. Threats to family: ¼ kids will be raised w/o father à poverty, crime, etc.

ii. Vitality in the Land is tied to the health of the family (vs. 2b-3)

1. While not a formula/guarantee, flourishing requires healthy family

2. SO: A parent’s primary calling is discipleship: Prayer, scripture, worship (vs. 4b)

B. The Family is Rooted in the Fatherhood Of God

i. The home shapes how you experience God

1. Our conception of God comes from our parents: Patient? Picky?

2. Our parenting pattern mirrors our parents: Abusers, alcoholics, etc.

ii. Paul grounds parenting instruction in the nature of God as Father

1. God is the perfect loving Father who parents us! (1:2, 3, 2:19-20…)

2. APPLICATION: ALL must nurture our relationship with God our Father!

NOW, WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

II) The Practice of Parenting

A. Parents are to Discipline their Children (vv. 1-4)

i. Obedience to parents is right because authority is from God (vs. 1)

1. 75% of parents are worried about mental health àdon’t discipline!

2. Discipline reflects God’s loving authority therefore, it is right to obey

3. APPLICATION: There are grey-area situations (Stay out past curfew, or require them to come home?) but you are the parent àyou have authority

ii. Parents are not to exasperate their children (vs. 4)

1. This does not – cannot – mean don’t make your kids mad

2. “Exasperation” means teaching piety while being a hypocrite

B. Children Obey & Honor their Parents

i. Children are to obey (vs. 1)

1. Obedience means “under hearing” and it’s a way to love God

2. APPLICATION: God is pleased when we empty the dishwasher!

ii. All are to Honor: (vs. 2)

1. All of us are to honor –to treat with value – this is precious!

2. APPLICATION: Caring for elderly parents? Taking away the keys?

i. Limits: what about unhealthy parents?

NOW, LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE GOSPEL CHANGES THE WORK WE DO.

III) The Work of Our Hands (vv. 5-9)

A. The Gospel Gives us A New Purpose In Work

i. A secular way of work

1. A word on slavery – some see work not as slavery, but as drudgery

2. Some work for “eye service” – to impress others (vs.6)

ii. Work is serving Christ (vs. 5-7)

1. Work is a means of “Slaving-Christ” (vs. 6)

2. Work is a means of wholehearted doing God’s will (vs. 7)

3. EXAMPLE: Willy Krahnke

B. The Gospel Transforms the Relationships Within Work

i. Employees serve as though serving Christ

1. You do your work as though you are serving Jesus (vs.

2. EXAMPLE: Seeing people not as profits, projects, problems, but Christ

ii. Employers serve as though accountable to Christ (vs. 9)

1. You have people working for you: model Christ to your employees

2. EXAMPLE:

Transition:

Conclusion

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