Working for the Man vs. Being the Man

Teaching Outline

Intro

Alabama Song:

Ephesians 6:5–9 ESV

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, 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.

Background:

Nature of slavery

One out of every two people were slaves

Ways to Become a Slave

Capture

Debt

Punishment

Survival - many slaves were treated better than free persons

Jobs of Slaves

Household jobs

Farming

Apprenticeship

Confidant - Domestic servants were often treated like members of the family

Slavery as a Social Construct

Jesus never directly addressed it because it would distract from His purpose - would have led to violence and bloodshed

Jesus taught principles that would lead to its elimination and modeled the ultimate role of the suffering servant

Mark 10:45 ESV

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Why is it addressed?

Masters might become Christians

Slaves might become Christians (Philemon)

1. Serve the Right Way (vv.5-8)

Ephesians 6:5 ESV

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,

With Respect

(fear and trembling)

With Sincerity

(looking out for the interests of your employer or master)

Ephesians 6:7–8 ESV

7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

With Worship

(let your work be your worship - as you would Christ)

Ephesians 6:6 ESV

6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Work honestly

Don’t Do It for Show

Don’t Be Lazy

Don’t Work Only When Others Are Watching

Work for Future Reward

2. Lead the Right Way (v. 9)

Ephesians 6:9 ESV

9 Masters, do the same to them, 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.

Show Respect

Be fair and honest

Don't Threaten

Represent the Father