49-47 Laboring For The Master

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2974 Company’s “Work Break”

2974 Company’s “Work Break”

“To all employees: Due to increased competition and a desire to stay in business, we find it necessary to institute a new policy. We are asking that somewhere between starting and quitting time, and without infringing too much on the time usually devoted to Lunch Periods, Coffee Breaks, Rest Periods, Story Telling, Ticket Selling, Vacation Planning and the re-hashing of yesterday’s TV programs, each employee endeavor to find some time that can be set aside and known as the “Work Break.”

I think many businesses are trying to find ways to increase productivity without

Our passage today takes us to the heart of submission of Xns to the authority God has placed over them. A lengthy discussion of submission has been Paul’s emphasis in Eph 5-6. It began with the call to be subject to one another, wives to be submissive to husbands, children to parents (obedience)—now submission as it pertains to the slave/master relationship.

Eph 6:5-9 is applied directly to slaves of Paul’s day but by extension to all those in an employee-employer relationship.

Our day is marked by the classic struggle between employer/ee. Conflicts rage as each side accuses the other of selfishness and unreasonableness. Employees want smaller work loads, fewer, hours, more vacation, higher pay and benefits. Employers want more productivity, more profits, greater control of workers.

We see it all around us—TV, News, Media—these conflicts are glorified/exalted. People are encouraged to fight against the authority of an employer. Labor Unions—in and of themselves are not wrong but they result in untold numbers of people to live apart from the biblical design of obedience to an employer.

Important to recognize that God’s provision for curbing rebellion in human heart is the relationship of authority and submission (everyone to everyone, wives to husbands, children to parents, to government, to elders, to employers). We live under authority and are commanded to subject ourselves to that authority b/c it comes directly from God—and its for our good.

Turning to Eph 6, Paul outlines what concerns the Lord in regards to our work, our relationship to those over us and why we should offer our best when it comes to work. Now, I realize many here are considered self-employed/or retired but there are several principles that relate even to those who don’t have an employer over them.

Paul’s instruction to slaves (common word “one who serves in obedience to the will of another”) to be obedient to their master. “Obedient” hupakouo (same 6:1) “to hear—under” As children are to place themselves under the authority of their parents and listen to them—so are slaves to their master.

We are living in a “woke” culture—super, hypersensitivity to all perceived social injustices. Slavery and racism are at the forefront and the present wave of influence is to condemn any and every past slave owner and anyone/any institution that has had connections to slavery at any time.

I don’t remember where it was but I ran across a headline “Is the Bible Pro-Slavery?” This question often surfaces. It is reasoned that since the Bible doesn’t condemn slavery it is favorable toward it.

In Bible times, slavery was common and often abused. Both Gk & Roman cultures, slaves generally had no legal rights and were treated as commercial commodities—to be bought and sold.

Even though today slavery is view with much contempt, it was seldom discussed in Bible times. In fact, no ancient government ever considered abolishing the institution of slavery and even the slave rebellions of the time were not for the purpose of abolition. It was a part of life, the labor structure of the time.

There are several misconceptions about 1st Century slavery.

1) The misconception of a wide separation between the slave and freedperson,

2) all slaves were badly treated,

3) all who were enslaved were trying to free themselves from that bondage.

Even though the legal status differed between slave and free, practice was much different. Gk law defined 4 elements of freedom for the slave—freedom to act as one’s own legal person, freedom from being seized as property, freedom to earn a living in the way one wanted and freedom of movement including the right to live where one wished.

A Gk slave could own property—even his own slaves and could take employment in addition to their duties as slaves. Very complex labor structure that has been misconstrued. Many slaves truly loved their masters and choose to voluntarily live the entire life with them (Master would pierce slave’s ear(Ex 21:5-6). Slaves often enjoyed a much better life b/c they lived in the house of their master and were well-fed/taken care of—treated as a member of family.

But there were many slaves who suffered abuse by their masters. Masters had what is called Paterfamilias—complete control over his slaves and had power of punishment by whipping and by confinement to ergastulum (private prison on most farms) and even the right to execute slave.

It is believed that nearly 1/3 population of Greece was enslaved. Roman empire may have had upwards of 10 million slaves in 1st century AD.

Some have given the argument that Paul supported slavery as an institution (not only in his instruction here but in the account of Onesimus being returned to Philemon). Although Scripture does not speak against slavery as such, it forbids someone from kidnapping a person to make him a slave.

Exodus 21:16 NASB95

“He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.

The more recent slave trade that was prominent until 19th C. was clearly in violation of Scripture. But there were certain types of slavery (non-abusive and beneficial) were permitted and advocated in OT.

Thief who could not make restitution could be enslaved until payment was worked out (superior to our system today).

Israel allowed to buy slaves from pagan nations around them (Lev 25:44) but a fellow Israelite could not be sold (could voluntarily indenture himself until year of jubilee) During the time of service they would be treated as hired workers. Even pagan slaves were given asylum if abused by their master (Ex 21:26-27).

An Israelite could indenture himself (for variety of reasons) and after 6 years given release. Year of Jubilee every slave was to be set free and returned to their families.

This sort of slavery was a blessing to both the master and the slave who would benefit from the protection given by master. Even though it is not condemned in Scripture, clearly the abuse that often accompanied slavery was eliminated by the teaching of both OT & NT.

So the cross changes everything with regards to slaves and masters. Paul teaches believers that slaves are free in Christ and that freemen are slaves of Christ.

As the Roman empire disintegrated and eventually collapsed in the 16th Century, the brutal abuse system of slavery collapsed with it. The reality that where Christ’s love is lived in the power of the H.S. unjust barriers & relationships are torn down—this is the answer to wokeness (not CRT).

The more recent slave trades of Europe and America ceased in large part to the preaching of spirit-filled men like George Whitefield and John Wesley and the godly statesmanship of men like William Wilberforce and William Pitt.

The heart of Paul’s teaching is not about reforming the institution of slavery. He goes right to the core issue—being the heart of man. It is wicked and will always corrupt even the best systems of govt. After the transformation of the heart thru the work of HS—the worst systems of govt are bettered. The solution always goes back to the condition of man’s heart and God’s provision for it in the death and resurrection of LJC. Paul recognized that man’s basic problem is not socio-political or economic but spiritual—that’s where he begins this instruction to saints in Ephesus.

Let me give you a basic outline of Paul’s teaching regarding relationships within the workplace—composed of 3 statements that explain why slaves ought to obey (continual obedience is explicit).

1. Who You Are Serving

Their masters were “according to the flesh”. This does not speak of the spiritual condition of the master. It’s not that a slave can say “Well, my master isn’t a Xn so I don’t owe him any allegiance and I won’t do my best work for him.” Paul is describing the kind of masters that are in view—they are those composed of flesh, human, earthly masters.

The point is that their true Master (vs. 9) was where? Heaven. This is for the Xn. And there is not a distinction b/t serving Xn master & non-Xn master. That’s not the issue—you are actually serving the Master (“M”).

Warren Wiersbe “The fact an employee and his employer are both Xns is no excuse for either one to do less work.”

What Paul is showing is that the authority structure you are now under is temporal. It is important to respect that authority in submission b/c it won’t last forever. B/c of that, your attitude has to be one of fear and trembling. Not idea of fright but honor, respect, esteem a slave gives his master.

Its necessary to remember the sovereign God has placed us in a system where there is authority and submission. He places employers where they are and subordinates where they are and our response is to respect that and honor God by being obedient—not only for the sakes of our earthly masters but much more importantly to our heavenly Master.

By way of application—if you are an employee—the best witness you can have on the job is to do a good/honest day’s job. A Xn will avoid eye-service (service that functions only for the sake of appearance--working and doing his job as long as the boss is working but when he turns his back—you start to slack). We must remember who we work for (ultimately Christ) his back is never turned. He sees all, knows all and if we only work extra hard when someone’s watching—we’re not lining ourselves up under authority of Scripture.

For those who are self-employed—your witness comes every time you have contact with someone else. Remember that you are working for Christ and all that you do should be done to bring honor to Him. Be about the Lord’s work even in your day-to-day routines.

2. Why Obedience Matters

It matters b/c it is God’s will. I think we’re tempted to distinguish between activities that we would consider “sacred” and those which are deemed “secular”. We might think it is more important to do a good job in whatever church ministry you are part of than doing a good job in whatever line of employment you are in. That’s not right.

The work you do—whatever it is should always be viewed as ministry to Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 NASB95

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.

Mediocrity in work (church or your employment)…or only doing your best when someone is watching is not honoring Christ in your service to Him.

Paul says vs 6— “do the will of God from the heart”. In vs 5 he says obedience should be in “the sincerity of your heart” (simple with no ulterior motive). It was not uncommon for slaves to be given tasks that were detestable or menial. It would be the tendency of the sin nature to grumble, complain, do the work half-heartedly—the bare minimum. Whatever work is before you Paul is saying “perform the task just the same.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB95

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

Col 3:22-25.

The issue before you is always a matter of the attitude of the heart. When you work, are you trying to make a good impression on others (men-pleasers), are you promoting your own welfare—or do you strive for diligence? Paul says “with good will” (carries the idea of loyalty, with whole-heartedness, zeal, enthusiasm, and diligence). Diligence in all your work is the will of God. Obedience matters to Him. It matters that your heart is in the right place when you obey.

Matt 21:28-31-parable of 2 sons (not that one!)

Obedience is the will of the Father. That should provide the proper motivation for doing a good job in everything that is before you.

3. What You Will Receive

Don’t overlook the promised reward that is offered to those doing “good things” (vs 8). The rewards that God gives to His own are always appropriate. Many human employers fail to take notice of the good work that their employees do. Not b/c they aren’t necessarily interested but b/c they don’t see everything that happens, they are limited creatures with finite understanding. God on the other hand always takes notice when His servants render obedience service, according to His will and for His glory—and He rewards appropriately.

In Paul’s day, slaves were pieces of property. It didn’t matter how educated they were or how cultured they were. In fact, an educated slaved who became a Xn might receive harsher treatment from his master b/c of his faith. But that treatment was not to keep him from performing his duties to the best of his ability.

The parallel comes in both your place of employment as well as your ministry to the body of Christ. Whatever duties you perform, work outside or inside the church—your work is to Christ who is the rewarder not man.

Much of this portion of Eph is instruction to the slave/employee. But it was also necessary for Paul to address those “masters” or employers as to their responsibility before the Lord.

It goes back to the concept of mutual-submission (5:21) in vs 9.

Masters—by extension, Xn employers are to have the same attitude toward your workers as they have for you. When he says do the same thing—he means doing God’s will from the heart (6).

He tells them to “give up threatening” One of the common injustices of slavery was cruel treatment and the threatening of punishment to keep slaves in check. An employer is not to use his authority to push his own agenda but rather use it “as to the Lord.” Realize that you are responsible to Christ for your actions and therefore should not threaten workers—not to lord authority over them.

Just a note Paul stresses the equality between slaves and masters (as he does in Philemon with Onesimus)—Xn slaves and Xn masters are spiritually equal (Gal 3:28) b/c they have the same Master and that with God there is no partiality. God doesn’t extend favor/grace based on your position. He doesn’t have a different standard for slaves (employees) and masters (employers).

His impartiality (by the way—mentioned thruout NT…)

Acts 10:34–35 NASB95

Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.

Romans 2:11 NASB95

For there is no partiality with God.

Colossians 3:25 NASB95

For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

Impartiality is the closing truth regarding the command to subject yourself to one another in the fear of Christ (5:21). We are to be mutually submissive to one another b/c we serve a common Master—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—and from Him our reward will be appropriate for our service to Him.

William Barclay says...

The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians Masters and Slaves (Ephesians 6:5–9 Contd)

The problem of work would be solved if workers and employers alike would take their orders from God.