Sunday, January 22, 2017 pm
Studies In Ephesians
(36)
BONDSERVANDS AND MASTERS
Ephesians 6:5-9
In our society, though an ugly part of our history, slavery has been
done away with. While the
Bible addressed this as something that was tolerated as part of society
back then, it was a relationship that still required Christians to act
like Christians – brethren.
In truth, scripture seems to point toward it being best that it be
abolished (i.e. Matthew 7:12, cf. 1 Corinthians 7:20-22 – if you can be
made free, use it. Also the
book of Philemon seems to point toward this (Philemon 12-16, 22-23)).
However, having said this, the New Testament is not written with
the intent of overthrowing governments or changing social order or to
engage in civil disobedience (short of Acts 5:29).
The gospel is about changing souls.
If enough souls are changed, society will correct itself.
Having said that, is there still a lesson for us to learn from this
text? I believe there are
lessons to learn, especially as they relate our employment.
We can apply these principles to the employer/employee
relationship. And that shall
be our task this evening.
a.
Bondservants - this
could still be a part of the household.
Many households had servants, for various reasons.
Scripture gives examples of some recognized as part of the family
and often entrusted (i.e. the “tutor” or “schoolmaster” entrusted with
care of the children – Gal. 3:24).
But it is clear that not all were treated respectfully.
THAT behavior is condemned by our faith and in passages such as
our text addressed. In
summary, servants were to be respectful to their master and the master
was to be respectful to the bondservant.
b.
Our text
i.
Be
obedient to those who are
your masters (employers) – repeated in passages about this relationship
more than any other. Simply
stated, we need to do our jobs!
ii.
With
fear and trembling
(humility) – a realization that we are going to one day give an answer
for the we conduct ourselves in every relationship.
Consider Philippians 2:12, work out your own salvation “with
fear and trembling.”
iii.
In
sincerity of heart, as to
Christ (sincerity) – the KJV uses the word,
singleness.
It is a word that means to do something with undivided attention.
What we do is with focus.
Not done with ulterior motives.
Your boss has a right to have you give your best.
This is not always popular today, and from what I hear, far too
many places have far too many whose motives and attitudes are NOT with
sincerity (singleness).
But we are different!
We need to do our job!
iv.
Not with
eyeservice, as men
pleasers (honesty) – not superficially.
Not doing just enough to get by.
The is what we call the “work ethic”.
Sadly, this word includes those who only work hard when the boss
is around, or when there is some incentive attached to it, or just
enough to get by. Also, let
us consider this with our attitudes – we should not work with
bitterness, complaining all the time, criticizing everything (especially
when the boss can’t hear it), etc.
v.
As bondservants of Christ – doing the will of God from the heart.
NOTICE how doing our job properly is “the will of God”.
If we desire to please Him, it will be reflected in our work
habits and ethics. Colossians
3:23, dealing with the same subject we are told, whatever we do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord.
vi.
With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men
(cheerfully) – graciously and gladly do your work.
Even in trying situations, you strive to maintain a good
attitude. This is good for
you and could have an impact on others as well.
At the very least, you will not be contributing to a poor work
environment.
vii.
Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the
Lord, whether slave or free – sometimes, in our jobs, we feel unappreciated – and it may
not be unwarranted. But know
this, if you are doing your best and doing what is right and good, God
knows. Let Him reward you!
Galatians 6:7 tells us that whatever we sow, that is what we will
reap. In fact, don’t
forget 2 Corinthians 5:10 – we must all appear before the judgment seat
of Christ and answer for what we have done.
c.
Other texts –
as we read these, we will not extensively comment on them, but notice
some other thoughts. Most of
them, in one way or another, enhance our text.
i.
Colossians 3:22-25 – obey in all things, do it heartily as to the Lord.
Similar to our text.
ii.
1 Timothy 6:1-2 – count your masters with honor.
Do not despise believing masters, but rather serve them.
If you are privileged to work for brethren – do well.
iii.
Titus 2:9-10 – well pleasing, not answering back or pilfering, showing good fidelity
(honesty). Live as a proper
example, seeking to win them to the Lord
iv.
1 Peter 2:18-20 – be submissive and do your job, not just to the gentle, but even to the
harsh. The ungodliness of
others is no excuse for you to act ungodly.
v.
NOTE:
Do these passages mean that we should not quit a job that is bad?
Not necessarily! Your
job is a part of your life and your wellbeing.
Scripture does not tell you to remain in miserable circumstances
when you can change that without spiritual compromise.
But as long as we are there, we need to realize who we are
representing first – our Lord and our God.
And, who knows? Maybe
your example there could influence someone toward the truth.
Furthermore, make this decision seriously – i.e. you are still
required to provide your living, etc.
In other words, don’t act rashly!
(Example: If possible, don’t quit a job until you have another
one in place).
a.
Our text – Ephesians 6:9
i.
Do the same to them – be a Christian in your dealing with your employees.
Consider some of the qualities we have addressed – fear and
tremble at the presence of God (humble), sincerity in dealing with your
workers, not hypocritical in what you do, with good will toward your
employees, and a realization you too will answer to God.
ii.
Don’t threaten them – don’t be harsh and overbearing.
Don’t be someone workers fear.
Don’t make threats your primary motivating factor.
Don’t create an environment where the only reason someone is
there is they have to be.
(NOTE: No this is not saying, you cannot expect good work and you let
your workers take advantage of you, or discipline them when needed).
Colossians 4:1 tells you to give them what is just and fair, the same
way you want God to give to you.
iii.
Realize you serve God – you have a master to whom you WILL answer one day.
iv.
There is no partiality with Him – God will be impartial.
You be impartial also.
Treat your employees fairly and consistently.
b.
Other texts
i.
Colossians 4:1 – Be just and fair
ii.
Matthew 7:12 – remember the golden rule.
Think about this always. How
would you want to be treated in a given circumstance?
iii.
James 5:4 –
judgment for those who defraud.
Many parables address employers
III.
Apply this spiritually
a.
We are bondservants of
Christ (6:6)
i.
NOTICE how some 5 times
in these verses, our conduct in this is related to our conduct to
Christ.
Romans 6:16-18 tells us that we are now slaves of Christ.
22 – slaves of God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – as individuals – your body is the temple of the
Holy Spirit. We were bought
with a price and we belong to God.
ii.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2,
while speaking primarily of the apostles, speaks of us as servants of
Christ and stewards of the mystery of God.
Stewards are to be faithful.
1 Corinthians 15:58, be steadfast…
always abounding in the work of the Lord…
b.
Are we applying these
standards to our service to Him?
i.
Are we obedient with
fear and trembling?
ii.
Are we sincere of heart?
iii.
Is our service to Him
with “eyeservice, as men-pleasers?
That is, is our faith superficial and only to fool others into
thinking we are fine?
Consider Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16, etc.
iv.
Do we act with goodwill
toward Him?
v.
Do we serve Him in hope,
knowing that we will receive “the same from the Lord”?
As
a part of the body of Christ, we realize that represent Him always.
Let us ensure we will conduct ourselves that way even in our work
situations. And of course,
let us never forget that we are also working for God, and we can’t hide
anything from Him. How are
you doing with your work?