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…Becoming a Christian changes everything. It makes you better than what you
were before. If you are a man, it makes you a better man, a better husband, a
better father, a better citizen, a better friend and a better worker. This is
all because of Christ and the Holy Spirit who is working within us.
…Today’s text discusses the duties of slaves and masters. It is the last of
the three examples of the submission of one class of persons to another.
(wives to husbands, children to parents, and here) Paul is not teaching
about the legitimacy or illegitimacy of slavery. In his day, one
half of the
Roman world lived as slaves to the other half. Rather, he is telling of the
nature of the Christian’s work.
TWO DIRECTIVES REGARDING A CHRISTIAN’S WORK REVEALING HOW
CHRIST MAKES US BETTER AT OUR JOBS.
…For Christ in us changes even the way we do the most basic tasks.
I. It
Is The Duty OF ALL Christian Employees To Obey Their Bosses. (vv5-8)
…for we are to submit to them in the work place, for Paul uses the same word
as is found in Eph 6:1. As for the work to be done, employees stand in
relationship to employers just as children do to parents.
A.
An
employee is to have the right attitude for a boss. It is to be one of
“respect and fear.” (5)
1.
This is not a
begrudging respect or a scraping fear. It denotes a proper reverence and
honor that makes a person anxious to please!
2.
Remember, the
principle of authority and submission is God-given and is always to be
honored, so one should willingly and graciously submit.
3.
This may be
difficult at times, particularly if the boss is unwise or arbitrary. Yet, it
is made easier by the thought that you ultimately serve Christ in this.
…obey them, as if they were the Lord Christ.
4.
Remember, your
workplace is your field of service for the Lord. So when you do your work
respectfully, it is a testimony to unbelievers, an encouragement to believers,
and an act of service to God.
B.
An employee must do
his work with sincerity. (v 5b)
1.
Paul uses a
word that means our work is to be done with wholeness and liberality.
…this suggests that we should not hold back from doing our best. We should
pour ourselves out liberally in honest service. “of heart”
2.
In the ancient
world “sine cera” was often stamped onto a piece of pottery…
3.
This means that
we will do our work without complaining, bragging, or criticizing the work of
others.
C.
An
employee must be conscientious in his work, evidencing a loyalty to his boss.
(v 6)
1.
We are to obey
them not only when they are watching us…
2.
Rather, we are
to have a steady faithful service that comes from having our hearts in the
right place. (loyalty) This is the will of God for us. (v 6b)
…that is, having a loyalty to the employer and to the company and a desire to
see the work done. This means we will be reliable, productive, and a
cooperative worker.
3.
This means, we
will not do the minimum that our job requires.
…Also this means we will work just as hard when passed over for the promotion
or not.
D.
An employee must go
about his work “wholeheartedly.” (vv7-8)
1.
This means we
should do our work as if our heart and soul are in it.
2.
Further,
it implies that we do it with cheerfulness and a goodwill with pleasantness.
…”for
every day should be a day of service to the Lord.” (Ecc 9:10), (Col 3:23)
3.
For one day, the Lord will reward you for your faithful diligence in this. (8)
II.
It Is The Duty Of
All Christian Bosses To Treat Their Workers As They Would Desire To Be
Treated.
(v. 9) (less is said here, because submission is
Paul’s theme)
A.
This is the
golden rule for bosses. All believers are God’s children, and both are
serving the Lord who will both judge and reward each one accordingly.
B.
Do not
threaten them, or be harsh with them. View yourself as an equal with them,
yet having a different place in life.
You are to reflect Christ-likeness in all things. God is
not
partial.
LESSONS FOR
OUR LIVES:
1. Being
a Christian changes everything. It will make you a better work and a
better boss.
2. As a
worker, you are to put your heart and soul into your work.
3. Your
work place is your mission field, don't tarnish the Gospel by your work life.
4. If you
are a boss, treat all of your people with respect and dignity and value them.
5.
Perhaps your lack of good works, means that you're unsaved. You must
receive Christ the Lord as your personal Savior from your sin.
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