Enslaved Series

INTRO.- Enslaved. That word doesn’t sound very good. We don’t like to think we’re enslaved to anything or anyone. But all of us are under a yoke of slavery, in a sense.

Do you drink coffee? Do you like it? Can you go without it? Can you start your morning without it?

ILL.- Someone wrote these words about coffee addiction. You know you are addicted to coffee if:

-You sleep with your eyes open.

-The only time you’re standing still is during an earthquake.

-You’ve worn out your third pair of tennis shoes this week.

-You chew on other people’s fingernails.

-You don’t sweat, you percolate.

-You walk twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it’s not plugged in.

-People get dizzy just watching you.

-You have a picture of your coffee mug on your coffee mug.

-You can outlast the Energizer bunny.

-You soak your dentures in coffee overnight.

Coffee is somewhat addicting, however, it’s not all that bad. I read recently that coffee is actually good for you.

After analyzing data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years, Harvard researchers calculate that compared with not partaking in America’s favorite morning drink, downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. But having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30% over java avoiders. SIX CUPS?

Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk.

Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones. WOW!

Go ahead and drink up! But the point is we’re all addicted in some form or to something in life! If it’s something bad we don’t like to face up to it or talk about it, but if it’s a good addiction, that’s good. Bad addictions are sinful. Good addictions may help us in life.

For example, I was addicted to running at one time. I freely admit it, but it was a good addiction because it made me heart healthy, gave me energy for work, etc.

What’s your addiction? What’s your yoke of slavery? Work? Sports? TV? Hobbies? Shopping?

PROP.- Paul mentioned two distinct areas where we are often under a yoke of slavery. Let’s consider them and how to overcome this yoke of slavery.

1- Enslaved to work

2- Enslaved to false thinking

I. ENSLAVED TO WORK

1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect. MASTERS?

ILL.- The office happenings.

- Quote from a recent meeting: "We are going to continue having these meetings, everyday, until I find out why no work is getting done".

- Quote from the Boss... "I didn’t say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame it on you."

- Quote from the Boss after overriding the decision of a task force he created to find a solution: "I’m sorry if I ever gave you the impression your input would have any effect on my decision for the outcome of this project!"

Did you ever have a boss like that? Ever have one that had ALL the answers and you could say nothing or do nothing to please him or her?

Obviously, Paul is talking about master and slave relationship in these verses but the only way we can apply it is to our work or job.

We are supposed to respect our boss, managers, etc. so that God’s name will not be slandered.

Most of us, if not all of us, have had a bad boss or two in life and the Christian is supposed to respect the boss as best they can and work hard. Doing this will present a good witness for Christ.

ILL.- When I worked for Safeway stores in Joplin, MO, back in the 60‘s I had a store manager who could be a goofy as a pet coon. I saw him take a jar of peanut butter off the shelf one day, open it, dip his finger in it and lick the peanut butter off his finger. Then he put the lid back on and put the jar back on the shelf. IMAGINE SOME CUSTOMER’S SURPRISE WHEN THEY OPENED THAT JAR?