Working For The Man Series

Working for the Man

Ephesians 6:5-9

Ephesians 6:5 (NLT)

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

A Common Practice

 Slavery

 Widespread throughout the Roman empire

 An issue for the church

 Christian slaves

 Christian slave owners

In Like Manner

 The example

 Service to Jesus

 Fear

 Trembling

 The goal

 Teaching people how to live with each other

Ephesians 6:6 (NLT)

Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

The Issue of Integrity

 Hard work

 When the world is watching

 When no one is watching

 The motivation

 Not because you are watched

 Your effort is an act of obedience unto the Lord

Ephesians 6:7 (NLT)

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

All for Him

 Working with enthusiasm

 Taking pride in your work

 Reflection on you

 Reflection on Jesus

 Going the extra mile

 Attention to detail

 Carelessness not allowed

 Working for the Lord

 You were created for His glory

 Your work is a part of His calling

 One day you will give an account

Ephesians 6:8 (NLT)

Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

The Incentive

 Rewards

 In direct proportion to effort

 Regardless of status

 The criteria

 Faithfulness

 Fruitfulness

Ephesians 6:9 (NLT)

And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

Proper Treatment

 Christian brothers

 Earthly position is irrelevant

 Common bond

 Jesus

 The standard

 The love of Christ

 Level ground at the foot of the cross

 Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you

Is Christ Evident in Your Work?

**Powerpoint available on request