STRONGER-Part 17-AFTER THE SERMON
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!
Sermon Title: Stronger at Work
Main Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Check out this overview of the entire book, especially the first chapters of Ephesians to better understand the depth of Ephesians 1 Ephesians Overview
Summary:
The historical and cultural background to our scripture today is extremely important. Once we better understand the Roman history of slavery we can better understand Paul’s instruction to those who were Christian slaves and masters. The gospel, the good news of Jesus, was spreading quickly throughout the greco-roman world. The gospel does not discriminate and in the church of Ephesus there were slaves and masters who were becoming Christians and coming together for fellowship and worship, under one roof. Paul focuses on how slaves and masters were to work and do life together now that they both are believers and servants of God. How amazing would it be to see a slave and master attend the same church but the master is seen serving food to a slave or sitting next to the slave at a table, as an equal. That’s what the gospel did back then! So how do we derive any lesson or application to us, today? All theologians and commentaries point to Christian’s applying the principles of this text to our witness and work ethic for God in our workplaces.
Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes:
History of slavery under Roman rule in the 1st century
It has been estimated that in the Roman Empire there were 60,000,000 slaves, about one third of the total population.
Roman citizens believed it was beneath them to work. Practically all work was done by slaves. Doctors and teachers, even the closest friends of the Emperors, like their secretaries who dealt with letters, appeals and finance were slaves.
As Rome conquered many nations, the prisoners of war became their slaves. This means they didn’t enslave one race.
Some slaves were treated like family. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naval and army commander (AD 23-79) offered his slaves a living will. For many, the only way of survival was through slavery, the other option was death. While there may have been a few masters who treated slaves well, for the most part the life of a slave was grim and terrible.
A big question...Why didn’t Paul outright condemn slavery or try to over throw it?
Unfortunately, Rome’s power and influence was so dominate, slavery was as common and normal to the way of life in Rome as electricity and cell phones are normal to us.
Paul was in no position and extremely outnumbered to attempt an abolitionist movement. In fact, if Rome caught wind of a civil opposition to their way of life they would quickly stomp them out. If Paul did attempt it, this would affirm the anti-christian Jews who were falsely conspiring and claiming that Christian's are an opposition to Rome’s rule.
Paul was called by God to preach repentance and belief in Jesus as Lord and savior of their lives, this included roman citizens and their slaves. The gospel came to set people free from sin that enslaved them. The gospel wouldn’t transform the civil laws directly but it would transform hearts that would eventually change laws of the land. The way Paul would reform society would be to transform hearts who legislated the injustice.
Overall, the message of the gospel condemns slavery (Gal. 3:26-29). “It is significant that, whereas marriage and the family are present in scripture as divine ordinances, no such claim is made for the institution of slavery.” -Expositor’s Commentary, pg 83.
One salvation, one day, one year at a time, Rome would change.
**Paul did not ignore the situation altogether. Instead, Paul instructed the slave and the master how to respect one another and shine for God in this unfortunate reality. This instruction from Paul in their day and time would be a radical step forward in their grim context.
V. 5-7 Paul encouraged Christian slaves to serve their masters in three ways:
Obey and serve your earthly masters, as if you’re serving Christ.
Work hard even when no one is watching. Don’t do “eye-service,” work and serve as if God’s eyes are always on you.
Paul coins two new words to express what he means here – one is anthropareskos: a “man-pleaser” (as opposed to a theareskos – a “God-pleaser”), and the other is ophthalmodoulia: “eye-service”, working only when someone’s got their eye on you. Work as well as you possibly can at all times, because you are ultimately working for God, doing your very best for him in every situation, including your work.
Work with enthusiasm, as if you’re working for the Lord, rather than people.
The greek words used have to do with an eagerness that “does not wait to be compelled” or told to work.
To work diligently when the earthly master isn’t watching or to work enthusiastically and without force was in a sense to transcend their slavery and live as free agents in those moments.
“Spiritual freedom was not to lead them to rebel against their masters. On the contrary, as a believer the slave should render an even greater obedience and faithfulness now “because honor of Christ and the gospel was bound up with the quality of his service.” FF Bruce, Full Life pg. 1079
A rebellious slave would not experience mercy nor would it make the gospel message of Jesus attractive, but if a Christian slave worked and served their master with their whole heart and with enthusiasm then it would shine the goodness of God to their earthly masters.
There was a piece of papyrus scroll found, dated in A.D. 157 where a master freed five slaves, “because of their good-will and affection.” -Expositors Commentary, pg. 84
V. 8 There is a reward for doing good and serving God in all circumstances.
God would reward them for the good they do, whether slave or free. The Christian slave could cheerfully serve even an unreasonable master, knowing that his or her reward will come from Christ
The slave or free are promised the same inheritance Ephesians 1:3-11.
V. 9 Paul then addresses Christian masters. He advises them to conduct their position with grace in two ways:
Treat your slaves the same way you would want to be treated.
A slave is not to be regarded as a "tool" or a "thing," or as "property." He is a man; a redeemed man; an immortal man. He is one for whom Christ died. This verse is radical and would have raised the brows of both, slave and master.
Masters were to refrain from browbeating and threats of punishment for unsatisfactory work. Vicious cruelty was common among pagan slave-owners. Christian masters were to behave differently by not cracking the whip but treating their slaves kindly and fairly.
Here’s what it could have looked like if the master and the slave were both Christians...if the relation continued: “It would be of mutual confidence and respect. The master would become the protector, the teacher, the guide, the friend; the servant would become the faithful helper - rendering service to one whom he loved, and to whom he felt himself bound by the obligations of gratitude and affection. This state of relationship would soon lead to emancipation.” -Barnes Commentary
Remember that although you are a master of men, you are still a servant of God.
Paul reminded masters that God is master over them. A master is not greater than his slave from God’s perspective. God has no favorites.
A master’s submission to God would be to treat their slaves with the grace, gentleness and generosity that God shows them.
Application: Thankfully, this scripture is irrelevant today compared to 1st century Rome or 17th to mid-19th century, America. We can derive lessons on how we as Christian’s should conduct ourselves at work, whether we are employees or supervisors.
Two reasons the work ethic of Christians should be the best in the workplace:
We work hard and with enthusiasm because we're working for and to glorify God in our workplaces.
Our motive for working hard isn’t to receive earthly recognition or rewards. We work hard because we know God sees us even when others don’t. We work hard knowing we will be recognized by the Lord and master of the universe. A generous reward with an eternal, priceless inheritance is waiting for us.
I can’t promise these practical tips will help you elevate or get promoted at work. But here’s what you can do for God at work and let His favor take care of the earthly promotions and heavenly rewards:
Glorify God at Work-Employee
Work harder than everyone else in the room even when no one is watching.“The conviction of the Christian employee is that every single piece of work he produces must be good enough to show to God.” -Barclay
Go above and beyond.
Be punctual and thorough.
Strive to help your boss and company thrive. (Make him or her look good)
Help other employees be successful. Serve those around you.
Do jobs no one else wants to do.
Work enthusiastically, with a good attitude, in every situation.
Always speak well of your place of employment and your supervisor.
Glorify God at Work-Supervisors
Be considerate and empathetic to the needs of your employees.
Be gentle and gracious with sub par work.
Employees are not a means to an end for your success. Help your employees succeed too.
Lead by example and not from behind a desk.
See, recognize and express appreciation for your employees.
Compliment, encourage and build up at the workplace.
Show dignity and respect to all positions. Jesus would love a janitor just as much as the top salesman.
Reward generously when possible.
Takeaways:
We work hard and with enthusiasm because we're working for and to glorify God in our workplaces.
Our motive for working hard isn’t to receive earthly recognition or rewards.
We work hard because we know God sees us even when others don’t.
We work hard knowing we will be recognized by the Lord and master of the universe.
A generous reward with an eternal, priceless inheritance is waiting for us.
Discussion:
What was one big takeaway for you from today’s message?
What something new you learned, from the message?
What scripture verse stuck out to you and why?
What did you sense the Holy Spirit was saying to you during this message?
If you’re an employee, what kind of person did you strive to be at work? If you’re a supervisor what kind person did you strive to be?
How have you attempted to shine God in your work ethics and conduct?
Have you ever had to be under unreasonable management or supervisor’s…how did you handle it well and maybe not so well?
Why is it important that we conduct ourselves as if we are working for the Lord in our workplaces?
The most important decision you will ever make!
Are you ready to experience salvation and be transformed we encourage you to say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I see my sin and how wrong it is. I see how without Jesus I’m lost. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me from my sin, my past, this world, and your judgment. I repent, I turn away from that life and I put my faith and life in Jesus! Amen!
We would love to know if you made the decision to accept this wonderful gift from God. Let us know!
Pray Together
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!