Ephesians

Fifth Day: Review Ephesians 5:22—6:9, concentrating on 6:5-9.

1. a. In Ephesians 6:5-9 Paul sets forth principles that apply not only to slave and slave-master, but could also apply to the relationship between employee and employer. In addressing the slave (or employee) what does Paul say they should do? (Ephesians 6:5a)

b. The term “obey” is a military term that means “to follow orders.” What should our attitude be as we “follow orders”? (Ephesians 6:5b)

c. From Ephesians 6:6-8, why should we work with the same intensity and care whether we are being observed or not?

2. Challenge: Paul is not addressing the subject of slavery; he is addressing the attitudes of those who lived in a time when slavery was prevalent. Read 1 Timothy 1:9-11. With what group of people are slave-traders listed?

3. God doesn’t promise that your conditions of employment will change, or that your employer is going to be nice to you, but He does promise to reward you for all that you go through in obedience to Him. Perhaps you feel that you’re unable to deal with your particular situation. What do you learn 2 Corinthians 12:9?

4. Personal: God has promised to work all things together for our good (see Romans 8:28-29), and to be there to help us in everything. Whatever situation you are facing, God’s grace is there for you. How has today’s lesson helped you?