A Witness in the Workplace - October 3, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

A Witness in the Workplace  
Ephesians: 6: 5-9  
Text: “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not  
men.” (vs7)  
  
I. The Apostle Paul addressed an ancient custom that had the potential for  
abuse.  
Dr. George Lyons writes, “The slave-master relationship completes Paul’s instruc- 
tions for the Christian household (see Col3:22-4:1; 1 Pet 2:18-25). In the ancient  
world, slaves were considered as much a part of a family as husbands, wives, chil- 
dren, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family.” (NBBC, Ephesians,  
page 206)  
A. It was a totally different structure in Paul’s day than the horrors of the type of slavery  
that existed in early America.  
•“But if your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he  
loves you and your family and is well off with you, then take an awl and push  
it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life.  
Do the same for your female servant.” (Deuteronomy 15:16-17)  
1.  The Servant often loved the family structure and chose to stay on as a   
servant.  
2. It would be closer in description to our “Employer/Employee” relationship.  
3. However, Paul addressed the potential for abuse in both these roles.  
  
II. The Apostle Paul told the “employee to obey his employer with respect  
and fear and with sincerity of heart as you would obey Christ.” (vs 5)  
A. “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eyes are on you.” (Vs 6)  
B. “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (Vs 7)  
1.  “Because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever  
good he does, whether he is an employee or employer.” (Vs 8)  
  
III. “And employers, treat your employees in the same way.” (Vs 9a)  
A. “Do not threaten them, since you know that He is both their master and yours is  
in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him” (vs 9b)  
B. God sees the employer and the employee as having the same value. They are  
both made in the image of God.