Ephesians by Dr. Ralph Wilson
Lesson 14
Children and Parents, Employers and Employees (Ephesians 6:1-9)
Children Obey Your Parents (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Promises to the Obedient
Q54. (Ephesians 6:1-3) What kind of obedience and honor is appropriate for adult children to show towards their parents?
What might be the exceptions? How do respect and forgiveness figure in this relationship?
Training and Instruction (Ephesians 6:4b)
Q55. (Ephesians 6:4) What kind of behavior by fathers (or mothers, for that matter) can embitter or cause a child to lose heart?
What do you think the "training and instruction of the Lord" involves?
Slaves (Employees) (Ephesians 6:5-8)
These are his instructions:
Obedience.
Respect.
Sincerity of Heart
As we serve Christ.
Not merely pretending.
As Servants of Christ.
Doing the Will of God from the Heart.
As If You Were Serving the Lord, Not Men.
Knowing that the Lord Will Reward.
Q56. (Ephesians 6:5-8) What are the characteristics called for in a truly Christian employee, according to Ephesians 6:5-8?
How can these attitudes help us in difficult work situations?
Masters, Employers (Ephesians 6:9)
Paul gives two warnings:
1. You have a Master in heaven who will hold you to account.
2. God shows no favoritism in his judgment. "
The Bible has much to say about God's requirements for employers, such as:
- Considerateness
- Justice and fair pay for poor and immigrant workers,
- Prompt and full payment of wages,1
- Payment of decent and fair wages, and
- Days off for rest
Q57. (Ephesians 6:9) How should Christian employers conduct themselves towards their employees?
How should church boards conduct themselves towards church employees?
How do you determine a just wage -- not merely the one you think you can afford?
Prayer
Father, we find ourselves as both children and parents, and in the various seasons of our lives as both employers and employees. Help us to live out our lives for you with joy and integrity no matter where you have placed us for now. Lord, I'm inclined to complain about my circumstances and whine. Forgive me. Help me to live and serve as part of my service to you. And thank you for your immense grace towards me and each of us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Key Verses
(Ephesians 6:1) "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
(Ephesians 6:4)"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
(Ephesians 6:7-8)"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."
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