Slaves and masters. A series on Ephesians Part 12 (Ephesians 6:5-9)

Read Ephesians 6: 5-9

Today's text is a difficult subject. Slavery was not part of God's intended design, so why do we see it in the Bible? Paul does not condone slavery; however, because of the socioeconomic situation of the Roman occupation, it was an embedded institution. The Christians Paul wrote to were subject to Roman laws, and therefore, many Jews were either slaves or masters. 

Paul wrote a lot about our attitudes and how we should live our lives in the various roles we are placed in. This is why he wrote to slaves and masters. As with so many of his instructions, Paul addresses both perspectives and points them to God. No matter your station or status in this life, we are equal, in Christ, before God.

Although we do not have slavery in our society here now, we can compare this relationship to that of an employer and employee. We can look at what Paul instructs and use it in whatever our job is here and now. What, then, should we ascertain from today's passage?

Three times, in our text, Paul writes that slaves should obey their masters. That must have been a hard 'pill' to swallow. As sinful human beings, our inclination is to balk at authority. However, Paul says to obey masters "just as you would obey Christ." Peter also wrote about this in 1 Peter 2:18, where it says, "slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." This means that obedience in itself is simply not enough, and it means that our actions don't depend on how nice others are to us. You must respect those God has put in authority over you and obey with a sincere heart. This is God's will, and He will reward those who do so. Verse 8 of our text says, "Because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." Paul also writes about this in Titus 2:9-10 where it says, "Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive." Once again, Paul reminds us of one of the reasons why we are to live as the Bible instructs. In all things, we are to do them as to Christ, living our lives in a way that will win others for Christ. All of this must be done regardless of how others act. We can not go before God on Judgment Day with the excuse that someone wasn't nice to us or that we were treated badly. Our actions are not to be dependent on the way others treat us. 

Paul doesn't stop there, though; he addresses the masters as well. Paul writes, "and masters, treat your slaves in the same way." There should be mutual respect, sincerity of heart, and a desire to do God's will wholeheartedly. Paul also writes about this in Colossians 4:1, where it says, "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven." 

We all have the same Master in Heaven, and He shows no favoritism. Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Christ came and suffered for us, leaving us the perfect example for how we ought to live. 

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23)

God is our just judge; we are to live our lives and do our work, whatever that may be, to the glory and honor of God our heavenly Father. We shouldn't complain, lie, cheat, or steal, but live with a Christ-like attitude, respecting those God has put in authority over us. Be thankful for that which God has given you to do in this life, for our reward awaits us in heaven.