Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, July 3, 2022

Ephesians 6:5-9

Working for the Lord

Introduction: This text speaks to us today in telling us as Christians how to relate as employees and employers. How we work matters.

But the text speaks in the context of slaves and masters, which is a bit peculiar to us today. Why does Paul not address slavery itself? Because the goal for Paul here is not to change the social order but to address how to live as a Christian within it. But see how he brings every aspect of the slave relationship back to Christ:

• 6:5 – Slaves are told to be respectful of their masters in terms of their relationship with Christ.
• 6:6 – They should work from the heart, as serving Christ from the heart.
• 6:7 – They should remember the Lord is watching their work.
• 6:9 – Masters are to treat slaves in the same way, as before Christ, who is their Master as well.

1. Employees: Work for Christ. God is with you. (6:5-7)

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man…

Paul’s instruction to be filled with the Spirit (5:18) is the text that leads us into this text. Whatever work we do, we should be filled with the Spirit, exhibiting His love, joy, peace, and all His fruits. Pray that the Spirit will use you as a missionary wherever you are. As you work, give your best because it is as unto Christ that you are doing it.

Lord, thank You that we can serve You in everything we do. Please help us remember to pray for Your help and the filling of Your Spirit. Please use us as your missionaries wherever we are.

1. Employers: Lead like Christ. Honor Him with holy leadership. (6:9)

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Christ is not only the model servant, but also the model Master. He was a servant-leader, seeking the good of those He led. He is an impartial Master. He knows all and sees all, even when you may be wrongly criticized.

Lord, please help all of us who lead in the work to do so in a Christlike way, with impartiality and seeking the good of all those we lead. Help us to be servant leaders, serving You for Your glory.

1. Employees and Employers: You serve the Lord, and He will give you your reward. (6:8)

…knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Whether you are an employee or employer it is Christ whom you serve, so work to please Him. He is the greatest Master and the sovereign Lord. Look to Him as your example and as the Lord who is watching.

Lord, please help us to treat those above us and those below us as to You. Help us to do good for Your sake and trust You for the reward that only You can give.