THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, CHAPTER 6, PART 2
The Book of Ephesians
Pastor Brandon Cross
Woodland Church
THE BIG IDEA:
The Gospel should affect the way we live our lives personally, in our communities, and with our families.
RECAP:
Ephesians 5
Ephesians 5 calls believers to imitate God by walking in love, living as children of light rather than darkness, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The chapter transitions from general moral purity to specific instructions on Christian relationships and domestic life.
EPHESIANS 6:
The practical instructions continue for children-parents and servants-masters. The letter concludes with the call to stand firm against spiritual evil by putting on the “full armor of God,” including the belt of truth, shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit.
SECTIONS:
- Children and Parents (Verses 1–4)
- Bondservants and Masters (Verses 5–9)
- The Whole Armor of God (Verses 10–20)
- Final Greetings and Benediction (Verses 21–24)
1. CHILDREN AND PARENTS (Verses 1–4)
2. BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS (Verses 5-9)
(Ephesians 6:5-9) “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”
Paul addresses relationships between slaves and masters, emphasizing mutual accountability under God. Employers and leaders must treat those under them with fairness, respect, and zero threats, remembering everyone answers to the same Master in Heaven.
- For Slaves / Workers (Verses 5-8)
- Motivation: Service should be directed ultimately to Christ rather than just human overseers.
- Integrity: Work requires sincerity of heart, regardless of supervision.
- Reward: God impartially rewards good work for both slave and free.
- Verse 5 – Obedience to Earthly Masters
- “Bondservants” (douloi): In the Roman world, slaves were treated legally as property or live tools.
- Shift from Identity to Allegiance: Bondservants and free individuals alike receive their ultimate worth and future reward from the Lord, meaning human bondage does not dictate a person’s value in the kingdom of God.
- “According to the flesh”: This means the authority is temporary, physical, and earthly—not an ultimate spiritual dominion.
- “With fear and trembling”: Not terror or abuse, but deep respect, serious responsibility, and awe for the gravity of your duties.
- “In sincerity of heart, as to Christ”: Work is rendered as an act of devotion and obedience to Jesus Christ Himself.
- Verses 6–7 (Sincerity and Goodwill): Believers are instructed to work sincerely from the heart.
- Verse 8 (The Heavenly Reward): Paul reminds believers that God notices all honest labor and will justly reward individuals according to their faithful character, regardless of their societal status as slave or free.
- For Masters / Employers (Verse 9)
- Reciprocity: Masters must treat servants with respect and integrity.
- No Abuse: Harsh treatment and threats are forbidden.
- Shared Accountability: Both masters and servants answer to the same impartial Master in heaven.