Relating with Authority

Children and Parents

¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ⁴Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

⁵Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, ⁸because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

⁹And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Introduction

• Recall the sort “walk” that is worthy of our calling:
  • walking together in unity (note: in communion with our community)
  • walking in truth and holiness (note: remembering our identity as Christians at all times)
  • walking in love, as light, and as wise
• Thus is it is through families that we have great potential to demonstrate the wisdom of God.
  • The same principles that underlie the Gospel message (submission, love, sacrifice, obedience, honesty, fairness) are to be displayed in our family relationships.
  • By example, then, we can demonstrate in our families what is truly good and right, and prepare others to be receptive to the Gospel message.

1. Play our part in strengthening family ties (v. 1-4)

• Obedience is right, it is God’s command, and it brings blessings.
• Children should be nurtured, disciplined, instructed, and encouraged.

Reflection: Recall the type of childhood that you had. How did your upbringing affect the person you are today?

2. Play our part in strengthening the workplace relationships (v. 5-9)

• As employees, we can demonstrate by example what true obedience is according to the will of God.
• As employers, masters could demonstrate the proper exercise of authority, and reveal much about how our Master in heaven rules over us in the kingdom of God.

Reflection: Are you a Christian during the weekdays and in your workplace as well? How easy or difficult is it for you to manifest your Christianity in your daily life and to non-believers?

Challenge

This week, take the time to come out to a person who doesn’t know that you are a Christian yet, be it a stranger, or someone you already know from your past life. Radiate God’s glory in your words and actions, and be ready to share your testimony, so that their life will be blessed by your experience.