Working for the Lord

Ephesians 6:5-9

Introduction

Some times we use the term, full time christian service in relation to those who labor as their full time occupation in the work of the Lord and are paid for it. There are many roles that may be fulfilled by, from janitorial duties, to musicians, to office workers, printers, preachers (pastors, missionaries, evangelists), even accountants in mission offices, churches, christian colleges, and book stores. AS we will see in the passage, every one of us are employed in FULL TIME CHRISTIAN SERVICE.

I. Duty of the Laborer (5-8)

A. What to do?

i. Obey!

B. How to do it?

i. Serve with Respect “with fear and trembling” 5

ii. Serve with Character “not with eyeservice” 6

iii. Serve with a Good Attitude “with good will” 7

II. Directive from the Lord (5-9)

A. Who do you serve?

    ◦ 5 “as unto Christ”
    ◦ 6 “as the servants of Christ”
    ◦ 6 “doing the will of God from the heart”
    ◦ 7 “as to the Lord, and not to men”

B. Who pays you?? (8) -

III. Duty of a Leader (9)

A. Conduct - “do the same things unto them”

i. “As unto Christ”

ii. Just + honest

B. Cautions –

i. “forbearing threatening” 9

ii. “knowing that your Master also is in heaven”

2Chr. 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Prov. 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. Prov. 15:3 ¶ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. • Workers, Bosses, Managers, God is watching.