Living to Honor God’s Calling (VII)

“Your ‘Big Boss’ is the Lord!”

Ephesians 6:5-9

Introduction–

The Big Idea– As a believer, whether you’re an employee or an employer, you’re both ultimately working for the Lord.

The Big Picture–

Chs. 1-3- “… The calling with which you have been called”

Chs. 4-6- “Walk worthy of the calling…”

The Immediate Context–

(5:18) “Be filled with the Spirit”

(5:19-21) Four indicators of the Spirit’s control:

(vv. 19b, 20) Vertical: 1) A song in your heart

and 2) thanksgiving to God [Jesus’ 1^st Commandment]

(vv. 19a, 21) Horizontal: 3) Spirit-led speech/singing

and 4) mutual submission! [Jesus’ 2^nd Commandment]

(5:22-33) Mutual submission of wife and husband

(6:1-4) Mutual submission of child and parent

Note: Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon were sent at the same time as Ephesians.  Since Philemon was a member of the church at Colossae and Onesimus, his slave, had become a Christian, the parallel verses in Colossians 3:22-4:1 become an interesting window into what Paul was thinking as he wrote on this subject.

(6:5-8; see Colossians 3:22-25) As an employee, you must remember that the One who’s watching who really counts is the Lord.

(6:9; see Colossians 4:1) As a human “boss,” you must remember to treat your employees as the Lord treats you.

The Bottom Line– “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).