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Introduction
Household Codes Continued.
Last week we looked at the first section of Paul’s teaching on Christian households.
Essentially we looked at how Paul uses the common cultural norm regarding how the Graeco-Roman household functioned, and redefines it by teaching on mutual submission through reverence for Christ.
The linking verse that undergirds Paul’s teaching on households 5:21.
Husbands and wives are to mutually submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, and children and parents should treat one another with respect and honour out of reverence for Christ.
These relationships are driven by mutual respect, and mutual submission.
This is a beautiful picture of how Christian households are different then households who don’t know Christ as the Lord and saviour.
The love of Christ is saturated in all Christian relationships.
This week we are continuing Paul’s teaching on Christian households, including slaves, and their masters.
Remember to keep verse 21 as your context within these verses.
Slavery in Graeco-Roman Culture
Slavery was different in Paul’s era.
Slaves were considered part of a household.
In no way is Paul endorsing slavery as a Biblical practice.
He is actually doing the opposite.
This material is a perfect example, if taken in the wrong way (not recognizing the context and trajectory), of how a superficial treatment of the material will lead to conclusions opposite to what is intended.
Paul is not endorsing slavery or providing a Christian rationale to bolster and undergird the institution.
On the contrary, he is trying to reform an existing institution within the context of the Christian household.
Ben Witherington III
So Why would Paul not speak against slavery, why would he give instructions for slaves and masters?
Understanding slavery in a Graeco-Roman culture.
Paul knew that even a violent revolution could not end slavery, it was needed for their economy to function.
But he could change how it was lived out.
Slavery in Paul’s Time.
In the Roman Empire, people were either slaves or free.
These two statuses were central to the social & legal fabric of the Roman world.
In Rome slavery had nothing to do with race or ethnicity.
anyone could become a slave & nearly any slave could become free.
Essentially the Roman world had two groups of people who lived and worked together and were distinguishable by their social status.
Paul is recognizing the society they are all living in and changing the ethics behind the structure.
very few people had money.
Yet Paul addresses both groups.
There were times that slaves were treated poorly by their masters.
And masters often complained about their slaves being lazy, especially when no one was watching them.
In this passage Paul encourages hard work, yet gives slaves a new hope and motivation for their labour.
Obey, with respect and fear, being sincere just like you would be to Jesus.
Serve your master just as you would serve Jesus.
Work hard, even when no one is looking.
Your serving Jesus, not people when you work.
Paul also addresses the masters.
Master treat your servants as you would treat Christ.
You both have the same master, so treat your slaves with respect.
Modern Day Context
This Passage teaches us how we should treat work, both as an employee and employer.
Employee
Your work is worship!
How you function at work represents how you think of Christ in your life.
This means Christians are called to work hard, to put in a honest days work.
Even if your boss is not the best boss.
Christians do everything for Christ, not for people.
As Christians we are called to serve Jesus in everything we do.
We serve Jesus in our work ethic, which means even when no one is looking, we know God is.
We do all things for the glory of Jesus, and this is our example of who Christ is.
It’s not about fair treatment, it’s about serving Jesus.
Our attitude when we work shows our true level of faith in Jesus.
Employer
As Christian employers, we are an example for Christ in all things we do.
This means we pay generously, and we treat those whom we employ just as we would treat Jesus.
Being the employer doesn’t put you above anyone.
Closing
It doesn’t matter if your are an employer, or employee.
In a Christian context we are to serve the Lord at all times in everything we do.
If you work for in a none Christian setting, it is important that you work for the Lord in all things.
If you employ Christians or none Christians, make sure you treat everyone just as Christ would treat them.
Christians should be the best employees and the best employers.
Big Idea: We serve Jesus in everything we do.
This should be obvious and counter cultural in a world that is all about serving itself.
Christians are called to serve, no matter what the circumstances.
This gives glory to God our Saviour.
The church should be leading by example in this world.
The business world should look at us in awe, and want Christians working for them.
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