1-27-18 Today in the Word

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018
Ephesians 6:5–9
PRACTICE: OTHER AUTHORITIES
Slavery is not just an injustice of the past, though it is officially illegal in every nation. One report estimates that nearly 46 million people live in some form of slavery today, typically involving forced labor or sexual exploitation. Sixty percent of these modern-day slaves live in just five countries: India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan.
In the Roman Empire, the institution of slavery sometimes differed from what we know from American history. While it did involve ownership of human beings and many cruelties, abuse, and injustices, it was often more like indentured servitude. Slaves may have comprised as much as one third of the population of Ephesus. Most could expect emancipation by age 30. Nonetheless, owning another human being is clearly unjust. Paul didn’t endorse it, and his teaching here should be seen as a temporary measure within a fallen world (see 1 Cor. 7:21–24).
Within the context of that social institution, God again outlines a proper order, which was for slaves to obey their masters (vv. 5–8; see Titus 2:9–10). As a matter of Christian integrity, this obedience was not to be grudging, reluctant, or only when under observation, but at all times “as you would obey Christ.” The service should be given willingly and wholeheartedly. Ultimately, slaves were accountable to God and would be rewarded by Him.
Throughout this passage, Paul gave the masters the countercultural command of a reciprocal responsibility. They were to treat their slaves fairly, as if Christ’s eyes were on them at all times (v. 9). Specifically, they were not to “threaten” or verbally abuse them, nor to show favoritism nor use their authority capriciously. They would ultimately be held accountable by God.
APPLY THE WORD
For many of us, this passage applies to our work experience. Our work should be done honestly and well, “as if you were serving the Lord.” Putting on a show for a performance review doesn’t honor the Lord, nor does snitching office supplies because “they’ll never miss them.” Doing our jobs with integrity is part of our Christian witness!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more