Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 6
Paul was writing mainly for the benefit of some slaves who had become Christians. He wanted to show them how they could serve God in the difficult circumstances of their lives. However, his advice is also useful advice for everyone who must work for someone else.
Paul’s basic idea is that a true Christian works for God at all times and in every situation. Therefore, the Christian who works for someone else is in reality doing that work for God. The Christian shows that fact by his right attitudes, and by the care and attention that he gives to his work.
So, the Christian works carefully, and he tries to do his work well. As he works, he tries to have a calm, content and even joyful attitude. He does not do these things, as other people do, in order to impress his employer. Rather, his desire is to please God, who sees the true attitudes of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 139:22-23). That fact proves that he is truly working for God, rather than for people.
It is very hard for a Christian when his employer (or the master of a Christian slave) wants him to do something evil. The Christian must pray much and depend completely on God in such situations. As a Christian, he must do what God wants in every situation. If he is truly serving God, then he must obey God. So, that Christian needs great wisdom to know how to answer his employer - and that wisdom can only come from God (James 1:5; compare Mark 13:11). God has often helped his people to deal with such situations in the past (see Daniel chapters 1, 3 and 6). So, that Christian should trust God to help him, whatever happens (Daniel 3:17-18).
Next part: God rewards everyone who works for him (Ephesians 6:8)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.