GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY AND WORK RELATIONSHIPS.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Q.1. How should children treat their parents? What is the rationale behind this? – (Eph.6:1-3)

Paul predicted that in the last days – difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Tim.3:1-4). The command for children to give honour, respect, and obedience, is therefore even more crucial today. Paul reminded his readers that this is a command that is not just limited to so called good parents. It comes with a promise – 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth (Eph.6:3). Respect and obedience are presented as a protection for the child, since most parents love their children and make decisions for their good.

Q.2. What is the father’s role? What warning is there for fathers? – (Eph.6:4)

Fathers are commanded to raise their children in the DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION of the Lord. This takes time and focus (Eph.6:4). A father must learn to model consistency, both in teaching Biblical principles, and in applying the boundaries. This will avoid frustrating and exasperating the child.

Q.3. How should we conduct ourselves in our work relationships? Why? – (Eph.6:5-9)

Both servants and masters are to remember that God knows our attitudes, actions, and reactions to all circumstances. We are exhorted to work hard. This is good for us when we are working gratefully, with a view to pleasing God (Eph.6:5-6). Without doubt this will also be pleasing to an employer. It is both a creation principle, and one of the Ten Commandments, that we should work for six days out of seven (Gen.2:15; Exo.20:9-11; Deut.5:13-). Ultimately, it is God Who places us in our job – 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free (Eph.6:7-8). Since God is impartial, that is the way a master is to lead … and to do so without threatening or bullying (Eph.6:9).