Saturday, September 02 – Introduction

Read for This Week’s Study:

Ephesians 6:1-9

KJV ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

CEV ¹ Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ² “Obey your father and your mother, ³ and you will have a long and happy life.” ⁴ Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. ⁵ Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. ⁶ Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. ⁷ Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. ⁸ You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free. ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.

Mark 10:13-16

KJV ¹³ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. ¹⁶ And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

CEV (Matthew 19.
13-15; Luke 18.
15-17) ¹³ Some people brought their children to Jesus so he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, “Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” ¹⁶ Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them.

Colossians 3:21

KJV ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. CEV ²¹ Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.

1 Peter 2:18-25

KJV ¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. ¹⁹ For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰ For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. ²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: ²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. ²⁵ For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

CEV ¹⁸ Servants, you must obey your masters and always show respect to them. Do this, not only to those who are kind and thoughtful, but also to those who are cruel. ¹⁹ God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to him. ²⁰ You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong you have done. But God will bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. ²¹ After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you. ²² Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. ²³ Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly. ²⁴ Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross, so we would stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed. ²⁵ You had wandered away like sheep. Now you have returned to the one who is your shepherd and protector.

2 Corinthians 5:10

KJV ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

CEV ¹⁰ After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.

Colossians 3:24-25

KJV ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

CEV ²⁴ In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you. ²⁵ But Christ has no favorites! He will punish evil people, just as they deserve.

Memory Text:

"And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him" (Ephesians 6:9

KJV ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. CEV ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.
, NIV).

In this week's study, we delve into Ephesians 6:1-9

KJV ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. CEV ¹ Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ² “Obey your father and your mother, ³ and you will have a long and happy life.” ⁴ Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. ⁵ Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. ⁶ Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. ⁷ Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. ⁸ You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free. ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.
, examining how it relates to our contemporary world and Christian principles. This passage addresses various social roles and relationships, highlighting the importance of applying the values of the gospel to our lives. As we explore Paul's counsel to children, parents, slaves, and masters, we will seek to draw relevant lessons for our own time and context.

Sunday, September 03 – Advice to Children

What advice does Paul give to children, and how does he support that counsel from the Old Testament?

Read Ephesians 6:1-3

KJV ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. CEV ¹ Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ² “Obey your father and your mother, ³ and you will have a long and happy life.”

Paul's counsel to children extends beyond mere obedience to parents. He encourages children to obey and honor their parents "in the Lord," emphasizing the importance of aligning their actions with their faith in Christ. This command is rooted in the fifth commandment, "Honor your father and mother," emphasizing the enduring significance of family relationships and the role of honoring parents in God's plan for human well-being.

Monday, September 04 – Advice to Parents

Compare Ephesians 6:4

KJV ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. CEV ⁴ Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.
and Colossians 3:21

KJV ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. CEV ²¹ Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.

What motivation does Colossians 3:21 provide for avoiding irritating one's children?

While ancient advice to parents often advocated harsh discipline, Paul's counsel takes a different approach. He advises fathers (and parents by extension) not to provoke their children to anger. Colossians 3:21 reinforces this by warning parents against embittering their children. Paul's emphasis is on fostering a loving, respectful, and Christ-centered family environment that reflects the values of the gospel.

Tuesday, September 05 – Slavery in Paul’s Day

Read through the counsel to slaves and slave masters in the following passages:

Ephesians 6:5-9

KJV ⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

CEV ⁵ Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. ⁶ Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. ⁷ Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. ⁸ You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free. ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.

Colossians 3:22-24

KJV ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; ²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

CEV ²² Slaves, you must always obey your earthly masters. Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart. ²³ Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. ²⁴ In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you.

Colossians 4:1

KJV ¹ Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

CEV ¹ Slave owners, be fair and honest with your slaves. Don't forget that you have a Master in heaven.

1 Corinthians 7:20-24

KJV ²⁰ Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. ²¹ Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. ²² For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. ²³ Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. ²⁴ Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

CEV ²⁰ So don't try to change what you were when God chose you. ²¹ Are you a slave? Don't let that bother you. But if you can win your freedom, you should. ²² When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ. ²³ God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. ²⁴ Stay what you were when God chose you.

1 Timothy 6:1-2

KJV ¹ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. ² And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

CEV ¹ If you are a slave, you should respect and honor your owner. This will keep people from saying bad things about God and about our teaching. ² If any of you slaves have owners who are followers, you should show them respect. After all, they are also followers of Christ, and he loves them. So you should serve and help them the best you can. These are the things you must teach and tell the people to do.

1 Peter 2:18-25

How would you summarize this advice?

Paul addresses the complex issue of slavery in his day. While not openly condemning slavery, his counsel aims at transforming the relationships between slaves and masters within the context of Christianity. He encourages Christian slaves to serve their masters as they would serve Christ, emphasizing a heart-felt commitment to their service. At the same time, he calls on Christian masters to treat their slaves with kindness, recognizing that both masters and slaves are ultimately accountable to the heavenly Master, Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, September 06 – Slaves of Christ

What does Paul require of Christian slaves in his detailed instructions to them?

Read Ephesians 6:5-8

KJV ⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. CEV ⁵ Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. ⁶ Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. ⁷ Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. ⁸ You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free.

Paul asks Christian slaves to offer heartfelt and excellent service to their earthly masters. He urges them to serve with a sense of reverence and sincerity, as if they were serving Christ Himself. This emphasis on heart-felt service and allegiance to Christ transforms the master-slave relationship by placing Christ at its center. Christian slaves are encouraged to see themselves as "slaves of Christ," and their service is ultimately directed towards God.

Thursday, September 07 – Masters Who Are Slaves

Assuming that you are a Christian slave master who is listening to Ephesians being read out in your house church, how might you react to this counsel, offered in the presence of your slaves? (Ephesians 6:9

KJV ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. CEV ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.
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Paul addresses slave masters directly, challenging them to treat their slaves with kindness and fairness. He draws attention to the fact that both masters and slaves share a common Master, Jesus Christ, who does not show partiality. The message is clear: Christian slave masters are accountable to the heavenly Master for their treatment of slaves. This teaching would have been provocative and transformative in the context of the time.

Friday, September 08 – Further Thought

Paul's teachings in Ephesians 6:1-9

KJV ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. CEV ¹ Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ² “Obey your father and your mother, ³ and you will have a long and happy life.” ⁴ Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. ⁵ Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. ⁶ Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. ⁷ Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. ⁸ You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free. ⁹ Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites.
reveal his respect for children, his concern for family relationships, and his desire to transform the institution of slavery within the Christian community. While the context of his time differs from our own, these principles invite us to consider how we apply them in our contemporary world.

Discussion Questions:

How does the Bible's emphasis on love for children align with Luke 1:17

KJV ¹⁷ And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

CEV ¹⁷ He will go ahead of the Lord with the same power and spirit that Elijah had. And because of John, parents will be more thoughtful of their children. And people who now disobey God will begin to think as they ought to. This is how John will get people ready for the Lord.

, where love for children is seen as evidence of being "prepared for the Lord"?

In light of research on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), what responsibilities does the church have in nurturing and protecting children who have experienced violence, abuse, and shame in their early lives?
What systems and procedures should be in place within the church to ensure the care and protection of children?
While slavery in Paul's time differs from contemporary forms of oppression, what principles can be drawn from his teachings to guide how we relate to people we work with in our context?
In a world where modern slavery still exists, what responsibilities do we, as descendants of those who fought for the abolition of slavery, have toward enslaved individuals? How can we apply the values of the gospel to address this issue?

As we study these passages, let us reflect on how we can apply the values of the gospel to our relationships and social contexts, seeking to live out the principles of supreme loyalty to Christ.