Ephesians 6:5-9

MacArthur "The New Testament does not focus on reforming and restructuring human systems, which are never the root cause of human problems. The issue is always the heart of man - which when wicked, will corrupt the best of systems and when righteous will improve the worst. If man's sinful hearts are not changed, they will find ways to oppress others regardless of whether or not there is actual slavery."
-Ex. 21:16

I. Slaves were to be obedient to their masters. Employees must carry out the instructions of their employers.
a. With sincere respect as to Christ.
-sincere = aplotes = simplicity, sincerity, uprightness.
-heart = kardia = mind, will, intention
b. Not with eyeservice as pleasing man.
-eyeservice = idea of only to attract attention, only being diligent while being watched, for the sake of pleasing man
c. Doing the will of God as slaves of Christ.
-heart = psyche = inner self
d. Wholeheartedly serving as serving the Lord.
-good will = eunoia = benevolent feelings with good intentions, eagerness, zeal

II. Masters were to treat slaves with dignity and respect. Employers must treat employees with dignity and respect.
a. Treat them as you want to be treated.
b. Don't use power as a weapon.
-give up = anitemi = loosen up, relax, let up on
c. Remember you are both under the authority of Christ.

Ephesians 6:1-4

Ps. 127:3-5, Prov. 23:24

I. Children are commanded to obey their parents.
-obey = hupakouo = to listen to, obey, literally "to hear under"
-honor = timao = to count as valuable, value, honor, hold in highest regard, respect
-Matt. 15:8;
-Matt. 15:4-8
a. Because it is right.
-Prov. 7:1-3
-Prov. 10:1, 17:21, 19:26
b. So you will be blessed.
-honor = kabod = heavy, weighty
-MacArthur "The believer who honors his parents can know that his lifetime will be the full measure God intents, rather than cut short like Ananias and Sapphira and certain members of the church at Corinth."

II. Fathers are commanded to lovingly train their children.
a. Do not provoke them to anger.
-provoke to anger = parogizomai; "This involves avoiding attitudes, words, and actions which would drive a child to angry exasperation or resentment and thus rules out excessively sever discipline, unreasonably harsh demands, abuse of authority, arbitrariness, unfairness, constant nagging and condemnation, subjecting the child to humiliation, and all forms of gross insensitivity to a child's needs and sensibilities."
b. Care for them in teaching them to follow the Lord.
-bring up = ektrepo = nourish, provide for with tender care
-discipline = paideia = education, training, discipline
-Deut. 6:5-8
-instruction = nouthesia = admonition, instruction, warning; literally "putting to mind"