22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
1Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
Interesting Words
external service
(ὀφθαλμοδουλία – Greek) – ophthalmodoulia ► noun: from ophthalmo (eye) and douleia (female slave), sight-labor, i.e. workers that need watching (remissness), negligent, careless, or slow in performing one’s duty – Eph 6:6;
merely please men
(ἀνθρωπάρεσκος – Greek) – anthrópareskos ► adjective: from anthrópos (man) and areskó (excite pleasure), man-courting, i.e. fawning, men-pleaser – Eph 6:6;
sincerity
(ἁπλότης – Greek) – haplotés ► noun: from haplous (clear), singleness, sincerity, not self-seeking, generosity – Rom 12:8, 2Cor 1:12, 8:2, 9:11; 11:3; Eph 6:5;
heartily
(ψυχή – Greek) – psuché ► noun, feminine: soul, inner being, life, breath, heart’s desire, drive passion, a person’s distinct identity, individual personality – Matt 6:25; Mark 8:35-37; Luke 10:27; John 10:11; 1Thes 5:23; Heb 4:12, 6:19; James 1:21; 3John 1:2;
inheritance
(κληρονομία – Greek) – kléronomia ► noun: from an heir, apportioned inheritance by the casting of lots, awarded by divine lot – Gal 3:18; Eph 1:13-14, 18; 1Peter 1:4;
justice
(δίκαιος – Greek) – dikaios ► adjective: equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively), just, meet, righteous, conformity to God’s standard – John 7:24; Rom 3:10, 26; Phil 4:8; 1John 1:9;
Cross References
▪︎ Ps 51:17;
▪︎ Isa 57:15,
▪︎ Isa 66:2
▪︎ Eph 1:11;
1. How would you describe godly service?
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2. What are some other descriptors that can be used to describe people like this?
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3. What has God planned for those who obey?
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4. What are the various courses of action that God can use to deal with human beings, His creation?
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5. Why is justice and righteousness so important in the relationships you have with others?
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