1 Peter 2:18-25, Exalting Christ in the Workplace (2)

Here is a Bible Study outline on the master/slave relationship in the NT (primarily), by which we mean the relationship of employees and employers.

1)    The employee’s relationship to his employer …

a)    Honor him, 1 Tim. 6:1.

b)    Obey him, Titus 2:9; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22.

c)    Subject yourself to him, 1 Pt. 2:18.

d)    Fear him, 1 Pt. 2:18; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22.

e)    Seek to please him, Titus 2:9.

f)     Don’t talk back to him, Titus 2:9.

g)    Don’t pilfer, steal from him, Titus 2:10.

h)    Work diligently even if he’s not around, Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22.

i)      Treat him as if he were Christ, Eph. 6:5-7.

j)      Do this whether he’s a good or bad boss, 1 Pt. 2:18.

2)    Employees personal characteristics …

a)    Be dependable, trustworthy, Titus 2:10.

b)    Singleness of purpose, Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22.

c)    Work heartily, gladly, Col. 3:23.

3)    Results of this lifestyle for employees …

a)    Makes Christianity/Christ look good, Titus 2:10.

b)    Reward, Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24.

4)    Results for departing from this lifestyle …

a)    No reward, judgment, Col. 3:25.

b)    God and the Word are slandered, 1 Tim. 6:1-2.

5)    Scriptural guidelines for employers …

a)    Pattern yourselves after your Master in heaven, Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1.

b)    You are equal with your employees as humans, Job 31:13-15.

c)    Be fair, equal in dealing with employees, Col. 4:1; Mal. 3:5; James 5:4.

d)    Pay employees promptly, Deut. 24:15; Lev. 19:13.

e)    Don’t be overbearing, Lev. 25:43; Eph. 6:9.

f)     Don’t threaten employees, Eph. 6:9.

g)    You will be judged according to this standard, James 5:1-6; Eph. 6:9.