1 Corinthians 7:21 - Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.
Philemon 15-16 - For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother.
4 aspects of a Christian work ethic that pleases God
I. Obey with an Attitude of Reverence as to Christ (v. 5)
Ephesians 6:5 - …with fear and trembling…
Colossians 3:22 - …fearing the Lord.
Philippians 2:12 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
Psalm 130:4 - But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.
II. Don’t Perform Just to Please People When They Are Looking (v. 6a)
Ephesians 6:6a - …not by way of eyeservice, as man-pleasers.
Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men.
III. Do God’s Will Wholeheartedly as Slaves of Christ (v. 5, 6b)
Ephesians 6:5 - …in the sincerity of your heart…
Ephesians 6:6b - …as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.
IV. Serve Willingly and Eagerly as to the Lord (v. 7)
Ephesians 6:7 - With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
Colossians 3:24 - It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
A. Knowing the Lord sees and rewards whatever good thing each one does (v.8)
Ephesians 6:8 - …knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
Colossians 3:24 - …knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.
B. Remembering God is everyone’s Master (v. 9)
Ephesians 6:9 - And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven.
C. Understanding God shows no favoritism (v. 9)
Ephesians 6:9 - …there is no partiality with Him.
Colossians 3:25 - For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.