But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:4-10
submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. —Ephesians 5:21
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:17
What
How
The Greek word “sincere” is haplotes and it means, “with simplicity and uprightness not with an outward show that conceals improper motivation”
Sincerity in Practice - Ephesians 6:5
- What? -
- How? - with
- Why? - as you would
Insincerity in Practice - Ephesians 6:6
“Eye-service” comes from the Greek word ophthalmodoulia which means, “service that is performed only to make an impression in the presence of another”
Our responsibility is not to please
Sincerity in the Secular & Sacred - Ephesians 6:7
The role of a shop keeper or a house wife are just as sacred as the role of a priest —Martin Luther
Every task is an
Our conviction should be that
Sincerity’s Reward - Ephesians 6:8
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. —Colossians 3:22-25
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” —Revelation 22:12-13
The
Our reward is an eternal life in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we understand that our reward is not of this world we will stop trying to please this world and begin striving to please the Father.
Sincere “Masters” - Ephesians 6:9
No matter your life status in this world if you are a
Each day that which
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. —1 Peter 2:18-25