Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 December 2021
Topic: Roles In The Family
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Outline: God’s desire for the family, especially the Christian family, is to be a haven and a model home where the will of God is done. Happiness, joy and peace in the family are achieved when every member plays his/her own part according to the Word of God (vs.1-4). Children are commanded to obey their parents in the Lord. “In the Lord” does not mean that the command is dependent on parents being believers (compare Colossians 3:20).
There is reward attached to honouring and obeying our parents (v.2, compare Exodus 20:12). But parents, especially fathers, must not drive their children mad but handle them with gentleness and love. We may be unfamiliar with the type of slaves in vs.5-8 but a more relevant application is the relationship between servant and master in the workplace.
The principles set out in these verses should guide both Christian employers and employees. As a Christian employee, do you arrive late for work and do your own business during office hours? Do you participate in sharing bribes or defrauding your employer? God expects you to stand for Him even if the cost is high. Christian employer must treat their employees differently because of their relationship with the Master and be known for uprightness and integrity. We must reflect Christ in every area of our lives.
Practice/Word Application
• Meditate on Galatians 3:28.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Help me, dear Lord, to be your faithful representative at home and at work.
• Praise God for who He is – the King of kings, Almighty, Holy and Righteous, all Powerful, Unchangeable, Kind and Merciful beyond measure, beautiful for every situation.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Genesis 1:11; Josh. 13-15; Luke 17:1-19
