Coworkers
OPENING THOUGHT
Some readers are shocked to find that the Bible does not give an outright ban on slavery. The New Testament does not call on masters to release their slaves, nor does it call on slaves to revolt. How can this be explained? God is not okay with slavery, is He?
The Bible has great power to change the world, but it doesn’t produce change through quick, superficial adjustments. Instead, God starts with the heart, working from the inside out, so that atrocities like slavery might be overthrown and never return.
Biblical principles clearly show that slavery is wrong.
In Ephesians 6:9, masters are taught to treat their slaves the same way slaves are expected to treat them and are reminded that there is no partiality with God.
Also, slavery cannot coexist with the Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).
Nor can it hold up to: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).
In a letter to a slaveholder about a runaway named Onesimus, Paul wrote that he should receive him back “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother” (Phile. 16).
When the principles of the gospel were accepted in the human heart, slavery abolished itself. But change like this happens slowly.
The instructions to slaves in the Bible, along with other passages on working relationships, guide us today in how we should interact with others in our places of employment. We are not only asked to love others in our families, neighborhoods, and churches. Our obligation also extends to our colleagues at work.
EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
Romans 12:1-2
In verse 1, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as a “living sacrifice.” What do you think this means in practical terms?
What are the implications of Paul’s instructions for Christian service? Should we limit our spiritual work to meetings at church?
Do you ever feel pressure to conform to the world at work? What are some common temptations Christians face in the workplace?
How can we demonstrate our transformation in our careers? Is it possible to do this without interfering with our work?
Proverbs 6:6-11
Why do you think Solomon uses the ant as an example in verse 6? What qualities of the ant should we imitate?
Verses 7-8 emphasize that ants work without a ruler or overseer. How does this challenge our understanding of personal responsibility and diligence?
What do verses 9-10 say about laziness? Why do you think the author warns against too much sleep and idleness?
Verse 11 describes poverty coming like “a thief” or an “armed man.” What does this imagery suggest about the consequences of laziness?
How does this passage apply to a Christian’s attitude toward work, whether in a job, ministry, or home responsibilities?
Ephesians 6:5-9
Paul instructs servants (employees) to obey their masters (employers) “with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart” (v. 5). How can this principle be applied to modern employer-employee relationships?
Verse 6 warns against working only to please people. What does it mean to work “as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart”?
Verse 7 encourages serving “with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” How does this perspective change the way we approach our jobs? (cf. Col. 3:23).
In verse 9, Paul instructs masters (employers) to treat their workers well. What does this teach about a Christian’s responsibility as a leader or manager?
The passage ends with a reminder that God shows no favoritism (v. 9). Why is this important in the context of work and leadership?
How can employees demonstrate Christlike attitudes in the workplace, even in difficult situations (e.g., a bad boss)?
What are some practical ways Christians can work with integrity and excellence, regardless of whether their job feels significant or not?
Titus 2:9-14
In verses 9-10, Paul instructs slaves (or workers) to be subject to their masters (employers) and show good faith. How can employees in modern workplaces apply these instructions today?
Paul says that workers should be argumentative or steal but should show “all good faith” (v. 10), in other words, that they can be trusted. Why is trust such an important quality in the workplace?
How can a Christian’s conduct in the workplace point others to Christ?
Verses 11-12 highlight the transformative grace of God. How should this grace shape a Christian's attitude and behavior at work?
In verses 13-14, Paul describes how Christ gave himself to redeem us and purify us. How does this truth empower a Christian to live differently in the workplace?
What does it look like for Christians to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (v. 10) in their daily work life?
How does the teaching of Titus 2:9-14 challenge the common attitudes toward work that are focused on personal gain or status?
