Ephesians 6:7

Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,

Study Bible

Serve
The Greek word used here is "δουλεύω" (douleuō), which means to serve or to be a slave. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is addressing both slaves and masters, urging them to adopt a Christ-like attitude in their relationships. The concept of serving in the New Testament often transcends mere duty, implying a heartfelt commitment and dedication. This word challenges believers to view their work and service as a divine calling, not just a human obligation.

with good will
The phrase "with good will" translates from the Greek "μετὰ εὐνοίας" (meta eunoias), which suggests a sense of benevolence or kindness. This implies that the attitude of the heart is crucial in service. The historical context of this letter, written to the church in Ephesus, a city known for its diverse population and social structures, underscores the radical nature of this teaching. Paul is encouraging believers to transcend societal norms and serve with a genuine, positive spirit, reflecting the love of Christ.

as to the Lord
The phrase "as to the Lord" is pivotal in understanding the motivation behind Christian service. The Greek "ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ" (hōs tō Kyriō) indicates that all service should be rendered as if it were directly to Jesus Christ. This perspective elevates every act of service, no matter how mundane, to an act of worship. Historically, this teaching would have been revolutionary, as it placed the focus on divine rather than human approval, encouraging believers to seek God's pleasure above all.

and not to men
The concluding phrase "and not to men" serves as a reminder of the ultimate audience for a believer's service. The Greek "καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις" (kai ouk anthrōpois) emphasizes the contrast between serving God and serving human beings. In a world where social status and human approval were highly valued, this teaching redirects the believer's focus to God's eternal perspective. It encourages Christians to live for God's glory, knowing that He sees and rewards the intentions of the heart, beyond human recognition or reward.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.

3. The Ephesian Church
The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community faced challenges of living out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.

Teaching Points

Serve with Sincerity
The Greek word for "good will" implies a genuine, heartfelt attitude. Our service should be sincere, reflecting our love for God.

Focus on the Lord
When serving, our primary focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking approval from people. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship.

Eternal Perspective
Understanding that our service is ultimately for the Lord helps us maintain an eternal perspective, knowing that our reward is from Him.

Joy in Service
Serving with good will brings joy and fulfillment, as it aligns our actions with God's purposes and reflects His character.

Witness Through Service
Our attitude in service can be a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding that we serve "as to the Lord" change your perspective on daily tasks and responsibilities?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of "good will" in your service to others, especially in challenging situations?

3. How does the concept of serving God rather than men influence your interactions in the workplace or community?

4. Reflect on a time when serving others brought you joy. How can you replicate that experience in your current context?

5. How can the teachings in Ephesians 6:7 and related scriptures help you become a more effective witness for Christ in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Colossians 3:23-24
This passage echoes the theme of working heartily as for the Lord, emphasizing that our ultimate reward comes from Christ.

Matthew 25:40
Jesus teaches that serving others is akin to serving Him, reinforcing the idea that our service should be directed towards God.

1 Corinthians 10:31
This verse encourages believers to do everything for the glory of God, aligning with the call to serve as to the Lord.