Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."
Text: Ephesians 6:8
AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE TO BEAR IN MIND
As we seek to comprehend and appreciate Paul’s reasoning, we discover that his thoughts were based on an important principle. This principle was articulated in other ways. Take for example the following text he wrote in his epistle to the Galatians.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;
for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
GALATIANS 6:7
This principle was also understood by king David. He expressed a similar understanding in the following lines he wrote in one of his psalms.
With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;
With the pure You will show Yourself pure;
And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
PSALM 18:25-26
KNOWING THAT WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES
Paul was committed to a number of things in his ministry as an apostle. Two things may be highlighted:-
1. The proclaiming of the Gospel of Christ
Paul seized every opportunity to preach the Gospel of salvation to both Jew and Gentile. He desired all to come to faith in the Lord Jesus so that they too could experience the salvation that he had.
2. The teaching of the whole counsel of God
Faith in Christ was but the beginning of a brand new life in the Lord! The believer must be further instructed in the Christian faith. Paul was deeply committed to teaching the whole counsel of God. This would include these great truths:-
a) Knowing God
Paul wanted his readers, some of whom were obviously Christian bondslaves, to understand more about the God they had expressed faith in!
b) Knowing that God will reciprocate according to the way we serve
The good that one does is never in vain. God will take notice of all that we do. He will reciprocate.
c) A principle that applies equally to both the slave and the free
This principle of “sowing and reaping” was a universal principle. It was established by God Himself. God Himself will reward the slave and the free, according to how he lives his life, and how he served.