The promise that God saw all people in a household and not just the adult men was a revolutionary idea in the Greco-Roman world. The household code in Ephesians underscores the dignity and love God had for all people, reminding every person, regardless of their age or status that they belonged to Him alone. We don’t work for employers alone but God before all. We don’t parent children for their good alone but God first. Our worth, status, security, and hope does not need to be placed in our children, our parents, our jobs, or our bosses. Instead, we find it in Christ, the Son who died so we would be the adopted children of the Heavenly Father. Jesus was the Master of the universe who became a slave for us, giving His whole life up to raise us to the God’s glory. Let us walk in His grace.

Discussion Questions1. In what ways were Greco-Roman household codes different from what Paul instructed in Ephesians? Why is that a big deal? 2. “God is watching you.” Does this statement bring you comfort and hope or fear and anxiety? Why? Has it always been this way? 3. Are there ways you’ve placed ultimate worth, value, and security in your parent-child relationships or work relationships? Have they been able to truly satisfy you? 4. Why is it important that our primary accountability for our roles as parents, children, employees, or employers are with God before anyone else? How does the gospel help us remain rooted in this? 5. Pray for freedom from bondage in any of these type of relationships. Ask the Lord to help you honor and obey your parents, to lovingly instruct and discipline your children in God, and to work hard for the Lord above all else.