Note 7 at Eph 6:9: In Eph 6:5-8, Paul gave instructions to servants (employees - see note 1 at Eph 6:5) on how to serve their masters (employers). He told the masters, or employers, that they are supposed to do the same things that he had instructed the employees to do. In other words, just as the employees were supposed to be faithful to their employers, so employers are supposed to be faithful to their employees. Employees are supposed to act like they are serving Christ. Employers are supposed to act as if Christ is their employee.

Note 8 at Eph 6:9: Employers (see note 1 at Eph 6:5) are not supposed to rule by intimidation. The Lord taught that if people want to be great, they need to be the servant (Mt 20:27). Someone might say, "How can this be? If I served instead of ruled, no one would respect me, and therefore no one would obey me. It would never work."

That would be true if there were no God. If God did not intervene in the affairs of man, then the strong would rule the weak. There would be no exceptions. That would be it. But God does exist, and He has promised that if people humble themselves, He will exalt them (1Pe 5:6). If believers want God's help, the way up is down.

Love is a stronger (1Co 13:8) force than fear (1Jo 4:18). It may not be as familiar, but it is stronger. Those who do not respond through love can be forced to obey through fear, but they cannot be forced to submit (see note 2 at Eph 5:22). True submission is something that has to be won through love, not conquered by fear.

Note 9 at Eph 6:9: According to man's laws, slaves are the property of their masters. The masters can do anything with them that they want. Paul reminded the masters in this verse that they have a Master who holds them accountable for the way they treat their slaves, and that heavenly Master will not bend His judgment for anyone.

Likewise today, we may be in positions of authority that we think entitle us to treat others however we please. But we need to remember that every one of us has someone over us (i.e., God) and He will reward us based on how we reward those under our authority (Jas 2:13).