The Christ-Exalting Servant

Scripture Reading

Colossians 3:22–25 NIV84

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Introduction

We come this evening to the next context that Paul addresses in terms of the household code. In other words, how are members in a household who profess faith in Jesus Christ, to conduct themselves. We’ve looked at husbands and wives. We’ve looked at parents and children, and this evening we start to consider the master / slave relationship.

Now, the first introductory observation I need to make is that I classify this under the household code because in that day slaves were owned by their master, and they carried out their responsibility within the home of the master.

The second introductory observation that I would like to make is that Paul doesn’t anywhere condone slavery here (nor condemen it) but he does address a particular contextual situation that was prevalent in his day. What is important is that Paul did not encourage or recommend revolt, even though the conditions of slavery were terrible in that day. Elsewhere in Scripture, Paul did say that if slaves were able to free themselves, then they should do so - it was preferable for them to get out of slavery in that form. However, failing lawful means to do that, Paul directed his attention at the responses of slaves, presumably under masters that were rather cruel (Peter makes that clear).

From this, we must see immediately that our conduct as Christians in whatever circumstance we find ourselves is what is important before God. God is most concerned with how we put Christ on display, and put the Gospel work on display, even in trying and difficult circumstances. This is chiefly what Paul addresses as he speaks to slaves in the church in Colosse.

One further observation before we delve into the text is that slavery is not something we know in our modern context. Obviously we will the principles in terms of how we are to work in our day to day employment. Our day to day employment, for the most part, is very much protected by legislation. In other words, for the most part, we tend to have much better working conditions than the slaves did in Paul’s day. In the sense, if the message of Paul to slaves was important in terms of how they worked, then it will be important to us, and we should not come up with excuses.

Another reminder as we look to the text that all that is written and spoken of here flows out of the glorious Gospel truths. Those redeemed by grace in Christ are enabled to live a different kind of life because of the work of God in them.

I want to raise just one other interesting point of note here… and that is that as Paul penned this letter, there was very personal interest in the words that he was writing.

If you have ever read Paul’s letter to Philemon, you will know that Paul wrote that letter in order to plead with Philemon to receive his slave Onisemus back, and that if Onisemus owes him anything, to charge it to Paul’s account. The reason I raise this now is because Philemon was a member of the church in Colosse. Onisemus, his former slave, was obviously one who had been converted by Paul. Onesimus is mentioned in Colossians 4:9.... Archippus is mentioned in Colossians 4:17, and also is mentioned in Philemon 2. In fact, these believers met in the home of Philemon!! I just add that to give a somewhat more personal dimension as Paul writes.

With that in mind, notice firstly with me…

1. The Call

In verse 22 we read…

Colossians 3:22 NIV84

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

I want to focus our attention here on the first part of that verse, which says that slaves are to obey their earthly masters in everything.

Keep in your mind that slaves were those had essentially no rights whatsoever. They were owned by their masters, and although the Israelite masters were given instructions in terms of how they were to treat their slaves, the Gentiles had very little regard for God’s law, and thus wouldn’t have been tempered in their conduct in this regard.

Keep in mind the instruction that Peter gave to slaves, also in very difficult circumstances:

1 Peter 2:18–21 NASB95

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

In other words, these instructions are applicable even in the instance where the master would be ill-treating their slave. And the reason behind that (which we’ll look at further in a moment) is for the sake of Christ.

Paul’s (and Peter’s) concern here was that Christ’s name would be honoured if Christian slaves would labour in such a way that even under unjust and harsh treatment they performed well in their tasks, and didn’t respond in some form of revolt.

So, Paul’s basic instruction here to Chrstian salves that are in the church, redeemed and set free (spiritually) by the blood of the lamb, is that they are to obey their earthly masters in everything.

Now, we know already from our study that any person that is in subordination under another person is only ever to obey to the extent that they are not disobeying Jesus Christ. The same applies here

If instructions were given to the slave that would go against God, that would go against Christ, or that would lead a person to sin, then they were not to carry out the task.

Applying this practically in our own context, this means that when we as Christians from Emmanuel Baptist Church go out and labour in our respective workplaces, the most fundamental responsibility that we have is obedience to any instruction that is not contrary to the law of Christ.

I think this bears repeating. We live in a world and society where if it isn’t in my job description, then I don’t do it. I’m not employed to do xyz, so I don’t do that. A lot of that simply flows out of laziness… I don’t feel like doing that… I don’t want to do more than what I’m paid for. May that attitude never be found among us who are the children of God.

We are to go out and joyfully do the work that we are called to!!

2. The Attitude (v.22b-23)

As we consider what Paul says further, he seeks to encourage the slaves in Colosse to carry out this instruction with a remarkable attitude or disposition. There are a few important aspects to note in terms of this attitude.

The first is...

In Sincerity and Fear...

The second half of verse 22 reads...

...and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 

This is a very helpful addition. The natural inclination of a person, particularly if they are working under someone that is harsh, critical of demanding of them, is to work while they’re watching, but then to slacken off when the master isn’t looking. That was certainly a temptation for the slaves of that day. Particularly if the master was very demanding. Why? Because a demanding and exacting master is difficult to bear up under, and so when they’re away, it becomes easy to slack off. We reason to ourselves that we deserve the break.

But notice that Paul calls out the hypocrisy in this approach. Working well in order to create the impression that we’re good workers when our masters are watching, but then slacking off when they’re not watching because we’ll probably get away with it is hypocrisy. It’s living in one way before them (wearing a mask) but then being different when they’re not watching.

Notice that Paul says that this is unacceptable, and that our service, rather, should be marked by sincerity of heart. They are to be motivated to sincerely and willingly serve their masters. This is not a compulsive service, but rather a willing and joyful service.

Not further that Paul says that they are to work in this manner with “reverence for the Lord.” The “Lord” in this case refers to Jesus Christ as their master. They are to reverence the Lord Jesus Christ in the work that they do. A Christian is called to always be motivated out of a deep reverence and holy fear of Christ.

Do you see how this motivation should drive us as Christians? As we go out into the workplace, we are not going with the view to work well when the boss sees us, and then to take shortcuts where we can. We are not called to do well under certain circumstances, when our work is going to be looked at or noticed more, and then to take it easy on the jobs that no one will see. Rather, we are called to be motivated to work out of a deep reverence for our Lord, knowing that He sees, and that He is the one ultimately who will reward us (which we’ll come to further in a moment).

We need to recognise that our labours in this world are both a gift and a responsibility given to us by God. There is a notion among some people (in fact many in the world) that we only work to live.... or work to play. Work is the necessary evil in order to get what we want so that we can do what we really enjoy. Do you realise how sinful and self-centered that approach is? The Lord has created us to do meaningful work in this world, and whatever is productive and helpful for carrying out that task is a glorious calling!!

Let me address this to our young children… Don’t think that this attitude of work will miraculously develop when you’re out of school and doing something that you “actually enjoy!” Your years at school are the training ground for your years in the workplace. If you look with disdain at your studies at school, I can almost guarantee you that it will carry you through to your employment one day.

This is an attitude that must be cultivated, recognising that God has instituted all work, and that all God-honouring work (however menial it may seem) gives us an opportunity to bring glory to God in the manner that we do our work!

Taking this a step further, notice the further attitude that Paul brings across in terms of how we work…

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 

Paul calls slaves to work with this motivation. Whatever they are doing - however poor the circumstances, however menial the task, however unfair and harsh the master - they are to work at it with all their heart.

Paul means this:

Colossians, Philemon 3:22–25 Slaves

Whatever your task … The imperative is, put yourself into it, literally, work out of [your] soul (EDM).

Why?

Because you are called to work as for the Lord, not for men. Paul is saying to regenerate slaves - to slaves that have become Christians - the Lord Jesus Christ is the one that you are working for. You must not see yourself as merely working for an earthly master, but rather you are to see yourselves as working under the oversight and supervision of your true and ultimate master, Jesus Christ.

Christians are called to remember the fact that Christ sees all that we do. Because Christ, our beloved Saviour, sees all that we are doing, we are to engage in whole-hearted, joyful labour in order to bring glory to Him.

Many people have the attitude at work that they will do the least amount possible to keep the boss happy. They are content to fit in as much socialization and chit-chat as possible, with some social media scrolling, so long as they don’t abuse the system, or at least so long as they don’t get fired.

However, according to Paul here, slaves (and Christians in general) having been graciously redeemed by God, as those who have been set free from bondage to sin, are to conduct the work with a positive attitude, recognising that it is God that has created us to do this good work, and to do it whole-heartedly.

We must think about some practical implications of this.

The bosses of Christians should be so appreciative of their labours that they desire nothing more than to hire more Christians, just because their caliber of work is superior. They will labour diligently, honestly, for the good of the master they serve, and not be driven by selfish motives. And let me suggest to you that very often, Christians have had the reputation of working in this manner. It is a glorious means of bringing honour to God, and demonstrating what God’s redeeming work can do in our lives.

You see, the redemptive work of God in the Christian will lead them to work in a manner that they are not motivated by self, but for the good of others, to the glory of God. And this is so vastly different, so far removed from the usual approach to work which is caught up in self-advancement and self-promotion. For the Christian, as much as a promotion is wonderful and good, that is not their ultimate goal. Their ultimate goal, rather, is the worship and praise of God through work done well.

One quick warning is appropriate here. There are those who make work their life… and their lives revolve around work… and they’ll use this as the excuse… God’s called me to work hard, and be diligent. And it descends into a self-centered activity. As much as God has called Christians to do the work well, and to labour to His glory, He has not called you to neglect your family. He has not called you to sacrifice significant portions of time with your family on the altar of “glorifying God.” That is an improper emphasis.

God has also not called you to continuously neglect church life, so that you work is carried out 24/7 in the name of glorifying God. I understand that sometimes it’s difficult to find work, and sometimes the only opportunity for meaningful employment will need to be carried out over times where you cannot be involved in the life of the church as much as you’d like. Let me encourage you to prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance and directed. Seek to honour Him in your work, and the extent of your work, seeking also to ensure that you can worship and serve with God’s people. And if that becomes a burden or impossibility, then ask God to prepare a work for you that will enable you to do this.

As Christians, while we are called to work, we also very importantly called to be involved in the church community.

These are the attitudes that are to mark the Christian in the workplace.

Let us consider, thirdly…

3. The Motivation

We read in verse 24...

Colossians 3:24 NIV84

24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This presents something of the further motivation for working whole-heartedly. There will be an inheritance received from the Lord. In other words, God is going to reward you in due course, at the return of Christ.

Now Sometimes Christians from our circles are a little afraid of putting forth rewards as a motivation for doing things. They would be concerned that it would lead to a self-centered approach to life that is unbiblical. While I understand the concern, Scripture will often call us to consider the hope that is to come as a motivation for our perseverance and doing good. And that is what is happening in relation to slaves. They are being to consider the reward that will be given as they continue work and to labour under the oversight of their masters to the glory of God.

Now, we must recognise that much of the reward is bound up in being in the presence of God, and living with the peace and joy of God. To unbelievers, that may not be a very appealing reward. But to the believer, this, along with every spiritual blessing brought to full realisation will be glorious.

Now, picture the situation as Paul writes these words…

Colossians, Philemon Colossians 3:22–25

According to Roman law, slaves could not inherit anything and had no reason to expect any compensation. Thus it must boggle the minds of Christian slaves to hear that they will receive an inheritance as a reward from the Lord. In Christ there is indeed a whole new world!

I want us to note the basis of the reward that is promised here to slaves. The rewards that they will receive are not so much given as a result of their declaration of the Gospel, or their service in the church (although these things are certainly not unimportant). But I want us to see that Christ is calling them to labour in a particular manner within their daily context, and this daily mundane work in the here-and-now, if done in an appropriate and God-honouring manner will bring rewards.

I must emphasize this because to many people still separate secular and spiritual work. Spiritual work is the work we do for the church. Secular work is the work we do the rest of the week. Not so says Paul. Not so says Christ. Rather, the manner in which our daily life is conducted is that which will bring honour and glory to God, when done appropriately, and will form at least a significant basis of the inheritance that will be received.

Notice the closing phrase at the end of verse 24...

It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

One commentator comments here as follows...

Colossians, Philemon Colossians 3:22–25

A significant play on words is obscured by most translations. The word translated serving is the verb form of the noun translated slave; and Lord and master translate the same word. Thus we may read, Slaves … you are slaves of your true Master, Christ”

What Paul is saying here is that although there are those who are slaves, and they may be under tremendous hardship and difficulty, these slaves ought to be aware that ultimately they have become slaves to Jesus Christ. As they carry out their work in the world, they are doing so in full knowledge that they serve Christ. And the means in which they serve the true master Christ, is through Christ-honouring labour under their earthly (secondary masters).

This is helpful to us as employees today. As we work, particularly if we work under difficult or trying circumstances, it will be extremely beneficial for us to remember that ultimately, our master is Jesus Christ. Although He may allow us to be in difficult and trying circumstances, He is a good and faithful master, and He will enable us and reward us appropriately. Christ sees.

4. The Caution

Paul gives somewhat of a strange warning in verse 25…

Colossians 3:25 NIV84

25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Paul adds this sober warning into his call for them to work well.

Now, the question is, does this warning apply to the preceding section on slaves, or does it refer to masters, which follows in Colossians 4:1? The parallel in Ephesians 6:9 clearly indicates that this warning is for the masters, but there it follows at the end of the instruction to not treat slaves harshly.

Perhaps Paul has deliberately left this ambiguous.

If it is speaking to masters, it is warning them that they are to treat their slaves in the appropriate manner, because God will not allow mistreatment of slaves to go unpunished. God is impartial, and if you treat harshly and are evil in your conduct towards your slaves, you will be repaid.

On the other hand, it may well be applied to slaves, in one of two ways. The first possibility is that slaves are given here the other side of the coin. If they work well to the glory of God, they can expect a rich reward. On the other hand, if they do wrong, by refusing to work well under their masters, or by rebelling against their masters, they can expect the due repayment for their evil deeds.

Another way in which this could be applied to slaves is as a reminder that it is ultimately God who judges, and it is not their place to judge their master. Rather slaves could take encouragement from this verse, and be reminded that nothing that is happened goes unnoticed by their Lord.

Either way, the call is for slaves to labour as for Christ.

Application / Conclusion

Very briefly in closing, let me ask you, what does your work ethic tell your boss and colleagues about God’s grace towards you in Christ?

Are you communicating the glories of the Gospel through the manner in which you labour under your boss, whether you be working under adverse circumstances or easy circumstances?

Ultimately, do you daily approach your work in this world with the view that you are labouring for Christ Jesus, rather than merely for an earthly master.

This really ought to drive the manner in which we do our work in this world.

May our prayer be that the manner in which we conduct our work in this world would be a glorious means through which Christ and His love and His character is put on display in this world.