"RESPONSIBILITY OF SLAVES"
Notes
Transcript
Who or what are you a Servant of?
Slaves among the church -
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
Slavery in the Pauline Letters -
21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. 1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
8 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). 20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.
Proposition - Join me as we uncover what the slaves responsibility is to both; 1) an unbelieving master, and 2) a believing master.
Interrogative question - Who or what are you a servant of?
The glaring question that I would like to address here is - Did Paul Approve of Slavery?
Having looked at Paul’s general strategy, let us look at slavery in particular. In the social world of Paul’s day slavery was an accepted institution. There was also a genuine fear of slaves. In Rome slaves were prohibited from wearing distinctive clothing for fear that they would discover how numerous they were and start a revolt. Slaves all over the Roman world were under the total control of their masters. If a master wished, he could have a slave executed (or kill the slave himself). While this was frowned on if there was no reason for it, it was not outside of the master’s rights. It was just as today a person can demolish their house if they wish, even though their neighbors may think it a stupid and wasteful act. A slave in the first century was property. Kaiser, W. C., Jr., Davids, P. H., Bruce, F. F., & Brauch, M. T. (1996). Hard sayings of the Bible (p. 643). InterVarsity.
Slaves Responsibility to the Unbelieving Masters - vs. 1
Slaves Responsibility to the Unbelieving Masters - vs. 1
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.
“the yoke” - (zygos) - noun, accusative, singular, masculine - prepositional object - yoke; balance scale
Sense: yoke - stable-gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team.
Matthew 11:29–30 (NASB95)
29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Acts 15:10 (NASB95)
10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
Galatians 5:1 (NASB95)
1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
“under” - (hypo) - preposition - preposition of location - by; under
Matthew 5:14–16 (NASB95)
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
“as slaves” - (doulos) - noun, nominative, plural, masculine - predicate nominative - slave
Sense: slave - a person who is legally owned by someone else and whose entire livelihood and purpose was determined by their master.
The most common Greek word for a slave is doúlos. In contrast, diákonos refers to free servants. Other terms include país “child”; oikétēs, a domestic servant who worked within the master’s household (oikía), and hypērétēs, a free servant who worked as a personal attendant, guard, or messenger. Gk. místhios and misthōtós are New Testament words for free hired servants.
The New Testament presupposes slavery and does not argue for its abolition. Neither does it look at slaves with scorn, and in this way it departs from the general pattern of Greco-Roman attitudes. Slaves are admonished to obey their masters (Eph. 6:5–8; Col. 3:22–25), and Paul returned a runaway slave to his owner (Phlm. 12, 17). The apostle exhorts slaves to be content with their present position, though he adds that should the opportunity to become free arise they should make use of it (1 Cor. 7:21–24). But Paul also expects masters to treat their slaves in a humane fashion (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1). Thus while the New Testament does not call for the end of slavery, it does urge improvement of the institution. Furthermore, no distinctions according to social class are to exist within the Christian community itself, for “in Christ” there is neither slave nor free person (Gal. 3:28; cf. 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11). Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 927). Eerdmans.
The Word “slave” is used 98 times in the NT and 242 times in the OT
“masters” - (despotes) - noun, accusative, plural, masculine - direct object - lord; master
Sense: master - a person who has general authority over others (slaves or subjects); often as an owner as well as authority figure.
We see this word twice in our text this morning - vs. 1 and 2 of 1 Timothy chapter 6. But also in the following texts -
2 Timothy 2:21 (NASB95)
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Titus 2:9 (NASB95)
9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
1 Peter 2:18 (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.
2 Peter 2:1 (NASB95)
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
Jude 4 (NASB95)
4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Call for Action -
Consideration for Master’s
“are to regard” - (hegeomai) - verb, present, either middle or passive, imperative, third person, plural - finite verb - regard; consider; lead
Sense: to consider (reckon) - to deem or reckon to be
Philippians 2:3 (NASB95)
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
Philippians 2:6 (NASB95)
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
2 Thessalonians 3:15 (NASB95)
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Hebrews 10:29 (NASB95)
29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
2 Peter 3:15 (NASB95)
15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,
“as worthy” - (axios) - adjective, accusative, plural, masculine - predicate adjective - worthy; deserving
Sense: befitting - appropriate to
Respect for Maser’s
“of honor” - (time) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - genitive of reference - honor; value; price -
Sense: honor (state) - the state of being highly respected or revered
1 Timothy 1:17 (NASB95)
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 5:17 (NASB95)
17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 6:1 (NASB95)
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.
1 Timothy 6:16 (NASB95)
16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
2 Timothy 2:20 (NASB95)
20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
2 Timothy 2:21 (NASB95)
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
The Motivation for Action -
To Honor the name of God
“name” - (onoma) - noun, nominative, singular, neuter - subject of the dependent clause - name; person
Sense: person - name - any rational entity (human being, God) understood by their name; perhaps understood according to the reputation and character of the person.
To Honor the teaching
“Doctrine” - (didaskalia) - noun, nominative, singular, feminine - subject of the dependent clause - instruction; teaching
Sense: teaching - the content of what is taught
1 Timothy 4:1 (NASB95)
1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB95)
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 6:1 (NASB95)
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.
1 Timothy 6:3 (NASB95)
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB95)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
Titus 1:9 (NASB95)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Titus 2:1 (NASB95)
1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
Titus 2:7 (NASB95)
7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,
Titus 2:10 (NASB95)
10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
“will be spoken against” - (blasphemeo) - verb, present, passive, subjunctive, third person, singular - finite verb - revile; blaspheme; slander -
Sense: to be blasphemed (state) - to be or become slandered; used of God or something sacred to God
Verb: βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō), GK 1059 (S 987), 34×. blasphēmeō means “to slander, blaspheme, insult,” especially with regard to speech.
Scripture uses blasphēmeō in various ways, almost all of which have a direct or indirect reference to God: e.g., slander directed toward the Word (Tit 2:5), Moses (Acts 6:11), God’s angels (2 Pet. 2:10–12; Jude 8–10), the person of God (Acts 6:11; Rev 13:6; 16:11, 21), and his name (Rom 2:24; 1 Tim. 6:1; Rev 16:9). Blasphemy against God is a sin against his majesty and detracts from his holiness. The gospels indicate that Christians can slander Christ by doubting him (Mk 15:29; Lk 22:64–65; 23:39). Any act of disobedience is considered blasphemy because it resists God’s will and damages the reputation of the faith (Rom 2:24; 1 Tim. 6:1; Tit 2:5; Jas 2:7). The willful, conscious, and intentional rejection of the gift of salvation is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and is the only sin that cannot be forgiven (Mt 12:32; Mk 3:29).
This concept is decidedly Jewish. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy when he forgave sins and thus assumed messianic rights and authority that they regarded as belonging to God alone (Mk 2:7). In the first century blasphemy was still a capital offense, and the sentence of death imposed on Jesus was in part for this sin. However, the Bible teaches that the ones who are truly guilty of slander are those who deny the claims of Christ and mock him (see Mt 27:39–40). blasphēmeō is a willful, deliberate, and conscious effort to slap God in the face. God regards this sin seriously. Mounce, W. D. (2006). In Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (p. 67). Zondervan.
Slaves Responsibility to the Believing Masters - vs. 2
Slaves Responsibility to the Believing Masters - vs. 2
2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
The Call for Action -
Don’t take advantage of Master’s
Serve all the More
First, believers are to serve their employers obediently
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Second, believers are to serve their employers completely
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Third, believers are to serve their employers respectfully
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
Fourth, believers are to serve their employers eagerly, in “sincerity” of heart
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Fifth, believers are to serve their employers excellently, “as to Christ”
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
Sixth, believers are to serve their employers diligently, “not by way of eyeservice”
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Seventh, believers are to serve their employers humbly, not “as men-pleasers”
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
Eighth, believers are to serve their employers spiritually, “doing the will of God from the heart”
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Finally, believers are to serve their employers eschatologically -
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
The Motivation for Action -
They are fellow believers
They are fellow heirs
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Some historians have estimated that half of the population of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves. Many of these people were educated and cultured, but legally they were not considered persons at all. The Gospel message of salvation and freedom in Christ appealed to the slaves, and many of them became believers. (The word translated “servant” in the KJV New Testament usually means “slave.”) When slaves were able to get away from their household duties, they would fellowship in local assemblies where being a slave was not a handicap (Gal. 3:28).
But there was a problem: Some slaves used their newfound freedom in Christ as an excuse to disobey, if not defy, their masters. They needed to learn that their spiritual freedom in Christ did not alter their social position, even though they were accepted graciously into the fellowship of the church. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 233–234). Victor Books.
No one stressed the sacredness of all work more than Martin Luther:
To call popes, bishops, priests, monks, and nuns, the religious class, but princes, lords, artizans [sic], and farm-workers the secular class, is a specious device.… For all Christians whatsoever really and truly belong to the religious class, and there is no difference among them except in so far as they do different work.… Hence we deduce that there is, at bottom, really no other difference between laymen, priests, princes, bishops, or, in Romanist terminology, between religious and secular, than that of office or occupation, and not that of Christian status. All have spiritual status, and all are truly priests, bishops, and popes. But Christians do not all follow the same occupation.… A shoemaker, a smith, a farmer, each has his manual occupation and work; and yet, at the same time, all are eligible to act as priests and bishops. Every one of them in his occupation or handicraft ought to be useful to his fellows, and serve them in such a way that the various trades are all directed to the best advantage of the community, and promote the well-being of body and soul, just as all the organs of the body serve each other. (“An Appeal to the Ruling Class,” in John Dillenberger, ed. Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings [Garden City, N.Y.: Anchor Books, 1961], 407, 409, 410) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 228). Moody Press.
SO WHAT?
Who or what are you a Servant of?
Who is “Lord” of your life?
