Faithful in Service

1 Tim 6:1-2

A Word on Slavery in the Scriptures

Slavery was prevalent

1/3 of Roman world was slaves (Though largely not what we think of)

Indentured servanthood to pay off debts. Usually the contract was for a 7 year period, where the servant would earn money, learn a trade, and even be taken into the master’s home.

Some slaves came as captives in war, kept on as servants - as in the case of the young girl in Naaman’s house in 2 Kings 5.

Chattel Slavery (the slavery of the western world) where men, women and children were kidnapped or stolen, then sold into forced labor.

While institutional slavery was brought to an end in the 19th century, slavery is still widespread today in different forms: child and sex trafficking, bonded labor.

Conservative estimate of 40 million slaves worldwide - (What we saw in Haiti).

Slavery and Racism are Sinful

Slavery is not a part of God’s created order but is a direct result of the fall.

When writing about marriage Paul appeals to God's creation order and to the marital relationship that God has instituted; for parents and children he appeals to the fifth commandment.

But when writing about slavery, there is no appeal to God’s word, it is a sinful institution

Paul condemns the practice earlier in Timothy - 1 Tim 1:9-11 - enslavers - contrary to the gospel

Mosaic law regulated slavery, not to condone it, but to prevent abuse (like divorce)

Scripture was the driving force to end slavery -

1 Cor 7:21 - Paul calls those who can to get out of slavery, (Phm 16) for slave owners to release their slaves; and (Gal 5:1) those who are free not to return to slavery

God’s Word proclaims freedom

Isa 61:1 - Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives

2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

But to those who are in this situation - Paul speaks to them of how they are to live for Christ.

The Scriptures speak to where we are, so that we may know how to live faithfully in our circumstances.

Not a call to revolution or rebellion, but to faithfulness in Christ in the midst of difficult situations.

A Word to the Slaves

Dignifying the Servant

Simply addressing the slaves in the congregation suggests their value. Though servants they have agency and their work matters for the gospel, they make a contribution to others.

Paul’s appeal

Regard masters as worthy of all honor.

Allow the word of God to influence the way you see every situation - you have a choice in how you regard others.

Do you view those in authority over you with contempt, anger, and hatred? Or do you choose to look with God’s eyes; seeing others as being created in the image of God, and even more significant than yourself (Phil 2:3); and every encounter as an opportunity to show the goodness of God in Christ.

How you show respect will help or hinder the gospel.

Paul is saying, “If you say you walk with Christ, but are a terrible worker, then God and his gospel that we teach will be brought into disrepute, and you will cause others to speak evil of God and the gospel you say you believe in.”

But when you are obedient, even in difficult situations, your work gives witness to those in authority of you of something greater. Though your work, your faith in God is shown to mean something. Even in suffering, you can point to the suffering of Christ.

Don’t disrespect your believing masters

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul also addressed Servants and Masters, and notably called on the masters not to threaten their servants. But now it seems that the servants were beginning to take advantage of the fact that their masters were Christians, and were becoming disrespectful, presuming upon their forgiveness and brotherhood.

Paul is saying, “Every boss deserves a full-day’s work from every Christian employee, especially those who are brothers in Christ.”

He reminds them, “Your work benefits other believers.” It is precisely because you share one Lord, one faith, one baptism - one hope… that we are to serve and honor and respect one another.

Applying God’s Word Today

We are not slaves, but the principles still apply.

Children - at home; Students - at school; Employees - In work

Christians are to show all honor.

Paul does not say that workers need to show respect only when their bosses are watching. He does not mean that students only respect the teachers who make learning fun. He does not give employees the right to gossip about management as long as they are in the break room when they do it. The Bible does not even allow Christians to complain about their jobs when they go back home.

Christians ought to be the best employees

You are rendering service not to man, but to the Lord - Eph 6:7

So every time a Christian turns in an assignment, makes a decision at a board meeting, closes a deal, takes care of a patient, mops the floor, or grades an exam, he or she is making some kind of statement about who Jesus is.

A Christian who gives anything less than the very best effort puts Jesus Christ in a bad light.

All that we do, in thought, word, or deed, is to be done to adorn the gospel Titus 2:10.