Christian Testimony in the Place of Work
I Timothy 6:1-2 • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Summary:
Let me remind us where we’ve been in the book of I Timothy and where we are going:
Chapter 1-Paul addresses problems of legalism in the church
Chapter 2-Paul describes men and women’s roles in the church pertaining to corporate worship
Chapter 3-The offices of pastor and deacon are addressed and the characteristics and qualifications of each are given.
Chapter 4-Paul deals with other issues in the church pertaining to people forbidding others from being married and not eating certain meat.
Chapter 5-We are taught how to deal with people in the church. We learn how to treat those older than us, younger than us, widow care, and pastoral care.
In chapter 6 we are going to continue this idea of relationships, but this relationship is one outside the walls of the church. The relationship between a slave and his master.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
What I would like to do in these opening remarks is lay a groundwork for slavery and what it looked like in this era.
I believe it’s important in the context of these two verses that you understand the type of relationship slaves and masters had in this day.
PRAY
Background of Slavery
-Historically it was said that by Roman times, slavery was so extensive that in the early Christian period one out of every two people was a slave. Around 60,000,000 people.
-Often when we think of slavery in the context of our country, we think of it from the standpoint of being an issue of race. But back in this era you will find that debt was one of the major reasons families would enter into slavery.
-Voluntary slavery was very popular as a way to escape poverty and even starvation. So a person, or whole families, would make themselves subject to entering into a relationship with a master as their slave. Some would say the term “servant” would be more fitting.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
By Roman times Slavery was so extensive that in the early Christian period one out of every two people was a slave
From the Bible, in the Old and New Testaments, we find very clear guidelines from men like Paul who address both servants and masters and the type of relationship they were to have.
Paul does not commend slavery. In fact, as we heard last Sunday in the morning service on the book of Philemon, Paul urges Philemon to free his former slave Onesimus. To break that slave master relationship.
However, Paul does teach these people how to work through such an issue of something that was lawful at that time in society.
I like how Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible summed it up at they said:
“The NT attitude toward slavery indicates that the status of the slave was more like that of a servant and that the institution of slavery generally was declining. There was no strong opposition to slavery from Jesus or the apostles, but an admonition that slaves and servants should serve their masters faithfully and that masters should treat their slaves humanely and fairly (; ; Tm 6:2; ). Frequently masters and servants as a household became Christians (, ), and worked together to the glory of God (; ).”
Transition:
Obviously, and thankfully, we do not deal with that issue in our church, with slaves and masters. So you might be thinking, “how does this message apply to me?” “What can I glean from these verses in my personal life?”
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
Debt was the basic cause for many families being reduced to slavery; an entire family could be subject to slavery
Tonight I am going to take these principles that Paul gave in reference to slaves and masters and apply them to our relationship in the workplace.
We understand the type of relationship that these slaves and masters had was similar to an employer and employee.
How do we treat those who are over us? More specifically, how do you treat your unsaved boss? How do you manage a relationship with a boss who is a believer?
I believe from these two verses we can answer these questions pertaining to the workplace.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
Voluntary slavery was widespread as a means of escape from abject poverty and starvation
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
The Israelites made a deliberate attempt to safeguard the slave from brutality by a master or overseer. By law a maimed slave must be released (Ex 21:26, 27).
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
In Greek and especially in Roman times, when the number of slaves increased dramatically, household slaves remained the best treated. Many became servants and confidants; some even established good businesses to their own and their masters’ benefit.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
The NT attitude toward slavery indicates that the status of the slave was more like that of a servant and that the institution of slavery generally was declining. There was no strong opposition to slavery from Jesus or the apostles, but an admonition that slaves and servants should serve their masters faithfully and that masters should treat their slaves humanely and fairly (Eph 6:9; Col 4:1; 1 Tm 6:2; Phlm 16). Frequently masters and servants as a household became Christians (Acts 16:31, 32), and worked together to the glory of God (Eph 6:5–8; Col 3:22).
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: Orders from Headquarters (1 Timothy 6)
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
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: Orders from Headquarters (1 Timothy 6)
This is one reason Paul and the early missionaries did not go around preaching against the sinful institution of slavery. Such a practice would have branded the church as a militant group trying to undermine the social order, and the progress of the Gospel would have been greatly hindered.
Transition:
Obviously, and thankfully, we do not deal with that issue in our church, with slaves and masters. So you might be thinking, “how does this message apply to me?” “What can I glean from these verses in my personal life?”
Tonight I am going to take these principles that Paul gave in reference to slaves and masters and apply them to our relationship in the workplace.
Those Who Have Unbelieving Employers Should Be Careful to Give a Good Testimony for the Faith (v. 1)
Those Who Have Unbelieving Employers Should Be Careful to Give a Good Testimony for the Faith (v. 1)
The State of the Slave (Let as many servants as are “under the yoke”)
The State of the Slave (Let as many servants as are “under the yoke”)
Explanation
Here we find a description of the type of work this servant was doing. He was under the yoke. When you hear that phrase, “under the yoke” does that sound like a job description you want to meet?
You look on Indeed.com and see the description of a position and it says on there, “must be willing to be under the yoke.” That just doesn’t sound too pleasant does it?
In reality, it wasn’t. A yoke was used in Bible days to pair animals together to plow a field. It was rigorous work. It was tiring. It was tedious. It was monotonous. It was tiring. It was struggling.
How many of you that kind of sounds like your every day workplace? These people did this day in and day out. But there was also an added element in this whole deal. Their boss was not a believer.
They were working for someone who did not know Jesus as Savior. There’s several thought processes that Timothy may have had to address in the minds of these slaves as they worked for an unbeliever.
They could have thought, “Well, I’m a believer. I’m better than my boss. Jesus loves me and not them. He’s not worthy of my labor.”
They could have thought, “Why does God bless this man who doesn’t even know Christ? Why am I stuck here doing this hard, tiring work, while he just gets to enjoy the fruit of my labor? Why doesn’t God bless me like he blesses him?”
He may have thought, “I’m free in Christ. I’m not going to be under the bondage of any. I’ll do whatever I want because I’m under grace.”
No doubt there would have been an array of different excuses as to why these slaves would not put out 100% in their work for their unbelieving masters.
But they needed to come to the realization that they were under the yoke. That God sovereignly placed them in that position. Even as a slave, they could bring glory to God through their work.
Application
Application
When we become a believer, our paradigm should change as to how we view everything. Everything should be viewed through the lens of God’s glory.
The previous mindsets I mentioned that these slaves may have had in putting down their unsaved master, all stemmed around selfishness and pride.
The focus was not on Jesus and pleasing Him, the focus was on self and making justifications. I love what Paul wrote to this church years before addressing them in I Timothy:
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
He’s saying, “regardless of your position, you are a child of God. Don’t serve to please men, serve to please me. Let me be your motive. Let me be your reason for getting out of bed. Let me be your reason for doing your best.”
You might be struggling tonight in your workplace. You’re having a hard time working for that boss. You have a hard time respecting someone who lives a life so contrary to the Word of God.
And in our inner Pharisee we start thinking how we’re better than them or they don’t deserve our respect or compliance. We justify in our minds why we can do a subpar job for them.
Can I remind you tonight that your life is not wrapped around pleasing a boss? It is about pleasing Christ! Doesn’t Christ deserve for us to do our best in the workplace? Doesn’t he deserve for our focus to be on Him?
Don’t focus so much on the position that you wish you had in your employment, focus on the amazing position you have in being called a child of God!
Embrace where God has placed you! If you’re a servant, serve with all your might. If you’re a master, be a servant leader. Display the humility of our Savior.
I understand that’s easier said than done. When I was growing up and I had some questionnaire given to me asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I can guarantee you, I never put in the blank, “janitor.” Can I admit something, I don’t always enjoy my job. It gets wearisome and burdensome at times. No doubt you feel the same way about your job at times.
But friends, God has placed you there for a reason! Instead of being so focused on how you wish you had another job or another boss, maybe you should focus on the relationship you have with our Savior and find contentment in Him!
When you do that menial task, do it for God’s glory! Right before you do it say, “God this is for you, and do it to the best of your ability.”
These slaves needed to recognize the position they were in, and have respect for the position of their master.
The Service of the Slave (count their own masters worthy of all honor)
The Service of the Slave (count their own masters worthy of all honor)
Explanation
To honor means to value and respect. They were to respect the position that their master was in. The work of the slave should have been a reflection of their understanding of this.
Notice that there are no stipulations here. It did not say to show honor whether their master was nice or mean. Hard or soft. Easy or difficult. It says, “do this.” It’s commanded.
As they had respect for their master and his position, it would help them in putting in hard work for him.
Positionally, he ought to command respect and loyalty.
Potentially, he is a soul for whom Christ died.
Application
Let me just stop here and say, God has placed authority figures in your life for a reason. He has placed them in the position they’re in for a reason.
Our job is not to question that and buck against it or complain about it, our job is to show honor to whom honor is due.
I think of :
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
When we are under the authority of someone, and what they ask us to do does not violate our conscience or the commands of God, we should submit to that authority, regardless of who they might be.
John Phillips said,
Personally he may be despicable.
Positionally, he ought to command respect and loyalty.
Potentially, he is a soul for whom Christ died.
What is the motivation in serving a master who’s unsaved? Why try our best for someone who might blaspheme our God? Why put in the effort for someone like that?
The Significance of the Slave (that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed)
The Significance of the Slave (that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed)
Explanation
You want to know one of the great motivators as to why we should strive to do our best in the workplace that we can do? Why we should treat our boss with respect? Why we should have the best work ethic possible? “That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”
So that unsaved boss can look at your testimony in the workplace, and be pointed to Jesus. People in authority over you can see Jesus through your work and integrity.
The point that Paul was trying to get across to Timothy was, if these slaves just stay faithful in their character and in their work ethic, these masters would see a difference in their life and think,
“Why do they serve with such excellence? Why are they different than the others? Why do they have joy in even the most menial tasks?” Through their testimony, masters would come to know the MASTER, Jesus.
Transition
The Roman government was very on edge at this time because half the population was filled with slaves. At any moment, these slaves could have turned on their masters and it would have led to a huge revolt.
William Barclay stated:
This is one reason Paul and the early missionaries did not go around preaching against the sinful institution of slavery. Such a practice would have branded the church as a militant group trying to undermine the social order, and the progress of the Gospel would have been greatly hindered.
William Barclay
The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon How to Be a Slave and a Christian (1 Timothy 6:1–2)
For the Church to have encouraged slaves to revolt against their masters would have been fatal. It would simply have caused civil war, mass murder and the complete discredit of the Church. What happened was that, as the centuries went on, Christianity so permeated civilization that in the end the slaves were freed voluntarily and not by force. Here is a tremendous lesson. It is the proof that neither individuals nor the world nor society can be reformed by force and by legislation. The reform must come through the slow penetration of the Spirit of Christ into the human situation. Things have to happen in God’s time, not in ours. In the end, the slow way is the sure way, and the way of violence always defeats itself.
You want to know how to change your workplace? Show up on time, do what you’re supposed to, do it with joy, do it with excellence, encourage others, respect the authority over you, and do that as long as you are there.
I think of the example of Joseph:
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Genesis
Pagan Potiphar could see the Lord through the actions of Joseph. Does your boss see Jesus in you? Do your coworkers see Jesus in you? Is your workplace better because of you?
Don’t let your testimony be a reason as to why others blaspheme God and His doctrine. May your testimony be something that points others to the Lord.
Summary:
We must embrace our state-we are are under the yoke. We must serve those in authority over us with respect-worthy of all honor. We must let the significance of our service motivate us, knowing that God’s name and doctrine has the potential to be accepted and not blasphemed.
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
The Israelites made a deliberate attempt to safeguard the slave from brutality by a master or overseer. By law a maimed slave must be released (Ex 21:26, 27).
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
In Greek and especially in Roman times, when the number of slaves increased dramatically, household slaves remained the best treated. Many became servants and confidants; some even established good businesses to their own and their masters’ benefit.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Slave, Slavery
The NT attitude toward slavery indicates that the status of the slave was more like that of a servant and that the institution of slavery generally was declining. There was no strong opposition to slavery from Jesus or the apostles, but an admonition that slaves and servants should serve their masters faithfully and that masters should treat their slaves humanely and fairly (Eph 6:9; Col 4:1; 1 Tm 6:2; Phlm 16). Frequently masters and servants as a household became Christians (Acts 16:31, 32), and worked together to the glory of God (Eph 6:5–8; Col 3:22).
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: Orders from Headquarters (1 Timothy 6)
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
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Six: Orders from Headquarters (1 Timothy 6)
This is one reason Paul and the early missionaries did not go around preaching against the sinful institution of slavery. Such a practice would have branded the church as a militant group trying to undermine the social order, and the progress of the Gospel would have been greatly hindered.
Those Who Have Believing Masters Should Be Careful to Treat Their Employers Like Brothers in Christ (v. 2)
Those Who Have Believing Masters Should Be Careful to Treat Their Employers Like Brothers in Christ (v. 2)
Consider the Danger (And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren)
Consider the Danger (And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren)
Explanation
The word despise means to disrespect. It has the idea of looking down on someone.
The issue that was at hand was these slaves and masters would attend the same church, and positionally were the same in Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Let me just stop right there and say, aren’t you thankful that no matter what your position might be in this society, every child of God is equally accepted by God.
God loves you as the servant, as much as he loves the master. He loves the janitor as much as He loves the CEO. He loves the one who makes $1 a day as well as the one who makes $1 million a day!
God’s love is untainted. God’s love is not bias. God’s love is fair. God’s love is equal. You are accepted and loved by Jesus regardless of what you do and what your abilities are. That’s fantastic news!
But this was an issue when it came to the workplace. On Sunday, they were on equal ground. The ground is level at the cross as some have said. They worshipped together on equal ground.
They prayed together on equal ground. They heard the same preaching and teaching. When it came to the gospel and church life, they were equals.
So when Monday rolled around, the problem was that the mentality of the slave stayed the same. He did not regard his master and esteem him in the position of the workplace.
Rather, he despised him. He looked down on him because he thought in all areas of life they should be equals. So instead of submitting himself to the authority of his brother in Christ who was also his master, he showed disrespect.
Warren Wiersbe said,
“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”
If God has blessed you with a boss who is saved, don’t take advantage of that relationship. Treat them like a brother. Treat them like a sister in Christ.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
If they are saved, they are a part of the family of God. Treat them like family. Go above and beyond to help them. Families naturally help one another when there is a need.
They help before there is a need. They do what they do, not to get paid, but to be a blessing.
Now, I’m thankful that I get paid for what I do, don’t get me wrong. You’ve got to pay the bills and make a living. But if you can be a blessing to your employer who happens to know Jesus as well, do it.
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
There is a danger to not respect a fellow-believers position when they happen to be your boss. Don’t take advantage of that, use it as an opportunity to help out another brother or sister in Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Consider the Duty (but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit)
Consider the Duty (but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit)
Explanation
In another translation it states, “they must serve all the better,” because those who benefit from our service are those who are faithful and beloved.
You have the opportunity to help someone else benefit from your labor. Now, that doesn’t sound real exciting does it? We’re taught to make a name for ourselves.
To be known by everyone. But the Christian life is counter cultural. Our life should not be consumed by making a name for ourselves and having others serve us, it should be about serving others.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We were the beneficiaries when Christ finished His work on the cross. Because of His atoning work, we are saved. What did it benefit Christ?
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Gospel benefits us!
You have the audacity to say, “I’m going to withhold good from my brother,” when Christ gave you both more benefits than you could ever dream or imagine.
You didn’t deserve for Christ to go to the cross for you, yet He did it anyway. He served.
This is a call to be like Jesus. Whether you are servant or master, be like Christ. Serve one another.
Consider the Demand (These things teach and exhort)
Consider the Demand (These things teach and exhort)
That’s what we’ve done tonight. These principles will help you in your relationship with your boss in the workplace.
Point 3
Point 3
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Tomorrow is Monday. You and I have a decision to make, what kind of servant will we be? Will we be selfish? Will we make excuses? Will we take advantage?
Will we give God glory through our work so that others can be pointed to Christ and be encouraged through our labor?