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Title: Slaves and Masters, Part Four: To the Masters
Intro:
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.
We’re going to look at three things and their applications today:
- What does it mean when Paul tells masters to “do the same things to them”
- Why does he tell them to “give up threatening.”
- What does it mean that there is no partiality with God?
- “Do the same things to them…”
What are these “same things” that slaves are to do unto masters?
- Be Loyal (v5)
- Be Sincere (v. 5/6)
- Render goodwill as to the Lord (v.7)
What might this look like in action?
2. “Give up threatening…”
Just because you have the position of power and authority, does not mean you can abuse that and hold that over your subject. Frankly, we see this teaching all over scripture, and somewhat recently from Paul.
“Fathers do not provoke your children to anger…” (Eph. 6:4)
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” (Rom. 12:18)
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Rom. 12:14)
Point: Power and station need to be wielded responsibly, with caution, knowing that we all answer to the same God for how we used the power and station HE gave us.
John 19:10-11
Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
3. There is no partiality with Him
This draws us hard into that pinnacle truth we looked at last week in verse 8:
Our station here in this life (slave or free) has ZERO bearing on our eternal reward. (Thank God!)
We are all born into different circumstances throughout human history. Male. Female. Slave. Free. Jew. Gentile. Rich. Poor. This is WHERE WE ARE. But we are reminded that this is not the case WHERE WE ARE GOING. Galatians 8:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Our station here in this life (slave or free) has ZERO bearing on our eternal reward.
How does this amazing thought offer such hope to everyone and anyone?
Close:
Packer:
(assuming both masters and slaves are Christians)
“If masters can expect their Christian slaves to serve them willingly, slaves can expect from Christian masters to be treated the way Christ treats his own.”
Here’s the real question: would you rather be a master or a slave, given what we now know?
Safest answer: We will all (in seasons) be both. ALWAYS be a slave to Christ, and you’ll do just fine.