“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.”
“Bondservants”
In Paul’s day, there were 60 million slaves. They were the workforce of that day. Paul never commanded that slaves rise up and revolt against the institution of slavery. He asked that they be the best where they were in the situation they found themselves. Often slaves were the leaders and managers in the Roman empire.
God has geared Christianity so that it can work in any situation, under any government, and in any culture. There was no society for the prevention of cruelty to enslaved people. A slave owner could do whatever he pleased without fear of prosecution from the law. Romans bragged about their roads, but slavery was rampant everywhere. Yet Christianity flourished in an environment of slavery. The environment was no hindrance to the dynamic of Christianity. In that atmosphere, the gospel flourished. Christianity was a new, small, and upstart institution in the first century. The influence of Christianity over time put an end to slavery.
When these slaves heard that there was hope in Christ, thousands turned to Christ as their Savior. They had a purpose and someone to live for. The gospel has always appealed to the underdog. They are humble enough to hear it. Self-sufficient people do not need the gospel.
Many slave owners came to Christ, as well. Evidently, some wealthy people did not view themselves as self-sufficient. When they do, they often are great leaders in the cause of Christ. Thank God some of them came to Christ.
Today, this passage would apply to employees in most parts of the world.
Principle:
There is hope in Christ, no matter what the circumstance.
Application:
Do you find yourself in a situation where you deem there is no hope? Have you considered Christ? He will give you a sense of purpose and peace.
A person can become a Christian by:
1) recognizing that his sin violates a holy God, even a sin such as pride or anger;
2) by understanding that Jesus Christ paid for that sin through his death on the cross; and
3) placing faith personally in Christ’s death for your sin.
Will you trust Christ’s death to forgive your sins today?
