Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "master" often refers to individuals who hold authority or leadership over others, such as employers, landowners, or heads of households. The Bible provides guidance on how masters should conduct themselves, emphasizing benevolence and righteousness in their dealings with those under their authority.Benevolent Masters The Scriptures encourage masters to exercise their authority with kindness and fairness. In Ephesians 6:9 , Paul instructs, "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him." This verse highlights the expectation that masters should treat their servants with respect and fairness, recognizing that they too are accountable to God, the ultimate Master. Colossians 4:1 further reinforces this principle: "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." Here, the emphasis is on justice and equity, reminding masters that their authority is not absolute but subject to divine oversight. The benevolence of masters is also reflected in the Old Testament. In the Mosaic Law, provisions were made to ensure the welfare of servants. For example, in Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Hebrew servants were to be released in the seventh year, and masters were encouraged to provide generously for them upon their release, acknowledging the Lord's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt as a model for their own conduct. Blessed Masters Masters who adhere to biblical principles of leadership and stewardship are often depicted as blessed. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates this concept. The master in the parable entrusts his servants with varying amounts of wealth, rewarding those who are faithful and diligent with greater responsibilities and blessings. This parable underscores the idea that masters who manage their resources wisely and treat their servants justly are blessed with prosperity and divine favor. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb suggests that masters who are generous and benevolent towards those under their care will experience blessings in return, as their actions align with God's principles of generosity and kindness. In the New Testament, the centurion in Luke 7:1-10 is an example of a master whose faith and benevolence are recognized and blessed by Jesus. The centurion's care for his servant and his humility in seeking Jesus' help demonstrate a model of leadership that is both compassionate and faithful, resulting in the healing of his servant and commendation from Jesus for his great faith. In summary, the Bible presents a vision of masters who are called to lead with benevolence and justice, reflecting the character of God in their authority. Such masters are not only a blessing to those they lead but are also blessed by God for their righteous stewardship. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 15:18It shall not seem hard to you, when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant to you, in serving you six years: and the LORD your God shall bless you in all that you do. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ... "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors. Evidences of Regeneration. Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem. Matt. xv. 21, 22 The Sermon on the Mount Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Domestic Relation. Love Thy Neighbour Resources What is the meaning of living for Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat principles should distinguish a Christian business? | GotQuestions.org What is Spirit Science? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Masters: Authority of, Established Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Defraud Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Keep Back Their Wages Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Rule Over Them With Rigour Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Act Justly Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Deal With Them in the Fear of God Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Esteem Them Highly, If Saints Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Forbear Threatening Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Take Care of Them in Sickness Masters: should Receive Faithful Advice from Servants Masters: should Select Faithful Servants Masters: Should, With Their Households: Fear God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Observe the Sabbath Masters: Should, With Their Households: Put Away Idols Masters: Should, With Their Households: Serve God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Worship God Related Terms Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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