Topical Bible: Masters: Should, With Their Households: Fear God

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In the biblical context, the term "masters" often refers to those who hold authority over others, particularly in a household or servitude setting. The Bible provides guidance on how masters should conduct themselves, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and leading their households in a manner that honors Him.

Fear of God as a Foundational Principle

The fear of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, serving as a foundational principle for righteous living. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . For masters, this fear is not merely about being afraid but involves a deep reverence and respect for God's authority and commandments. It is this reverence that should guide their actions and decisions within their households.

Biblical Instructions for Masters

The New Testament provides specific instructions for masters, urging them to treat those under their authority with fairness and justice. In Ephesians 6:9, Paul writes, "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 accountability that masters have before God, who shows no partiality and judges all with equity.

Similarly, Colossians 4:1 instructs, "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven" . This passage reinforces the idea that earthly authority is temporary and subject to the ultimate authority of God. Masters are called to reflect God's justice and righteousness in their treatment of others.

Leading Households in the Fear of God

Masters are not only responsible for their own conduct but also for leading their households in the fear of God. This involves setting a godly example and fostering an environment where God's principles are upheld. Joshua 24:15 famously declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" . This commitment to serving God should be evident in the way masters manage their households, ensuring that all members are encouraged to live according to God's statutes.

The Old Testament also provides examples of households that feared God. In Genesis 18:19, God speaks of Abraham, saying, "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just" . Abraham's leadership in his household is portrayed as a model of fearing God and walking in His ways.

The Role of Masters in Spiritual Leadership

Masters are called to be spiritual leaders within their households, guiding those under their care towards a deeper relationship with God. This involves teaching and modeling biblical truths, encouraging prayer and worship, and addressing any behavior that contradicts God's commands. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the importance of imparting God's commandments to the next generation: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" .

In summary, the biblical mandate for masters to fear God and lead their households accordingly is clear. By doing so, they not only honor God but also create a legacy of faith and righteousness that can impact generations to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... be true lovers and honorers of God; masters and parents ... good advice, and train up
and catechize their respective households in the way wherein they should go. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Whether Unbelievers May have Authority or Dominion Over the ...
... of the faithful were members of unbelieving princes' households, for we ... Thus Paul
too, after saying that servants should honor their masters, adds, "lest ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether unbelievers may have authority.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... choice thing which he will do, that should make us ... Do not let slip that word""and
their households." I fear ... Satan, and the world to be hard masters; but if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

The Seventh Book
... women subject to the most depraved of masters were not ... Romans living chastely in
the midst of their vices ... It should be of more importance in every man's eyes to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... fear their masters according to the flesh, and masters to render ... them to keep in
your service their wives, and ... Least of all should you who teach such doctrines ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... Ask the masters whether everything is pleasant with them in ... I should not be afraid
if the devil himself were ... rise were to be proclaimed in their presence, they ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... benefited and edified others, you yourselves should become cast ... have come to be their
own masters, through a ... which perisheth," have cast off their first love ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

Hebrews xi. 13-16
... I know you not:" the very thing which masters would do ... to the ministering of the
word, I should hold my ... virtues to ourselves, as laborers do their husbandry; in ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiv hebrews xi 13-16.htm

Christian Behavior
... Then masters carry it rightly toward their servants, when they labour both in ... Every
miscarriage of thine goeth to their heart, for fear God should take an ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Jesus and Abraham.
... yoke of Satan, from spiritual task-masters, from fear ... that the children of the promise
should be Abraham's ... their father, had them captive, and their minds were ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and abraham.htm