Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To be Faithful to Them

◄ Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To be Faithful to Them ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions regarding the duties of servants. A key aspect of these duties is the call for servants to be faithful to their masters. This faithfulness is rooted in a broader theological framework that emphasizes obedience, respect, and integrity as expressions of one's faith and commitment to God.

Biblical Foundations

The New Testament provides several passages that outline the expectations for servants in their relationship with their masters. In Ephesians 6:5-8 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

This passage highlights several key elements of faithfulness: obedience, sincerity, and service as unto the Lord. Servants are called to obey their masters with a genuine heart, not merely for appearances, but as an act of worship and service to Christ Himself.

Theological Implications

The call for servants to be faithful to their masters is deeply connected to the Christian understanding of authority and submission. In Colossians 3:22-24 , Paul reiterates, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

This passage underscores the notion that earthly service is ultimately service to Christ. The faithfulness of a servant is not merely a social or economic obligation but a spiritual duty that reflects one's relationship with God. The promise of an inheritance from the Lord serves as motivation for this faithful service, reminding servants that their ultimate reward comes from God, not human masters.

Practical Application

The biblical call for servants to be faithful to their masters can be applied to various contexts, including modern employment relationships. While the cultural and historical context of slavery differs from contemporary work environments, the principles of integrity, diligence, and respect remain relevant.

In 1 Peter 2:18-19 , Peter advises, "Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended."

This instruction acknowledges the reality of unjust treatment but calls for a response that reflects a higher allegiance to God. The faithfulness of a servant, even in difficult circumstances, serves as a testimony to their faith and trust in God's justice and provision.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for servants to be faithful to their masters is a profound expression of Christian ethics and theology. It calls for a heart of obedience, sincerity, and service that transcends earthly relationships and reflects one's devotion to Christ. Through faithful service, servants bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in all areas of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 16:10-12
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:10
Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Europeans in India.
... with Europeans in the discharge of their duties, and have ... Servants often remain for
years with the same masters ... the temporary absence of their masters from India ...
/.../chapter xxx europeans in india.htm

The Way to Honor
... upon his master. However, I am not going to speak about the duties
of masters and servants this evening. At other times ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

Covenant Duties.
... God. The duties of masters and servants to one another, are duties
which each respectively owe to Christ. "Servants ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Traders for the Master
... This one sets forth that side of the duties of the servants in their ... Masters nowadays
do not give servants their money to trade with, when they leave home ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/traders for the master.htm

Sober Thinking
... as the first of the social duties which Christian ... of all, and He appoints His servants'
work. ... by rigid control from becoming disproportioned and our masters. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/sober thinking.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... is good and acceptable before God.". Duties Of Masters To Servants.
Masters are commanded to forbear threatening ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... he is pressing the duties of believing servants towards their masters, whether
believers ... unto the prejudice of natural and civil duties, and doubtless ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.htm

David's Weakness
... animal powers, which God meant to be his servants and not his masters. ... being, whatever
his station, party, creed, capacities, tastes, duties, is morality ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... servants to disregard their parents and masters according to ... too much time in religious
duties, is acting ... children, common justice to your servants, nor even ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

In Rome
... Some masters, more humane than others, were more indulgent toward their servants;
but ... On the other hand, servants were to perform their duties, "not with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm