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

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In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions that emphasize the importance of servitude as a form of service to God. The duties of servants to their masters are outlined in various passages, highlighting the expectation of loyalty, diligence, and a commitment to being profitable to their masters.

Obedience and Respect

Servants are called to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as if serving Christ Himself. Ephesians 6:5-7 instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men." This passage underscores the principle that service to a master is ultimately service to God, and thus should be carried out with integrity and dedication.

Diligence and Hard Work

The Bible encourages servants to work diligently and wholeheartedly. Colossians 3:22-24 states, "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 highlights the importance of working earnestly, not merely for human approval, but as an act of worship and service to God.

Faithfulness and Trustworthiness

Servants are expected to be faithful and trustworthy in their duties. In the parable of the talents, Jesus commends the faithful servant who wisely manages his master's resources, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21). This parable illustrates the value of faithfulness and the reward that comes from being a trustworthy steward of what has been entrusted to one.

Avoidance of Dishonesty and Theft

Servants are admonished to avoid dishonest behavior and theft, which would be detrimental to their masters. Titus 2:9-10 advises, "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." This instruction emphasizes the importance of integrity and the positive witness that results from a servant's honest conduct.

Promoting the Master's Interests

The duty of a servant includes promoting the interests of their master. In Genesis 39:4-6 , Joseph is described as a servant who found favor in his master's sight and was put in charge of his household. "So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned." Joseph's example demonstrates how a servant's dedication and effective management can lead to the prosperity of the master's affairs.

Patience and Endurance

Servants are encouraged to endure hardships patiently, recognizing that their ultimate reward comes from God. 1 Peter 2:18-19 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 passage calls for patience and endurance, even in difficult circumstances, as a testament to one's faith and commitment to God's will.

In summary, the biblical perspective on the duties of servants to their masters emphasizes obedience, diligence, faithfulness, honesty, and a commitment to promoting the master's interests. These principles are rooted in a higher calling to serve God through one's earthly responsibilities, reflecting a life of integrity and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:15,16,18
And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philemon 1:11
Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... And it is very observable that he is pressing the duties of believing servants towards
their masters, whether believers or infidels, that the name ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.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

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Ver.9. "And ye masters," he continues, "do the same ... wife, the wife over the servants,
the servants again over ... For as he had enjoined many duties, which were ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Matt. vi. 24
... saying thus; "No man can serve two masters:" meaning here ... much more of us; if of
the servants, much more ... too are practising you [933] in the inferior duties. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxi matt vi 24.htm

Christian Behavior
... harden. Speak not much, nor often, but pertinent to them with all
gravity.9. DUTIES OF MASTERS TO SERVANTS. Masters ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Of the Mortification of Our Natural Inclination to Liberty or ...
... Paul teacheth, be obliged to obey secular superiors, and servants their masters,
not for ... hindered from reaping any benefit by prayer or any other duties. ...
/.../chapter xiv of the mortification.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... this duty as common as other duties, they will ... Lord's day, examine their children
and servants, and make ... Many masters, who know little themselves, may yet be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... and yet have a care that the servants do right ... duty of subjects, considerateness
that of masters, that they ... his position, and attended to its duties alone, how ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ...
... from their worldly necessities, and are masters of their ... or as Abraham to his servants,
when he ... him." These spiritual, excellent, soul-raising duties, are, if ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiii the nature of.htm

How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ...
... Now which of these two masters do ye choose to ... continue the practice of the same
internal duties, though after ... of the dearest and most perfect servants of God ...
/.../chapter v how internal livers.htm