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

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In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions regarding the duties of servants. The Scriptures provide guidance on how servants are to conduct themselves in relation to their masters, emphasizing obedience, respect, and sincerity.

Obedience and Respect

Servants are instructed to be obedient to their masters, demonstrating respect and submission as a reflection of their commitment to God. In Ephesians 6:5, the Apostle Paul writes, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." This verse underscores the importance of serving with a genuine heart, as if serving the Lord Himself.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:22, 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." The emphasis here is on consistent obedience, not merely for appearances but as an expression of reverence for God.

Sincerity and Integrity

The call for sincerity and integrity in service is further highlighted in Titus 2:9-10: "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Servants are encouraged to act with honesty and faithfulness, ensuring that their behavior reflects positively on the teachings of Christianity.

Service as Unto the Lord

The biblical perspective elevates the role of a servant by framing their duties as service to the Lord. In 1 Peter 2:18, it is written, "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." This instruction acknowledges the potential challenges in serving difficult masters but calls for a steadfast commitment to respectful submission.

Endurance and Patience

The Scriptures also recognize the potential for suffering and injustice in the servant-master relationship. Servants are encouraged to endure with patience, trusting in God's justice. 1 Peter 2:19-20 states, "For it is commendable if someone endures pain while suffering unjustly because of conscience toward God. For what credit is it to you if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God."

Conclusion

The biblical instructions for servants to be subject to their masters are rooted in a broader theological framework that emphasizes obedience, respect, sincerity, and integrity. These duties are not merely social obligations but are seen as acts of worship and service to God, reflecting the transformative power of the Christian faith in all areas of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:18
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

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

The Way to Honor
... not going to speak about the duties of masters ... to do with consequences; those belong
to their masters. ... the reward which surely comes to the faithful servants. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... text apply it to humility, to the duties of charity ... servants are directed to obey
their masters, children their ... subjects, nor a master without servants, nor a ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on mutual subjection 1first printed.htm

"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

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Paul now proceeds to enumerate duties pertaining to every ... As common servants, we
should minister to mankind in ... there are as many beliefs as masters and servants ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Of the Mortification of Our Natural Inclination to Liberty or ...
... for as for the other, it comprehends all the duties of piety and ... Paul teacheth, be
obliged to obey secular superiors, and servants their masters, not for ...
/.../chapter xiv of the mortification.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 18 Servants, be in subjection to
your masters with all fear; not only to the good and ... OUR CHRISTIAN DUTIES. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... What were the precise duties of these female servants we do ... she "was possessed of
a spirit of divination," and that "she brought her masters much gain by ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm