Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: To Honor Them

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions regarding the duties of servants. One of the primary duties emphasized is the call for servants to honor their masters. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical theme of respect for authority and the maintenance of order within societal structures.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear guidance on the conduct expected of servants towards their masters. In 1 Timothy 6:1 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited." This verse underscores the importance of honoring masters as a testimony to the Christian faith and to prevent any reproach upon the teachings of Christ.

Similarly, in Ephesians 6:5-7 , Paul writes, "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." Here, the duty to honor is linked to a sincere and wholehearted service, equating the service to masters with service to Christ Himself.

Theological Implications

The call for servants to honor their masters is not merely a social directive but carries theological significance. It reflects the Christian understanding of authority as ordained by God. Romans 13:1 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage, while addressing civil authorities, establishes a principle applicable to all forms of authority, including the master-servant relationship.

Practical Application

In practical terms, honoring masters involves a respectful attitude, obedience, and integrity in service. Colossians 3:22-24 advises, "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 that the ultimate motivation for honoring masters is the recognition that such service is ultimately rendered unto the Lord.

Cultural Context

In the ancient world, the institution of servitude was a common societal structure. The biblical instructions to honor masters were given within this context, aiming to transform the servant-master relationship into one that reflects Christian values of respect, dignity, and mutual responsibility. While the cultural context has evolved, the underlying principles of respect for authority and integrity in service remain relevant.

Conclusion

The duty of servants to honor their masters is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing respect, obedience, and sincerity as expressions of Christian faith. This duty is not only a social obligation but a spiritual act of service to God, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in all areas of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 1:6
A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? said the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

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

"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

1 Cor. vii. 1, 2
... tell me, what harm is there when the duties of piety ... place, (1 Timothy 6:1, 2.)
"As many servants as are ... the yoke, let them count their own masters worthy of ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 1 cor vii.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

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

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

Jesus and Abraham.
... that those who become skeptics begin by neglecting their duties. ... yoke of Satan, from
spiritual task-masters, from fear ... Ye are not truly free, but servants of sin ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and abraham.htm

Leadership for Service
... of leadership, without performing its higher duties to God ... Neither be ye called masters:
for one is ... out of politics, officials become devoted public servants. ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.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