1 Timothy 6:1-2 – Slaves

In today’s reading, Paul deals with how Christian slaves are to treat their masters. Paul was in no way approving of slavery, but just dealing with the fact that slavery existed in his day. Moreover, the word translated as “slave” may also be translated as “bondservant,” and, thus, can refer not only to people who are forced into servitude and treated like property, but also to those who have voluntarily placed themselves in service (usually to pay off a debt), allowing the fruits of their labour to be owned by another. In either case, Paul’s interest is that Christians who are in bondage bring honor to God through the way they serve their masters. They are to treat their masters with honour. If they are bound in servitude to a fellow Christian, they must not use their brotherhood as an excuse to serve half-heartedly or to disrespect the master. Rather, they should seek to serve a Christian master all the more faithfully, due to their love for their brother.

Most of us in the western world do not have direct experience with the institution of slavery. (Some who study the issue, however, say that there are more people in slavery around the world today than at any other time in history). Nevertheless, Paul’s instructions in this passage apply well to Christian employees. Christians should treat their employers and supervisors with honor. This is especially true when we work under a fellow Christian. When the world sees that Christians work hard and serve their employers faithfully and with respect, the Name of Christ is honored.

Questions
1. How should Christians treat those for whom they work?
2. How should we treat our master or employer if he is a Christian?
3. What happens when the world sees that Christians work hard and honour their employers?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that Christians would honour those for whom they work.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.