Sunday, November 20, 2011

THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT


Paul is directing his words in this section of his letter to Christian servants.  He reminds the believer that his service is to be done “as unto the Lord.”

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

The Greek for servants is a reference to someone who is a slave, whether willingly or unwillingly.  In the whole of biblical times, slavery was a part of society.  I can find nowhere in scripture that prohibits the practice.  There are verses in Deuteronomy and Jeremiah, however, that indicate that the Lord would that all men be free.

Deuteronomy 23:15–16 “Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.”

Jeremiah 34:13-16 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying, At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

There are, however, many guidelines as to proper treatment of slaves.  Paul gives a clear statement regarding the treatment of slaves in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:5-9 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.  And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Having said all that, Paul is instructing Christians who are slaves.  He is clear that they are to be obedient to their masters in every way—whether they are being watched or not.  They are to serve their masters with the heart that they are serving God in the process.  Verse 8 from Ephesians (above) gives the best motivation.  You can’t outgive the Lord.  The Lord will reward you for your good service (the implication being even if your master doesn’t).

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Verse 23 begins with a repeat of the instruction in verse 17.  I think the key truth that keeps jumping out in this chapter is that we are to live “as to the Lord.”  I am sure that a slave would especially need these words of encouragement—especially if serving a hard master.  He/she would need to be focused on the fact that the Lord looks at his/her service to their master as though they are serving Him.  Again, their work will not go unrewarded; they have a heavenly inheritance awaiting them.

Our culture is so full of pleasing self and earning the accolades of people.  As Christians, the only One we should worry about pleasing is the Lord.  Why?  Because we are joint-heirs with Christ, and our eternal inheritance will far surpass any earthly treasure or accolades we may accumulate.  We serve the “Lord Christ,” the Messiah, the Savior, THE Supreme Authority. 

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

In context, this statement seems connected to the instruction to “servants.”  God will not let those who claim His name go unpunished for wrongdoing.  There is no valid excuse before the Lord for doing wrong.  Scripture is clear that you will reap what you sow.

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

The Lord is a righteous judge; He is no respecter of persons.

2Chronicles 19:7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.   

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

1Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Though in context this instruction is to servants, it is applicable to every believer.   



(to be continued...)

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