Category Archives: Masters

Bible, Freedom, Jurisdiction, Law, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JURISDICTION

ROMANS 7:1

“Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?”

You may have heard the word “jurisdiction” in a cop show or court room drama. Law enforcement officers are normally restricted to their jurisdiction when it comes to making arrests. Judges also have districts which limit their rulings. Now, these “lines” of jurisdiction can be moved from time to time and law enforcement can work with other jurisdictions to enforce laws and catch bad guys. But what exactly did Paul mean when he used this word?

The Greek word used by Paul translated as “jurisdiction” is kyrieúō. It means “to exercise rights over one’s own property as an owner with full dominion (lordship) over this jurisdiction.” (HELPS Word-studies) This word is only used seven times in the New Testament with four of those occurring in Romans. We’ve already seen it in 6:9 and 14. We’ll see the word again in 14:9. Paul was emphasizing the power of sin over our lives before Christ and the power of the Law over those who tried to follow it.

APPLICATION

Perhaps one of the best uses of the word is found in Luke 22:25 where Jesus was confronting the disciples when they were caught disputing who was the greatest. He told them, “‘The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.”’” The word “domineer” is kyrieúō. Do you see it more clearly now?

The Topical Lexicon says kyrieúō “portrays the exercise of lordship—personal mastery that either liberates or oppresses, depending upon the one who wields it. In Scripture the term becomes a lens through which divine, moral, and relational authority are examined.” In today’s verse it is definitely a jurisdiction of oppression under the Law. There was no freedom found there.

So, how do you want to live your life? You say, I am not under the Law. I can do whatever I want. Really? If you do whatever you want, now your flesh is your master. If you try to keep all the laws, it is your master. You must decide to submit yourself to The Master Who sets you free. That freedom allows you to choose Him as Master. Come under His jurisdiction and find true freedom.

Thank You, O Father, for the freedom we have in Christ. He is the gentle Judge over our lives.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Grace, Jesus, Law, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

UNDERGRACE

ROMANS 6:14

“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace.”

There’s a hymn written in 1718 that sums up today’s verse well. It is entitled “Christ Receiveth Sinful Men.” The third verse is particularly relevant. It says:

Now my heart condemns me not,

Pure before the law I stand;

He Who cleansed me from all spot,

Satisfied its last demand.

In today’s verse, Paul summarizes once again all the previous verses. Justification is not by works but is only by grace. The little preposition hypo is used here. It means be under something. Often that means to be under the authority of someone or something. In this case, under the authority of the Law or of grace. Paul, being a former Pharisee, knew the futility of trying to appease the Law. You know he was so thankful for grace in his life.

APPLICATION

Paul uses another word that is interesting. In past verses he used a different word to convey the idea of sin reigning over us. In today’s verse he uses kyrieúō which comes from kýrios meaning “Lord.” He used this same word back in 6:9 and will use it again in Romans 7:1 and 14:9. I particularly like how 14:9 uses it in reference to the Lord Jesus. “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

The Law is not Lord. Jesus is. The Law does not rule over us. Jesus does. The Law does not dictate how we live. Jesus does. Why won’t we, as followers of Christ, yield ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus and allow His grace to over us? We chase after sin to try to get some kind of fulfillment but are only left with emptiness and grief. Jesus can fill all our needs if we will allow Him.

If you’re like me, you don’t like to be told what to do. I have always been pretty self-confident and made my own decisions. I often had to make decisions that affected others whom I supervised. But I have learned not to lord it over them. I must show grace. I must emulate the example set for me by Jesus. He will lead us only if we follow. He won’t push or shove us into grace. We must come willingly under His lordship. Will you?

Lord Jesus, I recognize and accept Your lordship over my life. Help me to live under grace each day.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Church, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

THE RETURN

COLOSSIANS 4:9

“and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here.”

Sometimes people move away and then return years, maybe even decades, later. I know when I go home to visit my family in South Georgia, I may see someone I haven’t seen in a long time. Most of them I recognize, but some are almost unrecognizable. While I remain eternally youthful, they have aged badly. Lol. Seriously, people change when they move away.

Onesimus was no different. We know Onesimus from Paul’s letter to Philemon, his owner. We know from that book that Onesimus had run away and had perhaps stolen something from Philemon. Now Paul is sending him back home with a letter for the church. I am pretty sure he delivered that letter to Philemon at the same time. He is a changed man. He is now a believer.

APPLICATION

Paul had paired Onesimus up with Tychicus (whom we discussed the last two days) knowing that Tychicus could guide him well and speak on his behalf to Philemon and the church. Even though Onesimus had probably left on bad terms, he was now returning as a “faithful and beloved brother” of Paul. That in itself should have spoken loudly to his owner and the church. If Paul trusted him, they could too.

Whom has harmed you in the past, only to return to make things right later? What did you do? Did you forgive them? Did you listen to their story of how they had changed? Take another look at the book of Philemon and put yourself in his sandals. How would you have reacted?

As Christians, we must always look at what God has done in a person’s life and evaluate from God’s perspective. In today’s verse, it is obvious that Paul had placed a lot of trust in Onesimus. Now he was placing a lot of trust in Philemon and the Colossian church to receive him back with open arms as a brother in Christ.

When people see you after years apart, are they amazed at what God has done in your life? Are you a shining example of God’s grace and mercy? Our goal should always be to encourage others in their walk and live a life that reflects His glory. Let us all strive to be like Onesimus, faithful and beloved.

Lord, You have done such wonderful works in all of our lives. Thank You.

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Bible, Equality, Fairness, Justice, Lord, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JUST AND FAIR

COLOSSIANS 4:1

“Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

The whole topic of slavery, which Paul has been addressing in the past few verses (3:23-25), can be confusing for us in the 21st century. Slavery has been abolished in the U.S. since December 18, 1865. There are still areas of the world, however, where slavery is practiced, whether it is legal or not. Slavery does just the opposite of what this verse is commanding – granting justice and fairness.

Paul knew he could not change the slave culture that was all around him by simply penning a letter to a church in Colossae. But he could give God’s Word to Christian masters, like Philemon, who lived there. He could point them to the justice and fairness of God in their own lives. He even says, “you also have a Master in heaven.” The Greek word for “Master” is kurios, which is often translated “Lord,” referring to God or Jesus. I believe these masters of slaves in the Colossian church got the message.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 7:21 Paul tells the Christian slaves, “Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.” In other words, don’t rebel and lash out at your masters, but do all you can to be set free. Often slaves could earn money enough to buy themselves out of slavery. By doing this, they would have to work extra hard, which in turn would please their masters.

Paul also addresses this issue in 1 Timothy 6:1-2, where he says, “1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.” This was obviously a contentious topic in the early church that was living in this slave culture.

So, how can we learn from this verse? Treat everyone with justice and fairness. To show justice means to do what is right in God’s eyes, not yours. And to show fairness means to treat everyone as equal. You are above no one. I believe these two truths are important in our relationships with others, whether they are believers or not. Do this to please your “Master in heaven.”

Father, You truly are my Master. I want to do all things according to Your justice and fairness.

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Bible, Bondslaves, Masters, Pleasing, Scripture, Slaves

DON’T BE A PEOPLE PLEASER

COLOSSIANS 3:22

“Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”

I had a boss one time who did not like to see any of his employees sitting around. Even though all the tasks were done, he thought we should be doing something. We all learned to hop up and get busy the second any of us saw his truck coming down the street. Don’t get me wrong, we all worked hard. He was just very demanding. Some bosses are like that.

Paul turns to the topic of slaves and masters, a topic that most of us have never had to deal with personally. Spiros Zodhiates, in his Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, says this about this topic in his introduction to Colossians. “The occasion of the writing and sending of this Epistle was that of Paul sending a messenger to Philemon in Colossae in connection with his runaway, but now converted, slave, Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9).”

APPLICATION

How do we apply verses about slavery to our 21st century lives? Well, it’s the principles taught. Remember, every word of God’s Word is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). Who are you trying to please? That’s the question Paul was raising for the slaves. These slaves were Christians, but they were still slaves. They were to please God first and allow Him to handle their masters.

And Paul says they are to “obey…in everything.” The word “obey” is the same word he used in verse 20 regarding children obeying their parents. When Paul says to obey everything, that meant these slaves couldn’t pick and choose what they obeyed. I am sure Paul did not mean to imply they should participate in ungodly, sinful behavior to please their masters. That would go against the very principles he had been teaching. But every other task they were assigned should be completed.

We are going to see more verses on this topic over the next few days. Paul spent a considerable amount of time on this because the Roman world, which was seeing more and more Christians come to faith, was full of slaves. These slaves needed guidance on how to live their new faith in their present circumstances. We will see how this applies to us, as well.

Father, I am Your slave, Your bondservant and am committed to please You above all.

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Bible, Harm, Masters, Scripture, Slaves, Threats

NO THREATS

EPHESIANS 6:9

“And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

Have you ever threatened anyone or been threatened by someone? Threats are not to be taken lightly. I had to cancel a trip out of the country within the past year due to threats of harm. There are people who will kidnap, harm or even kill you just because you are a Christian. When threatened, we need to take precautions. And heaven forbid if we are the one threatening.

Paul instructs the masters (slave owners) to moderate their behavior towards their servants or slaves. Notice he did not tell them he had to set them all free, even though that happened some. Instead, he said to “give up threatening” them. Why? Because these believing slaves had the same heavenly Master as they did. They were both children of the King. We should never threaten family, should we?

APPLICATION

This word for “threatening” is only used two other times in the New Testament. Once is in Acts 4:29 which reads, “And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence,” This is the passage where Peter and John had been arrested and then released by the religious leaders. They knew God had heard the threats that had been made against them and that He would protect them.

Later in the book of Acts, this same word is used to describe Saul (before he became Paul). In Acts 9:1 it says, “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,” Paul was madder than a wet hen about these new believers. He felt his way of life was under attack, so he was letting them know he was coming after them. Isn’t it funny that right after Paul’s conversion he too was threatened and people tried to kill him.

There is never a reason for us to threaten someone with harm. I am not saying you can’t defend yourself. That could happen. But we should never be the aggressor. And if you are a boss, for goodness sake, don’t threaten your employees. You may have to discipline or even fire someone, but that does not call for threats. Follow Paul’s example here in today’s verse.

Lord, forgive me when I have threatened others with my attitude or unkind words.

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Bible, Bosses, Employee, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

HOW TO SERVE YOUR BOSS

EPHESIANS 6:5

“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;”

I have never been one to slack off work just because the boss wasn’t around, but I have known others who were like that. I had a job once that involved working with a partner. Let’s just say my work ethic and his didn’t exactly match. He was always wanting to take longer breaks and was late just about every day after his lunch break. But when the boss was around, he was a busy bee.

Paul addresses the slaves/masters or employer/employee relationship in today’s verse. In Paul’s first century world, it was common for slaves and masters to both come to Christ, thus affecting their relationship. Paul tells the slaves to remain obedient. They should not take their relationship as brothers or sisters in Christ to cause a problem in their “work” relationship. Those last three words of the verse are key – “as to Christ.”

APPLICATION

There are really a lot of verses about work in the Bible. We are told to work as unto Christ. Let’s look at a few, and as we do, assess how you are doing (if you are still gainfully employed). In 1 Timothy 6:1-2 we read, “1All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.”

In 1 Peter 2:18, Peter addresses the same issue. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh.” Oooh, this is a hard one. It is easy to follow a leader or boss who is kind and fair, but the ones who aren’t make it quite challenging. But the Word is the Word, right?

The parallel passage to today’s verse is found in Colossians 3:23-24. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” I think it is pretty clear. As slaves or employees, we are to serve our masters/employers well. Why? Because we are serving a higher authority. We want to please Him in all that we do.

Father, forgive me when I have not served my bosses well. Help me be an obedient and submissive servant.

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