Conduct between slaves and masters introduction: In Paul's letter to Timothy, he discusses the church's conduct concerning preachers, widows, elders, and now, in our text, slaves and masters. It has been estimated that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire at the time of this letter was written. Some say the entire economy was built on slavery. Masters could legally do whatever they wanted with their slaves. They were considered merely property. It is in this background of the times that Paul writes about how Christian slaves are to conduct themselves. Text: 1 Timothy 6: 1, 2 1. conduct toward all masters (verse 1) Christian slaves were to respect their owners, whether they were Christian or not. Ephesian 6: 5-8 points out how this respect can be shown. Two reasons are given as to why Christian slaves were to respect their masters: · So God's name would not be blasphemed. If these slaves rebelled and caused their owners difficulty, God's name would be dishonored. Christian slaves needed to remember they were not just slaves to their owners, but to the lord as well (Colossians 3: 22-25). · So godly doctrine would not be blasphemed. It is supposed to make people better. If they show disrespect, their owners would speak of Christ’s teachings. If the Christian slave didn't act any better than the non Christian slaves, what difference would Jesus teaching have? Do we have a good moral reputation in our community in mark 2. Conduct towards believing masters (verse 2 ) a Christian slave should not despise, think likely of, or be disrespectful to his Christian owner. A slave was to remember his own position as well as that of his master. Even though they were both brothers in Christ, their working relationship had not changed. Rather Christian slaves were to serve or slave for them all the more. This would be benefiting, producing fruit, for a fellow Christian (Christian master). The book of Philemon touches upon the conduct between a Christian slave (Onesimus) and his Christian owner (Philemon). That relationship did not change when Paul converted Onesimus to Christ. Paul sent him back to Philemon for this was the right thing to do. But a new additional relationship had been formed. They were both now brothers in Christ. 3. Appropriate lessons: · Christianity has the power to enter any culture and mold people so they can live with one another even the master slave relationship is bearable if both parties show godly characteristics and both exhibit brotherly love ( 1 john 4: 10, 11 ). · Search is not appointed by God to excite social reform. It is not a political tool. The issue of slavery is an excellent example. For the church to have encouraged slaves to revolt and rebel against their masters would have been fatal. It would have caused chaos, civil war and the complete discredit of the church. Christianity did teach that Christians were to be good, responsible citizens of society. The gospel, when believed and obeyed, did eventually change society into a better one. It teaches that all men are created equal and are made in the image of God, and that all life is precious. 4. Invitation: the gospel changes people from the inside out (Romans 12: 1, 2). The world should see Christ living in us. Christians make any society a better one by living and abiding by Christian principles. May 24, 2020 Prepared by Bobby Stafford The church of Christ at Granby, MO Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109 For more lessons and Sermons, please visit granbychurchofchrist.org/ granbychurchofchrist.com/ | 
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