Grace Baptist Church, Nokomis, IL.

Text:

In 1521 on this date in history, Martin Luther was given his last chance to rejoin the Catholic church. The prior day, he was brought before a generally assembly of the Roman Catholic church. Many of Luther’s writings were laid on a table before him, and he was asked if he stood by them. He confirmed that they were his writings, but he asked for a day to consider if he stood by them.

The following day, today in history, he gave this reply: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen.”

Luther had decided that his master was God, not man. We must all make the same decision despite all of the hardships which we face.

“Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 3:22-4:1)

The Bible is often criticized for endorsing slavery. It does not endorse slavery, but it does allow for it. If the Bible endorsed slavery, it would say, “Get a slave, and make him work for you.” Instead, the Bible faces the reality that at the time, slavery was an accepted social norm. The sin was not owning slaves, the sin was being a certain kind of slave owner.

The Bible says a lot about how slaves ought to have been treated. Society regarded slaves as property, and masters could treat them however they wished. The Old Testament commanded that slaves be treated fairly. Injuring your slave required you to set him free (Exodus 21:26-27). Any slave who ran away was not to be returned to his master (Deuteronomy 23:15-16). Most slavery talked about in the Bible referred to Hebrew slaves. They were to be treated as hired workers (Leviticus 25:39-40). They were to be freed after six years of service (Exodus 21:2). When freed, they were not to be send away empty handed (Deuteronomy 15:12-14). Some slaves even decided to remain with their master.

Those who say the Bible endorses slavery have not considered the commands given to slave owners. They are to treat their slaves justly and fairly (4:1). Just treatment requires not treating them as property, for it is not just to “own” another person. Fair treatment requires fair compensation for their work.

The basis of the command is that we all have a Master in heaven. How would you like your Master to treat you? If masters applied the golden rule to their relationship with their slaves, it would look much different than we usually picture it.

Should a slave seek his freedom? Paul ignores the question completely, at least in this passage. Another passage seems to say so, at least how it is normally translated (1 Corinthians 7:21). Most translations say something like, “But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.” Only one translation I read gets closer to what Paul wrote. The ASV says, “nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.” This seems to fit the context better. It doesn’t matter what state you find yourself in. Use what state your in to glorify God. It was not Paul’s concern that slaves gain their freedom. He was concerned about their souls.

We might point to the case of Philemon and Onesimus as well. Even there, Paul didn’t command Philemon to set Onesimus free, but appealed to him to treat Onesimus as a brother. Many people are in less than ideal situations in life. People lose loved ones in More important that getting out of those situations is learning to glorify God through those situations.

This is consistent with the passage at hand. He tells them to obey in everything, working heartily, as unto the Lord. He reminds them of the reward they will receive for obeying Christ.

Why does Paul spend so much more time addressing “slaves”? He realizes that they are victims of a grave injustice. We all fall under this category in some way. We are all subject to somebody. All of the commands to slaves apply to employees as well. Be the kind of slave to God that receives His favor rather than His punishment.