Instructions for 21st Century Slaves 1 Peter 2:18-20

Instructions for 1st & 21st Century “Slaves” 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:18-20

Introduction: Slavery in the Bible We tend to judge slavery by history of American slavery Consider Jewish slavery Exo. 21:6: “Pierce my ear . . .” Consider that we are slaves (bondservants) to Jesus Consider Philemon & instructions to Christian slave owners Most 1st century slave owners were evil How should a Christian slave see his pagan owner

Instructions for 1st Century “Slaves” 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh Be submissive Fear them Even the cruel ones Obedient with fear and trembling Sincerity of heart Not eye service, men-pleasers Doing good service as to the Lord You serve the Lord and he treats all men right 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Eph. 6:5-8

Instructions for 1st Century “Slaves” 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:18-20 Follow your conscience—it says endure and suffer Do evil and expect being beaten vs. doing good before God

Application to 21st Century “Slaves” You are a bonded servant for 40-50 hours each week Obey, be submissive to them Even to those who are unfair Do what they say, with fear and trembling Do what you do with sincerity of heart (may pay dividends) Follow you conscience—remember one important thing Do NOT be an eye servant, “boss” pleasers Serve Him like you would serve Christ: “as unto the Lord” You will have justice—God will reward you

Becoming The Bondservant of Jesus Believe Mark 16:16 Repent Luke 13:3 Confess Faith Rom. 10:9 Be Baptized Into Him Rom. 6:3-4 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful until death Rev. 2:10