A note from our Pastor:

”And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”

1 Timothy 6:2

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The instructions from the Apostle Paul to Timothy for the community of believers at Ephesus continue. They concern those who were enslaved in the secular world. In verse one of this chapter the Apostle addresses those called to the ministry but serving masters who were non-believers. In our study verse this week, the Apostle continues by addressing how believers who had slaves should be treated.

First, this situation was likely far more rare than situations where the believer in Christ was enslaved by others. Nonetheless, this situation did occur and as a result the Apostle takes time to discuss it. The foundation of his teaching is a reminder — believers were connected not by their status in the secular world. Whether master or slave, they were connected by a belief in Jesus Christ.

This lesson must have been incredibly difficult to understand and hold to, but it is an important one no matter the generation of believer. While the modern American congregation is thankfully not plagued by the issue of slavery, there still exist different levels of individuals in many congregations. These levels are based on their secular roles. No matter the role or status the individual holds in the secular environment, each is called upon to be humble, to love God, and to love their neighbor. Even more so each is called on to care for and serve their fellow believers.

In this particular situation, the Apostle was instructing those who were enslaved. They were serving masters who were fellow believers. He told them not to despise their masters. This was not the Apostle endorsing a believer having a slave. Rather, he told those who were enslaved to place their relationship with other believers in higher regard. Their service to Christ was more important than their place in secular society.

The Apostle also makes reference to being partakers of the benefit. It is important to understand that this was not a natural benefit being referred to. Rather, the Apostle was speaking of the spiritual benefit of knowing the truth of Jesus Christ. Much may have divided the enslaved from the masters, but the blessings of believing in Christ was shared between them.

The same should be true for believers today. No matter the dividers of people in day-to-day life, the joint belief in Jesus Christ should unite them.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah