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"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters..."

Text: Titus 2:9

MINISTRY TO BONDSERVANTS

The Roman Empire was vast and extensive. Slavery was part and parcel of life. Slaves were bought and sold openly in the market place. It was a very hard life for those who found themselves bondservants.

“Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters,
to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn
the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”
Titus 2:9-10

1. “Exhort bondservants”

a) It is unlikely that the Churches had special weekly meetings organised for bondservants.

b) This exhortation may be given in a number of ways:-

i) Personal word of exhortation in a conversation

ii) In a meeting (e.g. church meeting)

iii) Personal notes

2. Important set of advice

a) With reference to relationship with their masters.

i) To be well pleasing to their masters.

ii) To do well in all the duties assigned to them.

iii) Not answering back (Insolence, insubordination etc).

b) With reference to honesty

i) They must not steal (“pilfering”).

ii) They must serve with a great sense of integrity.

3. Reasons for serving well

a) There are general reasons why bondservants should serve faithfully and well.

i) For their own well-being.

ii) That they may not be punished.

b) A special reason was added in this text:-

i) Serving well will result in adorning the teachings (doctrine) of the Lord.

ii) He is both Saviour and Lord.

iii) The teachings of God would appear so much more beautiful when they are practised.