Sassy Slaves in the Lord’s House

A Study of Titus 2:9-10

All Scripture quoted is from the English Standard Version

What is a slave to you?

What is a slave?

• In Titus 2:9-10, slave can also be translated servant or bondservant.

• The translation for “slave” can be a little deceitful at times.

• This word can refer either to a servant or to those bound by slavery.

• Either way, if Paul is referring to slaves it is most likely those who are indentured servants.

Sound Doctrine for

God’s Servants

Submissive

1. Slaves (or servants) are to be submissive to their masters in everything (v. 9).

A. God’s servants are obedient

Consider:

Ephesians 6:5, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ..”

Submissive

B. Submissive or obedient to your OWN masters

Life has a hierarchy…humility serves this best We are to serve our masters like we would

Jesus himself This attitude demands loyalty to the one we

serve If you cannot submit to your earthly master…

how will you submit to God?

Submissive

C. Serve your master in EVERYTHING Everything means whole or wholeness Everything your master asks you to do….do! The common sense clause!!!! Consider Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Demonstrate Good Faith2. Slaves (or servants) are to be well pleasing,

not argumentative, not pilfering, and bring a good example to your master.

A. Well pleasing Also means, fully agreeable or acceptable Doesn’t mean insubordinate If it doesn’t please your master it doesn’t please God!

Demonstrate Good Faith

B. Not argumentative Talk back, be sassy, contradict, and so on. In a free society this could be a hard task. However, we must remember who we are

representing in the workplace. Of course, if our master asks for our input we

should gladly try to assist.

Demonstrate Good FaithC. Not pilfering or stealing God wants us to be honest workers Treat our employers like we would treat God Stealing, embezzling or even holding back a part

of your work is sinful. Consider Ephesians 4:28Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him

labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Demonstrate Good FaithD. Being a good example to your masters Our Christian conduct in the work place can be a

very powerful message. Consider what is said in 1 Peter 3:1-2Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands,

so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

Examples of godly servants

Joseph

Even though he was a slave he was successful because God blessed him (Gen. 39:1-5)

Blessed because of his honesty (Gen. 39:6-9)

Was even blessed in prison (Gen. 39:21-23)

Demonstrated humility and was blessed by Pharaoh (Gen. 41:28-46)

Daniel

Was true to God even when his captor tempted him with worldliness (Dan. 1:3-8). God blessed Daniel’s efforts of faithfulness

(Dan. 1:9). Daniel showed respect for those who were

over him in authority (Dan. 1:11-13).

Modern Day Slaves or Servants

Men and women who excel in their professions because they put God first. Workers who are highly valued for their service, maybe even retained when others are let go. Some workers who are honest don’t see their

immediate reward but have one for them which only God can give them!