Titus 2:9,10

SLAVES Titus 2:9-10

Text 2:9, 10

9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying; 10 not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Thought Questions 2:9, 10

91.

Does Paul condone slavery by his reference to it in Titus 2:9 a?

92.

Are these slaves Christians? How shall we decide this question?

93.

How could a slave be well-pleasing to his master if the master was a despot?

94.

What is gainsaying?

95.

Explain purloining.

96.

Give a synonym for the word fidelity. Show how it is used here.

97.

Slaves are to provide the clothing for the teaching of Godexplain.

Paraphrase 2:9, 10

9 Slaves exhort to continue subject to their own masters, and, in all things, lawful, to be careful to please; especially by performing their service cheerfully; not insolently answering again, even though they may be reproved unjustly or with too much severity. (See 1 Peter 2:18). 10 Not secretly stealing any part of their master's goods, but shewing the greatest fidelity and honesty in every thing committed to them; that, by the whole of their behaviour in their low station, they may render the doctrine of the gospel amiable, even in the eyes of their heathen lords,

Comment 2:9, 10

Titus 2:9. There are five groups with whom Titus is to work. Each of the preceding four have been in the church. We believe the slaves are also members of the church. The instructions given could not be followed by less than a Christian. The latter part of Titus 2:10 settles the matter: slaves are to conduct themselves in the manner here prescribed so as to offer attractive testimony to the non-Christian of the doctrine of God.

The thought of Christian slaves becoming restive because of their position, has been discussed in Paul's first letter to Timothy (Cf. 1 Timothy 6:1-2). The word exhort is supplied by the translators of the American Standard Version, for smooth readingPlease do not overlook the fact that the whole section (i.e. Titus 2:9-10) is given not as suggestions, but as imperatives of Christian conduct.

The Christian slave will serve with a purpose. His purposes will be to serve Christ in his service for man. In doing this, he will accomplish the lesser but nonetheless important purpose of pleasing his Master. Such service is to be given in all things. In those tasks where human choice and preference enterput the desires of your Master above those of yourself.
Two very common faults (shall we call them sins) of slaves are here brought to light. The Christian slave should not sass-backoffer no back-talk. Do your work without murmuring or complaining. Paul does not discuss who is righthe points out what is right.

Titus 2:10. Not taking things for themselves (Lenski). This has a broader scope than petty thievery. The reference here is to embezzlement in any and all forms. Slaves held very responsible positions in the society of the first century. Opportunity of appropriating that which belonged to another was very great. The master of the Christian slave should be able to trust the slave implicitly. It would not be easy to serve as a Christian slave. To know that all men are created equal in the sight of God, and yet to be bound as property to another man, would indeed be difficult. For this reason, there must be a higher and holier purpose in the service of the slave than mere free labor for another maneven if he is a Christian brother. That higher, holier purpose is to provide luster and beauty to the teaching of God. The slave could exemplify in his service the beauty and power of the teaching he professed. The doctrine of God is only attractive to others if we make it so by our lives. If God can save the slave in his lowly, unpaid position, He is, indeed, in truththe Saviour.

Fact Questions 2:9, 10

54.

What is the conclusive point indicating that the slaves were Christians?

55.

In what manner was Titus to deliver these instructions to slaves?

56.

What attitude must prevail in the heart of the slave before he could please his Master in all things?

57.

The Christian slave is to serve without gainsayingexplain.

58.

Purloining is more than petty thievery. Discuss it's broader applications,

59.

How could the slave become an adornment for the doctrine of God?