Colossians 4:1

Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have. Master in heaven.

'MASTERS' -Note that God is fair. God didn't command the Master who was. Christian, to let all his slaves go free. God realized that this man had to earn. living. God didn't put him at an unfair disadvantage in the marketplace. God understood First Century economics. Thus Christianity doesn't inherently prevent anyone from making. profit or being successful in business.

'RENDER' -'deal' (Con); 'do' (TCNT) 'If slaves like Onesimus have their duties, so do masters like Philemon; they must treat their slaves fairly and justly.' (Bruce p. 171)

'THAT WHICH IS JUST AND EQUAL' -'just and equitable treatment' (Knox); 'what is right and fair' (TCNT); 'fair and square' (Hendriksen p. 176)

'JUST' -1342. dikaios dik'-ah-yos; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): -just, meet, right(-eous).

'FAIR' -2471. isotes ee-sot'-ace; likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity: -equal(-ity).

Points to Note:

1. God doesn't define the particulars of "just" and "fair", which infers that men already know such things. We aren't inherently depraved. We can apply general principles in specific situations.. fair wage, salary, benefits, etc...can be determined.

2. This would also infer that harsh or cruel treatment is uncalled for. 'The master should regulate his treatment of his slave not by caprice, but by equity.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 544)

3. This statement also infers that the slave isn't just. piece of property or. tool. The slave is. human being, your slave is your neighbor, and for many of these masters, your brother or sister in Christ.

4. We should all stand amazed that the various individuals and groups which advocate humane treatment of other human beings and yet which don't believe in God. Such is hypocrisy and inconsistency. In. no-God universe, in. universe void of absolute truth, it is irrelevant how we treat other people.

5. Paul may not be spending that much time or space in talking to Masters, possibly because the letter to Philemon, which this congregation would have access to, addressed the some of those issues relating to the master, in more detail.

6. We must remember that the master was commanded to treat all his servants in this manner, Christian and non-Christian. Seeing that the Christian slave, was still to serve diligently, even. non-Christian master (1 Peter 2:18); we must logically include that the Christian master was to render fairness to his non-Christian servants.

'KNOWING THAT YE ALSO HAVE. MASTER IN HEAVEN' -

Points to Note:

1. God gives both slaves and masters some incentive for doing the right thing. God is watching both groups (Colossians 3:24-25). He is impartial.

2. This is. wholesome reminder. 'Masters, remember, you have. Master. And from that Master you hope to receive fairness, compassion and mercy. So treat your slaves in the way that you wish to be treated.' Here we have an application of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12).

3. 'All the kindness, all the sympathy, all the forbearance which they have received from Christ they are to show toward those whose obedience and loyalty they expect.' (Erdman p. 106)

4. This should also remind people who are so eager to "be the boss". That being the boss brings with it great responsibility. God holds people accountable for the abuse of power or the mistreatment of others. Barclay notes, 'No master can say (or employer), "This is my business and. will do what. like with it". He must say, "This is God's business. He has put me in charge of it.. am responsible to him."' (p. 165)

5. Paul lays down. very important truth here. If we would just remember that one day we will stand before the Lord Himself in judgement (2 Corinthians 5:10); and that we aren't perfect. We would treat our fellowmen and especially our brethren in. manner in which we desire to be treated, i.e. fairly, with understanding, mercy and compassion. Matthew 18:22 needs to be read slowly and often.

As we close this section, Eadie points out that Christianity introduced three basic truths which in the end killed the institution of slavery in the Empire. (1) It denied the concept that slaves are of an inferior caste, either born so, are as Homer believed from mental imbecility. God viewed the slave as just as smart, just as capable of living. holy life, just as important and just as accountable as his master. (2) Christianity introduced the truth of "natural rights". The founders of this country called them inalienable rights, i.e. rights granted to every human being by the Creator himself. (3) That in relation to God, all men, bond or free have equal access. 'For the master and slave were alike the free servants of. common Lord in heaven.' (Eadie p. 266)

Sometimes we forget that slavery can always happen again. Anytime. society forgets the above truths, we are headed in that direction.

THE NEED FOR ATTENTIVE PRAYER: