A Sermon to Servants
J. B. Brown, B. A. Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart… I. BE FAITHFUL for the sake of Christ your Lord. I mean, be loyal to the trust reposed in you; repay it by strict fidelity, incorruptible honesty, and steady devotion to those interests of the household committed to your charge. II. BE DILIGENT. Give to your service the energy that you would give to Christ; put it on the highest and firmest ground. Give your best, because it is the Lord's work you are doing; it is the Lord's "Well done" you are winning; it is the Lord's wage you will receive at last. III. BE PATIENT. Many commands may seem unreasonable; many tempers you have to do with, irritable and arrogant. Take it up into a higher region. See how far the thought of Christ will enable you to do and bear. Be always more ready to obey than to question, to work than to wrangle, to submit than to rebel; and you will do well. And do not be always thinking that you can better yourself; be patient, and "rather bear the ills you have, than fly to others that you know not of." IV. BE CHEERFUL. Nothing makes such sunlight on earth as cheerful, joyful fulfilment of duty. We have never mastered the lesson of life till we can sing to our tasks, and smile as we sing. Make it your study daily to wear a cheerful aspect as you go about your duty, and to make your life a willing, joyful service to your heavenly King. V. BE SURE THAT YOUR LABOUR SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN IN THE LORD. No work done for Christ ever fails of a blessing. (J. B. Brown, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; WEB: Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;