Respective Duties of Masters and Servants
E. Blencowe, M. 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. Let us consider THE DUTIES OF SERVANTS, as they are represented to us in Scripture. 1. The first point, then, which is enforced in every passage relating to this subject, is obedience (Colossians 3:22; Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18). Such obedience does not rest on any mere law or custom of man, but on the plain word of Almighty God. There cannot be any disgrace in homing the place of a servant. Can there be shame in that, to which the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Lord of glory, submitted? (Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 5:8.) But of what kind should your obedience be? The apostle has taught you that as to its extent it should be universal. "Obey in all things your masters," that is, in all things which are not contrary to the higher law of your heavenly Master: in all else obey readily and without limitation (Philippians 2:14). In small things as well as great. As servants should show obedience to their masters in all lawful things, so should they show it with reverence and meekness, or, as it is expressed in the text, "with fear and trembling," lest ye should offend them. 2. Another duty of a servant is to add to his obedience a constant endeavour to please. Let your services be seen to flow not from necessity or interest alone, but from the attachment of a willing heart. 3. A third duty is strict faithfulness and honesty. An unfaithful servant is in itself a term of deep reproach. He owes much to those into whose service he enters. He is sheltered beneath their roof; he shares the comforts of their home, is placed beyond the reach of want, eats of his master's bread, and drinks of his master's cup. Much is confided to him. His master's goods are placed beneath his care, and are justly required at his hand. II. The DUTIES OF A MASTER (see Colossians 4:1). 1. A master is bound in justice to keep to the full the terms of his agreement - to give to his apprentice the needful instruction in his business, and to pay his servant the stipulated wages (Deuteronomy 24:14, 15; James 5:4). 2. The law of equity may be considered as binding a master to kindness, forbearance, and concern for the souls of his servants. It bids him show kindness, and thus extends further than the strict rule of justice. Reason and conscience are its umpires. III. MUTUAL ARE THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER WHICH MASTERS AND SERVANTS ARE PLACED TO EACH OTHER. Highly important are their respective duties, and each may truly glorify God in the sphere assigned them. But what are the motives, what is the principle that can produce such blessed fruit? It is summed up in the consideration - Ye have both a Master in heaven. "Ye are not your own"; "ye are bought with a price," even the precious blood of Christ. Servants l how powerfully is this motive pressed on you! "Be obedient to them that are your masters...in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to mere" How happy are you, if you have indeed become the servants of Christ. Then will it be your foremost desire and endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things. And, behold, how true religion can ennoble every station! Masters! "your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him." Ye and your servants are fellow servants of the Lord; you are members of the same body - His Church; you must speedily stand together before His judgment seat. (E. Blencowe, M. 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;