Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 1 Timothy 6:1-2

Here again we see the Apostle Paul addressing the relationship between a bondservant and their master. I covered the commentary on Pauls teaching in Ephesians 6 on basically the same topic called Slaves and Masters. The original Greek word here is “Doulos” this word can be translated as slave but also translated a “bondservant” which is the way the NKJV translated it “Bondservants” Which I believe is the more accurate English translation of the word. This relationship between a bondservant and master is more like an employee and employer relationship of today. This is not the same type of slavery that is known by the Western culture, which by reading these scriptures of out of context brings you the incorrect interpretation.

The Apostle Paul , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is telling “bondservants” to treat your Master with honor. In this context a Master could be anyone in authority over you. It could be your boss at work, it could be your teacher at school, it could be your Pastor at Church. One of the values of a Christian is to live in obedience to authority and demonstrate respect. 

As the Apostle Paul states here “So that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” When you are obedient and respectful to authority, you are actually giving glory to God. Think about at work, there is a lazy employee who never listens to their boss, never shows up to work on time, never gets their job done, would this person be a good representation of Christ? Now I understand not all situations fit , however this is the basic principle. Now on the flipside, lets say you have a corrupted Master, you have a bad boss or teacher, does that mean you should join in when they dishonor God? No, the Bible says “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) While we strive to “live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18) We also don’t want to corrupt ourselves with wicked leaders.

Now this whole concept of being a bondservant is a Biblical principle, as Jesus tells us “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves , carry their cross, and follow Him” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus Christ made himself a bondservant to God the Father, and was obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:7-8) Amen

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 1 Timothy 5:21-25

Looking around Christianity today, there are many false teachers, Pastors, Bishops and leaders of the Church. This was not uncommon in the early Church either, however instead of embracing or tolerating these people, the true Church was to rebuke these people. To be set apart from false Christians, as the Apostle Paul said “If anyone preaches another gospel, let them be accursed “ (Galatians 1:8)

Now as we worked through this epistle to Timothy, we notice the qualifications for a leader (Pastor, Elder, Bishop,ect) in the Church was very strict, however when you understand the damage a false leader of the Church does, you see why. The flock that is under these wolves are great misled and become scattered and some fall away. The damage of a false leader in the Church can’t be underestimated, in some communities it has led the entire Church community to shut down and go elsewhere.

So the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says to Timothy “I charge you before God, The Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels” This is a serious command Paul is giving Timothy , a command so authoritative it is by the authority of God himself and the witness of His Holy Angels. And Paul warned Timothy “Do these instructions without partiality or favoritism” In other words, adhere to the commands of God over your feelings. Isn’t this something we can learn as the Church? Often we make decisions based on feelings instead of truth. 

We may excuse someone for something they did or maybe elevate someone to a position they don’t deserve because it just feels right, but does it align with the Word of God? This is the tough calling for the Shepherds of the Church, because we live in a world based on emotions and feelings instead of truth. The Shepherd who usually sticks to the Word of God in truth, is typically the Shepherd who is hated by the world

What did Paul warn Timothy by the Holy Spirit? “Don’t be so quick to lay hands on people or you will share in their sins” That is a bit of paraphrasing on my part, under the context, typical when someone becomes the leader of a Church, the community lays hands on them, to pray for them and receive them as a leader of the Church. What Paul is warning against , is being yoked to people who are blasphemous and false teachers, as you will share in their sins. Those who continue to remain yoked to a false teacher or organization are bringing judgment upon themselves, as you are to be set apart in Christ Amen