Page 62 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

for many slaves were released by the time they were 30 years of age, as they had become capable of providing
for themselves at that point.
After Paul has previously instructed Timothy on how to treat widows and elders, he now opens a new subject:
how slaves should behave toward their masters.
Slaves have three defining characteristics.

1. They are the property of another person.
2. Therefore, they can be bought and sold.
3. Their will is subject to another person’s will.

Slavery is a form of oppression. Even though some slave-owners were kind and treated their slaves with
gentleness … slavery by itself is a denial of human personhood and should be outlawed.

Who are the slaves in V2, and how does that apply to us today? ___________

 Slave owners in V2 are Christians.
 Today, they would be Christian employers.
Let’s suppose that some of us have been victims of something. Maybe it is slavery. Maybe
something else. Maybe we have been abused physically, verbally, and emotionally. Maybe we suffer racial
discrimination. Or, on a lesser scale, maybe we’re being treated unfairly at work.
How are we as Christians supposed to respond when we are victims of abusive or unfair treatment?
(Answers below: 1-2-3.)
How should we counsel a victimized person who comes to us for help?

In 1 Timothy 6:1-2, Paul answers. It’s easy for us to sit in church and say, “Preach it to those slaves, Paul!” But
Paul isn’t just preaching to slaves in a faraway culture that no longer exists. His words apply to every believer
today who is a victim of abusive, unfair treatment. He shows us all how to be a good Christian victim.

1. Remind ourselves that life is not fair.
The Bible is clear that if we got what was fair, we all would go straight to hell because we’ve all rebelled against a
holy God.
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Habakkuk 3:17-18. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen
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and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Hebrews 6:10. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as
you have helped his people and continue to help them.
2. There is always forgiveness - no matter how unfairly we’ve been treated.

Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 40:31. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings
like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

If we have been mistreated, we need to remind ourselves of the Gospel, forgiveness of sin, and hope for eternal
life. This life, no matter how good or bad, is temporary.
3. Becoming a Christian does not solve all our problems.

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