Sincerity of Heart
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Col 3:22
+
Sincerity of Heart
In Paul’s day, slaves were considered part of the household. They often lived with their master's families and raised their own families alongside their masters. Some slaves were taken as spoils of war; others sold themselves into slavery for a time or were sold themselves by their families. So, as the Gospel spread and the Holy Spirit brought faith, many slaves were counted in that number. For as we are told, there is no distinction when it comes to faith; the Holy Spirit comes to the free and slave alike, the man and the woman, the rich and the poor, Gentile and Jew. And in all things, all peoples, regardless of status in society, are to obey God and those in authority. We would do well to remember that as we live in such a polarized society where the country disparages our earthly authorities simply because they are not from the same political party as we are. We are to do what is expected of us always by wholehearted cooperation and full obedience and in doing so, the transforming power of the Gospel is seen by all. In the end our reward is not here on earth but in the eternal inheritance with Christ. So all that you do, do it in Christian love and sincerity of heart.
Col 3:22
+
Sincerity of Heart
In Paul’s day, slaves were considered part of the household. They often lived with their master's families and raised their own families alongside their masters. Some slaves were taken as spoils of war; others sold themselves into slavery for a time or were sold themselves by their families. So, as the Gospel spread and the Holy Spirit brought faith, many slaves were counted in that number. For as we are told, there is no distinction when it comes to faith; the Holy Spirit comes to the free and slave alike, the man and the woman, the rich and the poor, Gentile and Jew. And in all things, all peoples, regardless of status in society, are to obey God and those in authority. We would do well to remember that as we live in such a polarized society where the country disparages our earthly authorities simply because they are not from the same political party as we are. We are to do what is expected of us always by wholehearted cooperation and full obedience and in doing so, the transforming power of the Gospel is seen by all. In the end our reward is not here on earth but in the eternal inheritance with Christ. So all that you do, do it in Christian love and sincerity of heart.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Faith Comes By HearingAll Day LongThe Lord Keeps for HimselfSalvation Has ComeGrafted InStand Fast By FaithKindness and SeverityThe MysteryMercy on AllUnsearchableLiving SacrificesGiftsGenuine LoveThe Meaning of LifeGod EstablishedThe Summary of the Law is LoveThe Armor of LightMade to StandLiving to the LordEvery Knee Shall BowStumbling BlockTrue FreedomServant of the ChurchOur ExampleFellow WorkersAbound in HopeA Good TeacherGod’s WorkTravel PlansThe Fullness of His BlessingStrive TogetherWelcomeGreet One AnotherWatch Out
February
GreetingsAble to StrengthenAuthorityBlessed BeRedemption in His BloodSpiritual BlessingsGive ThanksDead Men WalkingBy GraceImmeasurable RichesBy GraceGod's WorkmanshipSeparatedBrought NearNo More HostilityTotal AccessFellow CitizensFor This ReasonMystery RevealedLeast of AllEternal PurposeFaith in HimSpiritual StrengthAbundant GiftWalk in LoveChrist's MeasureGifts to MenUnity of the FaithTo and Fro
March
Truth in LoveWalking a New PathA New SelfPut Away FalsehoodNew LifeImitators of GodSons of DisobedienceChildren of LightThe Will of the LordOne FleshFilled with the SpiritThe Church SubmitsChrist LovesProfound MysteryChildren of PromiseBring Them UpBondservants of ChristYour MasterStrong in the LordThe Whole Armor of GodStand FirmLove IncorruptibleGrace and PeaceHope Laid UpRedemptionThe Fullness of GodReconciledThe Hope of GloryToilGreat StruggleRooted in Christ