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NASB | Titus 2:9 ¶ Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 2:9 ¶ Urge bond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, |
Bible Question:
An application question. Thanks, Mark, for your thoughtful reply. The story of Joseph is certainly a wonder: the way that such horrible deeds are brought to wonderful ends, and how those ends were even fortold in dreams at the beginnning. (In a weird kind of way, the dreams sprarked the jealousies, fueling the brothers cruel actions... so there is a kind of circle here. The circle brings us, at each point, back to God.) But, with the slavery question, I would like to try a modern application. This is not slavery per se, but similar I think. In Guatemala (as far as I understand it), most people live in poverty, and one critical concern is that very few people own land. The landowners are able to treat the workers very harshly, for there is no recourse. Some churches preach that the workers should accept their lot, live orderly lives, and live in the hope of heaven. Other churches preach that the injustice of their country needs to be reformed, and call on parishoners to work toward changing the laws of their society for the good of all. Church leaders advocate for the poor in the public sphere. What are the Biblical grounds for these positions, and is one more sound than the other? |
Bible Answer: Hi JRM, I think both positions are correct. Heb 13:5 "Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This would apply to the slave. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." This would apply to the one in whose power it is to do something about an injustice. The Old Testament Law had much to say about helping your neighbor, and Jesus reinforced that in His teaching. Phi 4:11 Not that I speak as to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. 12 And I know to be humbled, and I know to abound; in everything, and in all things, I am taught both to be filled and to hunger, both to abound, and to lack. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ the One strengthening me. 14 Yet you did well in sharing my troubles. Paul demonstrates this attitude regarding his material needs. On his part, he is not complaining about his lack, and has learned to be content with it. On the part of others, they do well to help Paul as they can. As a slave, or a factory worker in Guatemala, or Pakistan, or wherever, making one dollar a day, I am to be content. If I can improve my situation, I should, and to use it for the Kingdom. As an oppressor, I must repent, and treat my workers fairly. As an exploiter, James said it best: James 5:4 "Behold, the wages of the workmen who have reaped your fields cry out, being kept back by you. And the cries of the ones who have reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts." And really, James 5:1-12 And as a bystander, if I have the opportunity to help my neighbor in need, and don't, that is sin. What are your thoughts? Love in Christ, Mark |