1 Timothy 6:1–2 “The Power of the Gospel”

1 Timothy 6:1-2 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• MATT REDMAN – The Heart Of Worship
• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – CityAlight
• Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• How Can We Serve Others? – Lesson for Kids
• This Is My Commandment (with lyrics) – Song for Kids
• L O V E, Love – Song for Kids
• The Golden Rule | Weird Animals Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle Paul moves on to instructions concerning slaves. Rather than focusing on abolishing the institution of slavery itself, the apostle was more concerned with transforming the distorted relationship between master and slave. As seen in 1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5, Colossians 3–4, and Philemon, Paul encouraged believing masters to treat their slaves as brothers and sisters, and he exhorted slaves to embrace freedom if they had the opportunity, but if not, to faithfully fulfill their responsibilities. In doing so, the master–slave relationship would be transformed into a brother–sister relationship, thereby rendering the institution of slavery powerless.

The exhortation in verses 1–2 must be read in this context. With the expression “all who are under the yoke of slavery” (v.1), Paul subtly reveals the injustice of slavery. Living under such an unjust system often led to oppression and exploitation, which could easily stir anger and resentment. Yet such reactions only made life more miserable. Even if the system was unjust and the master’s treatment was unpleasant, Christian slaves were to do their duties with joy and sincerity. This does not mean condoning injustice but rather living out the principle to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). When they did this, masters would come to respect the God whom their slaves believed in and the teachings of their faith.

If the master was a believer, then his faith should have led him to treat his slaves kindly as brothers. In such cases, believing slaves might be tempted to take advantage of their master’s goodwill. That is why Paul warned, “Those who have believing masters must not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers” (v.2). Instead, “they should serve them even better.” A believing master was no longer a harsh overlord to be obeyed under compulsion, but rather a “fellow believer and beloved.”

Meditation:

Modern people often criticize Paul for tolerating the institution of slavery. However, this is mistaken criticism that fails to fully consider the circumstances of Paul’s time. He was an itinerant preacher spreading a new religion. He did not have the power or influence to raise his voice against unjust social structures or to push for reform. Furthermore, he lived within the Roman Empire, which was built upon slavery. To publicly criticize slavery was considered a capital crime. In such a situation, openly opposing slavery would have endangered not only Paul himself but also those who listened to his message.

When we gather Paul’s various teachings about masters and slaves, it becomes clear that he knew slavery was not in line with God’s will. He also understood that once people accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, unjust systems would be rendered powerless. The gospel breaks down every division and barrier created by human beings. Paul likely believed that as the gospel spread, the institution of slavery would collapse.

In this context, Paul instructed believers who had unbelieving masters to serve them faithfully. In Ephesians and Colossians, he urged them to serve “as serving the Lord.” This did not mean serving grudgingly or with complaint, but with joy. The one who benefits most from such service is the believer himself. If the work must be done anyway, it is far better to do it with gladness and energy. Moreover, by doing so, unbelieving masters would begin to think differently about God and the gospel their slaves believed in. This, in fact, was the most effective way to bear witness to the gospel.

Believing masters would also have heard Paul’s message in the words, “Those who have believing masters must not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers” (v.2). For a master who had accepted the gospel, it meant no longer treating slaves as property or livestock, but instead as beloved brothers and sisters. At times, however, some slaves abused their master’s goodwill. To them, Paul gave the instruction to serve all the more sincerely, especially when their master treated them with kindness.

Here, we see once again that the gospel transforms all our relationships. The gospel breaks down all human divisions—between male and female, slave and master, Gentile and Jew. Yet the ultimate goal of the gospel is not merely formal equality. The gospel calls believers to serve one another in humility. That is the order of God’s kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord, Your gospel has brought us the peace, freedom, justice, and rights that we enjoy today. We thank You for this grace and blessing, which would have been unimaginable even a hundred years ago. Do not let us be satisfied with enjoying these fruits for ourselves. Help us remember those who still do not share in these blessings and strengthen us to labor diligently in proclaiming Your gospel. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The gospel of Jesus changes every relationship we have. Instead of living with anger or selfishness, God calls us to serve others with joy and respect, because in Christ we are all brothers and sisters. True freedom is found when we live out the gospel by loving and serving one another.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Paul says we can “serve as if we are serving Jesus.” What do you think it means to do your chores or help your parents, like you are doing it for Jesus?
  • How do you feel when someone treats you kindly even when you don’t deserve it? Can you think of a way you can show kindness to a friend this week?
  • The Bible says the gospel makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. Who is someone you can treat like a brother or sister in Jesus?
    
• Youth
  • Paul didn’t fight slavery directly but trusted the gospel to change hearts and systems. What do you think this teaches us about how to respond to unfair things in our world today?
  • How can serving others “with joy” (even when it’s hard) change the way people see Jesus in you?
  • The gospel calls us not just to equality but to serve one another. What’s one area in your life (home, school, church) where you could practice serving others first?