man’s philosophy (2 :8 ). We can “know,” that is, have assurance that our work will be judged by an im partial God. This verse is the an swer to the “why” raised in verse 23. All we have and are has come from Him as trust. Not only that, but our future recompense or pay ment comes from Him (I Peter 1 :4). Verse 25. “Serve the Lord Christ.” Paul concludes this section addressed to servants by emphatically com manding them to serve Jesus Christ. While there are “lords according to the flesh” (v. 22), this is the fourth time since that verse that Paul calls oUr Saviour by the same term, “Lord,” to contrast the One with the many. Here he adds “Christ,” to re mind us of His mission and sacri fice on our behalf. Hence, no service is too much for Him to ask of us. “For he that is unjust shall re ceive for his injustice.” Paul is talk ing here about believers, for those who are lost are already condemned (John 3:18). Chapter 4, verse 1. The owners of the slaves (3:22), temporal authori ties, employers, everyone to whom God has entrusted wealth and power are called lords. Theirs is the last in this cycle of six commands in volving social relationships (3:18-
4:1). Instead of “rugged individual ism,” they are to render justice and equality to the slaves. In place of racial, religious, or age prejudice, each person who works for us is to be given impartial respect and treatment. We cannot judge others on the basis of our fancies, nor op press them just because the power is in our hands. “Knowing that even you have a Lord in heaven.” What a humbling thought for the “high and mighty” of temporal things! Note the differ ence between what is known by the slave (3:24) and by his master! For the one a promise, for the other a stern warning. (Cp. James 1:9, 10.) As a basis of action, let us ever keep this phrase in mind, for we are re sponsible to Him, and He has abso lute control over our lives. Verse 2. “Persist in prayer” is equivalent to the command given in I Thessalonians 5:17. Paul has given us his own example in 1:3, 9. “Constantly vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Not like the disciples (Matt. 26:40, 41), but rather watch ing and waiting on Him. Oh, how easily sleep comes to those who seek to pray! Verse 3. “Praying at the same time also for us.” Lift up your eyes from your own needs and from the work in which God has placed you, and remember His children and His program around the world. Paul did not ask them to pray for his burdens to be eased, nor that he be released from prison (v. 18). Much less did he seek that his life should be spared (Phil. 4:11). In that dark hour his only thought was that God should open a door of the word to us. He was not ashamed of the Gospel; in stead, he sought opportunity to pro claim it. He had to speak; he could not keep still (v. 4 ). He wanted “to declare the mystery of Christ.” The “mys tery of Christ” is the “word” Paul sought to proclaim. As in 1:5 and 2:16 it refers to the Gospel message
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