Concept of "Master". Over and over in the Gospels; Christ is addressed as "Master". We hear of God's love and salvation; less frequently with an emphasis on Him being Lord of our lives; rarely master. I had one friend of mine from a couple years back frequently start his prayers with that term. We can argue about the slave mentality of the ancient cultures; but how often do we think of ourselves as "unworthy servants" just doing what is required? (See Luke 17:7-10). It is sobering also to think that the scriptures show the absurdity of many today who think that somehow they will treat the servants any better than their "Master" (see John 15:20). As adopted children; we have certain rights and privileges that the "hired hands" don't have. Nonetheless since we are Temples of the Holy Spirit we are to honor God's presence and not grieve the Spirit. We are His possession and are to be fit for His use as He sees fit.
Of course; this all fits in with the fear of the Lord ( Prov. 1:7 etal). It seems like backward logic; at least to the world; who consider themselves free but in reality are slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20 and many other like verses). If we love Him; we obey His commandments. ( 1 John 5:2-3). Love and obedience are NOT mutually exclusive concepts; nor can either survive on their own. Now His saints are free to choose to serve God or to sin; a concept many who correctly believe what's known as the "Grace Gospel" seem to have trouble with. Before we are saved; we are only able to sin. The truth is hidden; as it were like the Parables are to the lost. This ties into His Diety as God in the flesh; hence no earthly saints are to be given special titles such as "Father" ( Matt. 23:9). Let us strive therefore so that we can avoid unnecessary discipline through sins. The way the world views punishment now; His chastisements may seem unduly harsh. It is better than ultimate judgment in hell; and for our own good.
Just on your reference to Master. I've always understood the word to mean 'teacher', as in Matthew 10:25, & many other verses.
Just checked the Greek word for it & it seems to confirm it. If you're of my vintage, we always referred to our male teachers as 'Master', at least in my very early school years (based on the British classification of Master & Mistress). Yet certainly, the idea of subservience is very evident by virtue of the position of the two parties, though unlikely that of a servant/slave.
Thanks for sharing what you did - always helpful & soul-nourishing.
Of course; this all fits in with the fear of the Lord ( Prov. 1:7 etal). It seems like backward logic; at least to the world; who consider themselves free but in reality are slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20 and many other like verses). If we love Him; we obey His commandments. ( 1 John 5:2-3). Love and obedience are NOT mutually exclusive concepts; nor can either survive on their own. Now His saints are free to choose to serve God or to sin; a concept many who correctly believe what's known as the "Grace Gospel" seem to have trouble with. Before we are saved; we are only able to sin. The truth is hidden; as it were like the Parables are to the lost. This ties into His Diety as God in the flesh; hence no earthly saints are to be given special titles such as "Father" ( Matt. 23:9). Let us strive therefore so that we can avoid unnecessary discipline through sins. The way the world views punishment now; His chastisements may seem unduly harsh. It is better than ultimate judgment in hell; and for our own good.
Agape.
Just checked the Greek word for it & it seems to confirm it. If you're of my vintage, we always referred to our male teachers as 'Master', at least in my very early school years (based on the British classification of Master & Mistress). Yet certainly, the idea of subservience is very evident by virtue of the position of the two parties, though unlikely that of a servant/slave.
Thanks for sharing what you did - always helpful & soul-nourishing.
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