You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
5
Servants,[doulos] be obedient[hupakouo] to
them that are your masters[kurios] according
to[kata] the flesh,[sarx] with[meta] fear[phobos] and[kai] trembling,[tromos] in[en] singleness[haplotes] of your[humon] heart,[kardia] as[hos] unto Christ;[Christos] KJV-Interlinear
5 Slaves,
be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; NASB
Slave is a reference to someone who labors under the authority of another. This can include voluntary service or involuntary service. In any case, all service is paid for in one way or another.
Whether your master is an employer or the hierarchy within an organization, you are bound by some semblance of authority, and in that regard, you are mandated herein to obey in accordance with the customs of that employment.
These days we do not have slavery as it historically existed back in ancient times. But even then there were rules governing the ownership or employment of individuals.
The principles involved here are not the rights or wrongs of slavery, but the authority relationship through which labor or commerce was engaged.
The same principles apply in our current day. Authority in the work place, in bureaucracy or in any organization are the framework for a well-run and successful and efficient organization.
Just as in the home, where authority is the foundation for the successful family, so too that principle applies to all aspects of life.
Volition is the framework for self-control. Marriage is the framework for relationships. The family is the framework for the basic training of the children, and business or labor is the framework for the economic stability of society.
In every situation, authority, whether it is from self or in relation to others, provides the backbone for ones success and achievement in life.
