Slavery?

Gal 4:1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

The Bible sometimes gets a bad rap because the issue of slavery is spoken of openly. It is one of those points people of limited Biblical understanding bring up when they need a convenient argument to use as a weapon against those who try to convince others to follow what the Bible says as vital instruction for life.

I remember seeing our own president speak in this way once, saying something to the effect of, “Which Bible commands do you want me to follow…the one where instruction for slavery is given - or the one where a couple caught in adultery is commanded to be stoned?”

Certainly slavery is a terrible mark on humankind. The Bible makes no argument in favor of slavery. The Bible simply acknowledges its existence and regulates it, to the effect slaves are not to be treated as…slaves - but as family members. The acknowledgment is that slavery was the welfare system for those who found themselves in debt with no way to pay back what they owed, or for those who were indigent, and had no means of support. Unlike the slavery that existed in the U.S. prior to the Civil War, this form of slavery had more to do with taking care of those who could not help themselves. Many people believe even Luke, (the Gospel author,) who was a physician, was most likely a slave. In that time many physicians were slaves to a wealthy benefactor, who would provide for their education and then have them serve the family as their personal doctor.

But even so, who would willingly choose slavery – even a mostly benevolent kind – if there were other options available? This is what Paul is arguing. “Are you seriously considering slavery, when son-ship is available? When God is personally inviting you into adoption as His own children, with all the rights, privileges and benefits thereof, are you telling me you are choosing slavery to the world and its corrupt systems instead?” Unfortunately, the question stands today as it did then. Because of the flesh I live in, I often find myself more comfortable seeking to satisfy a list of rules I cannot keep rather than living under grace which cannot really be defined other than as a moment-by-moment consultation with the Holy Spirit for His direction.

-  Pastor Bill