If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
In today’s political scene it has become apparent our leaders may be seen as hard hearted, uncaring, narcissistic, power hungry leaders. The Lord in the following paragraphs is revealing what a firm believer should present to the world.
Servants generally are slaves to the luxuries of the world, and as a result usually have heathen masters, who often use them cruelly.
The apostle directs to be subject to the masters placed over us by Providence, with a fear to dishonour or offend God.
And not only to those pleased with reasonable service, but to the severe, and those angry without cause. The sinful misconduct of one relation, does not justify sinful behaviour in the other; the servant is bound to do his duty, though the master may be sinfully froward and perverse.
But masters should be meek and gentle to their servants and inferiors. What glory or distinction could it be, for professed Christians to be patient when corrected for their faults?
But if when they behaved well they were ill treated by proud and passionate heathen masters, yet bore it without peevish complaints, or purposes of revenge, and persevered in their duty, this would be acceptable to God as a distinguishing effect of his grace, and would be rewarded by him.
Christ’s death was designed not only for an example of patience under sufferings, but he bore our sins; he bore the punishment of them, and thereby satisfied Divine justice. Hereby he takes them away from us.
The fruits of Christ’s sufferings are the death of sin, and a new holy life of righteousness; for both which we have an example, and powerful motives, and ability to perform also, from the death and resurrection of Christ.
And our justification; Christ was bruised and crucified as a sacrifice for our sins, and by his stripes the diseases of our souls are cured.
Here is man’s sin; he goes astray; it is his own act. His misery; he goes astray from the pasture, from the Shepherd, and from the flock, and so exposes himself to dangers without number.
Here is the recovery by conversion; they are now returned as the effect of Divine grace. This return is, from all their errors and wanderings, to Christ. Sinners, before their conversion, are always going astray; their life is a continued error.
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise heathen masters, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living with believing masters, were not to withhold due respect and reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious privileges, but were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of their faith in Christ, and as partakers of his free salvation.
We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent. Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmising’s, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage.
Jesus Christ is a Christian’s hope; all our hopes of eternal life are built upon him; and Christ is in us the hope of glory. The apostle seems to have been the means of Timothy’s conversion; who served with him in his ministry, as a dutiful son with a loving father. That which raises questions, is not for edifying; that which gives occasion for doubtful disputes, pulls down the church rather than builds it up. Godliness of heart and life can only be kept up and increased, by the exercise of faith in the truths and promises of God, through Jesus Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER
As we journey forward Heavenly Father, we look for your guidance and comforting. We thank you, Lord, for each moment you dedicate to our lives, families, and homes. As we hear from the Holy Spirit, we know your voice is being listened to through him and all those infirmities which may plague us will be healed and a hedge of protection built around our lives. We thank you, Father, for all your mercies and abundant dealings you perform on our behalf.
Thank you, Lord, for being our Shepherd and bringing us to bountiful pastures where you are building us up Spiritually while protecting us from ravening wolves. As we are readied to go forward into the darkness as finely tuned meek, and humble, disciples capable of facing our enemies to victory. This we pray in your name Yeshua. Amen and Amen.
Robert
TRUMPETER'S CALL 
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