Enslaved and Enslavers

Enslaved and Enslavers

From Sunday Morning Messages from God's Word by Lake Merced Church of Christ

February 22, 2026

About this episode

John Mulligan's lesson addresses the challenges of living faithfully in unjust work environments as discussed in Colossians 3-4.

John Mulligan’s lesson “Enslaved and Enslavers” confronts one of the most difficult passages in Epistle to the Colossians—Paul’s instructions to slaves and masters in Colossians 3–4. Rather than avoiding the tension, the lesson faces it directly: how do believers live faithfully in extreme and unfair work environments? While Scripture never endorses slave trading or oppression, it does speak to people trapped in harsh realities. Into that setting comes a radical shift—Christ changes not only a person’s eternal destiny, but how they endure unjust circumstances day by day. To those enslaved, Paul gives three powerful directives: obey, practice integrity, and remember your reward. Obedience is not about approving injustice, but about maintaining peace and faithfulness when escape is not possible. Integrity means working sincerely—not just when watched, but as serving the Lord Himself. The narrative flips: the true Master is not earthly, but heavenly. And for those who endure hardship while honoring Christ, there is an inheritance that no earthly master can withhold. The call is not to bitterness or rebellion, but to a transformed perspective—seeing work, even difficult work, as…

Topics covered

  • slavery
  • Christianity
  • work ethics
  • faithfulness
  • Colossians

Keywords

  • obedience
  • integrity
  • heavenly master
  • inheritance
  • gospel

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Enslaved and Enslavers, Epistle to the Colossians, Colossians, Scripture

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