I. THE SPIRITUAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE MASTER  IS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE SLAVE.

1. The master has duties to fulfil toward his servants.

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven,” Colossians 4:1.  No man has absolute power, not even kings! “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of Go,” 2 Samuel 23:3. Christ’s reign: Isaiah 11:4, 32:1.

2. The master must be in submission to these duties. 

He must be a “slave” to these restrictions. Ex 18:21. 2 Chron 19:5-7. The fear of God is the chief virtue of the master.

3. The “same things” are those referred to in verses 6-7. 

Three-fold -- genuine heart concern for their servants.

II. THREATS HAVE PLACE IN ENCOURAGING  OBEDIENCE.

1. Masters are required to moderate there use, not cease altogether from using them. 

The word forbear means to hold loosely. 

2. The servant of God often must resort to threats when delivering the Lord’s message. 

Eze 3:17-18, Acts 20:31, 1 Thess 5:14. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine,” 2 Tim 4:2. “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,” Titus 1:13. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee,” Titus 2:15. “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,” Colossians 1:28.

3. The Lord certainly employs warnings and threats. 

Both His own people, 1 Cor 4:14, Rev 2:4-5, 16, and to sinners. Eze 3:17-18. How many sinners have not heeded the warnings and threatenings of God!

III. MASTERS HAVE A MASTER IN HEAVEN.

1. Those who exercise power and authority over others often are not held to an account here on earth. 

2. Because of this, they forget the Master in heaven. 

With Him there is no respect of persons. The word means partiality. It is with Him that all must do.

3. Even when a truth is known, it must still be impressed upon the heart. 

“ . . knowing that your Master also is in heaven.”