The Joy of Faithful Service - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1). A faithful slave fulfills the will of his master.

The metaphor of Christians as slaves to Christ is common in Paul's writings. It is one his readers would have readily understood because of the prevalence of slavery in the Roman Empire.

Peter, James, John, and Jude used the same metaphor of their own ministries, as did Jesus in Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." In Philippians 2:7 Paul refers to Christ as a bond-servant who set aside the glory He was due and humbled Himself to the point of death.

The Greek word translated "bond-servant" in Philippians 1:1 was commonly used of those who, out of devotion to their masters, chose to remain as slaves when having the opportunity to be released. They were also known as love slaves because they served out of love, not compulsion.

That is a beautiful picture of the believer. We are God's bond-servants (Rev. 1:1), having been freed from sin and enslaved to Him (Rom. 6:22).

While slavery brings to mind deprivation and inhumane treatment of one's fellow man, slaves in the Roman Empire usually were treated with dignity and respect. Although most had no personal possessions, their masters supplied everything they needed for life and health. Additionally, many were entrusted with significant responsibilities in their master's home.

A disobedient or self-willed slave was of no use to his master, but faithful slaves, who set aside their personal interests to accomplish their master's will, were a precious possession.

Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" (John 4:34). As God's bond-servant that should be your goal as well. Be faithful so God can use you mightily.

Suggestions for Prayer

-Thank God for the privilege of serving Him.

-Seek wisdom to appropriate your spiritual resources as you perform the tasks God has entrusted to you.

For Further Study

-Philemon is a letter Paul wrote to accompany Onesimus, a runaway slave, whom Paul had led to the Lord and was now returning to his master, Philemon.

-Read Philemon.

-What was Paul's desire for Onesimus?

-What does this letter reveal about Philemon's character?

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TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: gty

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Theophilus]

The Greek word for “bond-servant” is doulos (\(\delta o\~{v}\lambda os\)), which primarily means a slave, bondman, or someone in a permanent position of servitude.

It describes a person entirely at the disposal of a master, often implying a willful, total devotion to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Definition: Doulos (derived from deo, “to bind”) refers to a slave, whether voluntary or involuntary, frequently used to signify subjection, subserviency, or absolute, consecrated service to another.New Testament Usage:

It appears frequently in the New Testament to define the relationship between believers and Christ, such as in Romans 1:1, where Paul calls himself a “doulos” (bond-servant/slave) of Jesus Christ.Context: While it can refer to a literal, legally owned slave in the Roman world, it is often translated as “bond-servant” to highlight a voluntary, committed, and loving service rather than just forced servitude.Related Term: Sundoulos (\(\sigma \’{\upsilon }\nu \delta o\upsilon \lambda os\)) means “fellow servant” or “fellow slave,” used to describe those who serve the same master.

[Theophilus]

Psalm 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness

[Theophilus]

7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.