Servants and Slaves

Servants and Slaves

Monday, April 28, 2008: 1 Corinthians 7:21-24

Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

How did slaves become slaves about 2,000 years ago? A person in debt had two choices: debtor's prison or selling oneself to pay off his debt.

Does slavery still exist? In our natural state, we are slaves of sin. The cost of freedom is not good works, but paying off the debt or ending up in debtor's prison eternally. Christ's death as a perfect human is the only payment possible accepted by God. If you believe in Christ, your debt is paid off!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008: Galatians 4:6-10

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 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? You observe days and months and seasons and years.

If you have believed in Christ, and are known by God as His children, why would you voluntarily go back into slavery? A lot of people think that doing good makes them fit for heaven. Not true. God doesn't want you to do good - He wants you to follow His will for your life voluntarily! Don't go back into doing what others tell you is the right thing to do: ask God, read the Bible: He will direct you.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008: 2 Timothy 2:24-26

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Why must God's servants correct gently? Those who oppose are trapped in the Devil's grip. They must realize that Satan has made them his slaves and repent before God. This frees them from doing Satan's will.

Thursday, May 1, 2008:

Romans 14:3-4

Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

(Question is in the passage) If you are a vegetarian, don’t despise the non-vegetarian and vice-versa. Both are God's servants. You either do the will of God or you don't. He will judge.

Friday, May 2, 2008: Philippians 2:5-9

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.

How does Christ's example carry relevance in my life? God is pleased if my actions follow His will instead of mine. My actions are self-centered and fueled by pride and avarice.