Words of Grace for January 2

Romans 1:1-2 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures

Slavery is a practice that, thankfully has been outlawed in our society. It is an ugly blemish on our country’s history that still has its effects in the attitudes and actions of many people. One common aspect of slavery throughout history is the degradation of the slaves into something considered sub-human. In America, a slave was considered half a person.

So, it is intriguing that Paul used the terminology of slavery to describe his relationship to Jesus Christ. He does not call himself a son, nor a friend, nor even a fellow-laborer, but a bondservant. The word he uses here is doulos, which is the normal word for slave. But it has an interesting heritage in the secular Greek world. It is specifically used of people who were born slaves. There is another word for those who have been made slaves. Paul is not only indicating his relationship to Christ, but also how he got in that relationship - he was born (spiritually) as a slave of Christ. And as a slave, he was bound (the origin of the word) to obey his Master.

We, too, are douloses of Christ. We are bound to obey Him. But, if you remember, when Jesus called people to take His yoke upon them, He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He truly is worth serving, and His service is not burdensome - it’s rewarding. Do you consider yourself a slave of Christ? Or are you serving yourself? Who is your master, and how does your life show that?

FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Having read Paul’s description of his former life, how hard do you think it was for Him to call himself a servant? What were the duties of a servant in New Testament times? (Parents, this may be a good time to discuss with your children the ideas of obedience and submission which were required of all servants. You may want, as an example, to use their relationship to you and your relationship to your boss.)

2. Who was Paul a servant of? According to Philippians 2:6-11, what gave Jesus the right to demand our service? According to verse 5, how are we to respond? How can you show humility in your family? In your church?

Children’s Catechism Question
Q - Who made you?
A - God made me.

Adult Catechism Question
Q - Who is the first and best of beings?
A - God is the first and best of beings.

Hymn
Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise