A Bond-Servant of Christ Jesus

Bible Text: Romans 1:1 | Preacher: Alan Conner | Series: 2002, Romans

May 5, 2002                                                                                            Northwest Bible Church

 

Romans 1:1

A Bond-Servant of Christ Jesus

 

 

INTRO

PAUL’S STATUS – A SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS.

The meaning of “bond-servant” (doulos ).

The “servant of the Lord” found in the OT.
A more humble designation which highlights the fact that Paul was a slave of Christ. The Greek word is doulos  which means a slave.  Background to slavery in the Roman Empire.
Reasons for slavery
The conditions of slavery.

Paul as a bond-servant of Christ.

The grace of God behind Paul’s slavery to Christ.
The power of God behind Paul’s slavery to Christ.
Paul’s emphasis on his relationship to Christ

EVERY CHRISTIAN A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.

All Christians are Christ’s slaves. Romans 6: 19, 22; Rev. 1:1
What is means to be Christ’s slave. Christ is our Owner, our Master, our Lord, our King.  Therefore,

Obey Christ.    14:15; Ps. 40:81; 143:10; 2 Cor. 10:5.
Submit our goals and plans to Christ. Cf. Romans 1:10
Be willing to sacrifice for Him. “I count all things loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8).
Remember that we have been bought with a price and that we no longer belong to ourselves but to Christ. 1 Cor. 6:19-20.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

To what degree are we living as servants of Christ?

 

This is a struggle that we all can identify with.  We all know at times what it means to be a runaway slave, prodigal son, AWOL.

 

But if you need help in living as a slave of Christ, remember:  WE ARE HIS SERVANTS BECAUSE HE WAS FIRST OUR SERVANT, Mk. 10:45   Let the love of Christ woo our hearts back to Him.   Then let us PUT OUR EARS TO THE DOORPOST (Deut. 15:17) AND PLEDGE OUR LIVES TO BE HIS SERVANTS FOREVER.