Free Indeed — Servant: Slave (doulos): Paul was a "slave" of Jesus Christ. The word "slave" (doulos) means far more than just a servant. It means a slave totally possessed by the master. It is a bond-servant bound by law to a master. Paul was purchased and possessed by Christ. Christ had looked upon him and had seen his degraded and needful condition. And when Christ looked, the most wonderful thing happened: Christ loved him and bought him; therefore, he was now the possession of Christ.  Read Acts 9:1-31

You may think it’s strange to lead off the theme for this month “Free Indeed” with an opening statement about Paul being a servant of God, But not just a servant but a “slave”.

This concept is hard for any person to understand especially in today’s society, where it is said “I can do what I want to do as long as it does not hurt or interfere with you,” or “I can have it my way”. Read Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, It must be true to be stated twice.

God does not want you to live in bondage, in your body nor in your mind. Jesus Christ came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.  So Jesus expects his followers (Disciples) to live outside the normal way of living and thinking.  Jesus’ desire is for us to abide in him as He abides in the Father. He created us to live in the kind of freedom that is not achieved by war and revolution but by the knowledge of Truth.  To know that Truth is a person and not a concept.  As He sacrificed Himself for us, He desires we sacrifice our minds, by expanding (renewing) our thinking to receive all that has been prepared for us as His Disciples. Read John 15:12-17

Free Indeed - Disciple. Strong’s Concordance  Greek word3129 (manthano); a learner, i.e. pupil :- A disciple is a “learner,” “follower,” of a particular leader in this case Jesus Christ  (Matthew 27:57) or even a particular teaching ( Matthew 13:52, “a disciple of the kingdom of heaven”). Every religious group or cult identify their followers as disciples, such as prominent Greek philosophers Aristotle and Socrates had their disciples, as did Moses (John 9:28). The idea of a disciple as one who is taught is used by Jesus twice in OT messianic prophecy (Isaiah 50:4) and once of disciples in general (Isaiah 8:16). The twelve disciples selected by Christ were also called apostles and had a particular commission from Him (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) with special credentials (Acts 1:22; 2 Corinthians 12:12). “Disciple” sometimes occurs in a restricted, ideal sense of those willing to forsake all and follow Christ with total commitment (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). This what Paul and the other Disciples are saying as they open their writings :

Moses was the slave of God (Deut. 34:5; Psalm 105:26; Malachi 4:4).

Joshua was the slave of God (Joshua 24:29).

David was the slave of God (2 Samuel 3:18; Psalm 78:70).

Paul was the slave of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:1).

James was the slave of God (James 1:1).

Peter was the slave of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1).

Jude was the slave of God (Jude 1:1-25)

The prophets were the slaves of God (Amos 3:7; Jeremiah 7:25).

Christian believers are said to be the slaves of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:18; 1 Cor. 7:22; Ephes. 6:6; Col. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:24).

Discussion Point: Why do we as Believers today find it difficult to be a Slave to Jesus Christ?

Is it because we have an error in our thinking? For example
Some people are in bondage to false beliefs. People who think good works or performance will earn God’s acceptance will never know what’s good enough and how much is sufficient.  Others have confusing ideas about who’s going to heaven.  Some say everyone is welcome because God is love.  Others think only their specific group is worthy of heaven. All these ideas lock people in a spiritual jail because none of them are true. Also evil habits,  A prevailing attitude today is, “this is my life; I can do whatever I want.” However, toleration of sinful practices results in enslavement to them.

What are we holding on to that causes captivity or enslavement to sin?

We are enslaved by sin and all the consequences of it. As long as we walk after the flash, we cannot keep from sinning; therefore, bearing the consequences of sin: guilt, shame, hurt, pain, sorrow, suffering, destruction, devastation, brokenness, death, and judgment. Man needs to be freed from sin, set loose and delivered from its enslaving tentacles. He can only be freed through Jesus Christ.  John 3:16-17 and John 14:6

Glory to God there is a way out, a way that completes the experience of deliverance and salvation.  It is that of continuing or abiding (meinēte) in Jesus Christ.  This cause us as a disciple to abide in the teachings of God through His Word.  The idea is that of dwelling, just as a person dwells at home.  The Word of the Lord is the believer's dwelling place.  He continues and abides in God's Word. Read Psalms 1:1-6

In John 8:32  Jesus was saying to His disciples and to us today :

·         A person who really desires to be free indeed will believe and will "continue" in the Lord's Word. He will continue both to study and to do the Word (2 Tim. 2:15).

·         A person who does not really believe will not "continue" in the Lord's Word.

·         The proof and the evidence that a person "really believes" is that he does "continue" and abide and dwell in the Lord's Word.

·         The proof and the evidence that a person has made only a false or a superficial profession is that he does not "continue" in the Lord's Word.

·         Truth about our salvation.  First of all, we must recognize that freedom is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. Know that we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to overcome any bondage.

·         Truth about our position.  We are now children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ— accepted, forgiven, and spiritually alive. So that we accomplish His plans for our lives, the Lord wants to reveal any hidden areas of bondage and help us deal with them.

·         Truth about our possessions.  As children of God, we have His divine power, promises, and nature which provide everything we need to live a godly life (2 Pet. 1:3-4).

Additional Reading: (Matthew 24:13). (John 15:4-6).(John 15:10). (2 Peter 3:17). (1 John 2:6).(1 John 2:28). (2 John1:1-13). (John 3:15-16). (John 5:24) (John 11:24). (John 12:46). (John 20:31). (Acts 10:43). (Acts 13:39). (Acts 16:31).(1 John 5:1), Romans 10:9.