PAUL, A SERVANT
OF JESUS CHRIST
Romans 1:1
"Paul, a
servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the
gospel of God,"
INTRODUCTION:
1.
There are two words in the Greek New Testament that are translated by the one
English word "servant."
a)
Diakonos – refers to a servant in relationship to his work. May be used to
speak of freemen.
b)
Doulos – one who is in servitude and subjection to a master. This word
emphasizes a person’s relationship to his master. Can be translated
"bondservant" or "slave".
DISCUSSION:
I. A servant
belongs to someone else.
A. As
Christians, we belong to Christ (Acts 20:28, I Corinthians 6:19-20,
Ephesians 5:25).
B. Peter
wrote that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (I Peter
1:18-19).
II. A servant
is characterized by humility.
A. Christ
displayed an attitude of humility when made in the likeness of men
(Philippians 2:8).
B. Christ
taught the importance of humility in ministering to others (Mathew
20:26-27).
III. A servant
is in subjection to his master’s will.
A. We are
to recognize and respect the authority of Christ (Matthew 17:5, Hebrews
1:1-2).
B. We must
not go beyond those things that are written (I Corinthians 4:6, Galatians
1:6-9).
IV. A servant
is under permanent obligation to his master.
A.
Admittedly, it is possible for a servant to become unfaithful to his master.
B.
Nonetheless, the servant is obligated to remain faithful to his master (I
Corinthians 15:58).
V. A servant
labors constantly in behalf of his master.
A. Every
Christian has a work to do (Mark 13:34).
B. The
figures representing the Christian life indicate effort is involved
(Ephesians 6:10-17).
VI. A servant
partakes of the benefits and blessings that his master is able to bestow.
A. We are
able to partake of physical blessings (as do all, Christians and
non-Christians).
B. As
Christians, we partake of spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
CONCLUSION:
1. Are
you displaying the characteristics of a servant in your life?
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