Jim's Devotional - September 28th

Jim's Devotional - September 28th

Paul is the author of about half of the New Testament. Paul spoke four languages in a time when the majority of the population was illiterate. He spoke to kings, governors, and jail keepers. He acted as his own attorney during one of his trials. Yet, he never called himself “apostle Paul.” He referred to himself as a servant. He referred his fellow workers as “fellow servants.” The books of Hebrews and Revelation refer to Moses as a servant. The angel in Revelation 19 and 22 refers to himself as a servant. James, Simon Peter, and Jude all referred to themselves as servants.

Are we slaves or servants?

A servant is different than a slave. A slave is not a slave by choice. Another imposes their will upon a slave. Paul told those who were born again while a slave to be free if they could.

Servants are those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men. When Paul was addressing the Corinthians about Spiritual gifts, he ended the twelfth chapter with a list of callings and giftings. One of these was “helps.” A helper is a servant, one who serves by choice. A servant does not serve just when it is convenient or when it doesn’t cost him anything. Repeating from Day 27, Colossians 3:7, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Always keep in mind that our service is ultimately to God.