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Though
Paul had the authority of an apostle (Gk, apostolos, a delegate,
messenger, one sent forth with orders) of Jesus Christ, he often referred to
himself as a servant (Gk, doulos, literally, a slave) which speaks
of humility. What a description of his life and ministry in the Gospel, a blend
of authority and humility on an even keel – the high position of an apostle of
Jesus Christ and a "lowly" position as a slave of God! Like
Christ, Paul’s life was exemplified by his service to others for God. The
office of apostle ended with the twelve apostles, but in a broader sense it
embraces all believers who are sent forth with authority from on High to
proclaim the message of the Gospel,
“Go into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15).
Believers
are receptive to the authority aspect as one sent forth with a message but have
trouble with embracing the humility part of a slave, lowly and serving. The
precise meaning of the Greek word doulos has been painted over
with a coat of political correctness by many translators over the centuries. It
is more proper for the translators to use a softer word like “servant” rather
than the inflammatory and abrasive word “slave;” I'm speculating. Keep in mind
that the vast majority of the world in Paul’s day was in slavery. Even today
slavery is a dirty word and rightfully so. But because of the unnecessary
avoidance of translating doulos "slave,” we have lost the
richness of what is considered to be the perfect word to describe our
relationship to Christ by “throwing the baby out with the bath water!”
Do you
think it was politically correct for Paul to preach, “Get your freedom from sin
by becoming slaves of Christ?” Such a question would leave free men and slaves scratching their heads! Spiritually speaking, this is what
everyone does when they put their trust in Christ, going from a former slave of sin to
a present slave of Christ.
Whenever
the word doulos was heard, everyone knew exactly what that meant. It
was not a very appealing word; in fact, it was appalling, but Paul included it
under divine inspiration (2 Tim 3:16). In other words the Holy Spirit chose
this specific Greek word doulos to best describe our
relationship with God!
Though we
are sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and joint-heirs
with Him, we are slaves of Christ, nonetheless, for we have been bought by the
precious blood of the Lamb at Calvary. Jesus redeemed us from the slave market
of sin and set us free from its dreadful penalty on the cross. He is not only
our Redeemer but our Creator and Sovereign Lord. Through faith, we have traded
one master for another, sin for a Savior.
As a slave
of God, we own nothing on earth but everything in heaven! It’s only when we
recognize our slavery in Christ, counting all things but lost – letting go,
will we realize our freedom to love and serve Him wholly rather than
halfheartedly. What God has done for us we simply tell others that He can do
the same for them. We should be proclaiming the good news with authority and serving with
humility, recognizing both helps to keep things in perspective and balance.
The will
of a slave is lost in the will of the Master. If you are a believer and are
still hanging on to your will you are nothing more than a runaway slave, and the world takes notice! Runaways do not glorify God; rather, they bring
reproach to Him. Runaways are rebelling against God’s authority, refusing to
tell others about Christ, and failing to serve others for Christ’s sake. For
runaways, it’s all about them. Running doesn’t pay; I can assure you. Come
home; we got a job to do and people to serve. So that one day we can hear these
words from the Master,
"Well
done, good and faithful slave (doulos, added / also translated servant in
NKJV); you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over
many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Mt 25:23). <><
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