Something Greater

Servant of God Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness... (Titus 1:1) Paul calls himself a servant of God . Servant, translates a Greek word meaning slave, whether literally or figuratively, involuntary or voluntary. It carries the sense of subjection and service. This Greek word comes from a root word meaning to tie or bind. It is closely related to a word meaning to beg. Putting all the meanings together, Paul was describing an intimate, all-consuming relationship with God , one which bound him to obedience and faithful service. It was a relationship based upon need: Paul was compelled to serve God as a poor, starving man is compelled to beg. Is this an unique experience? Did Paul expect his readers to emulate this all-consuming slave-relationship with God? Did Paul endorse slavery as an acceptable soci...

Family and Work, Part 4: Slave and Master Colossians 3:22-25, 4:1 Surprisingly, Paul spends more time discussing the work environment here than the family. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22-25, 4:1 ESV) What do you think? Are Christians more likely to experience conflict at work than at home? Slaves, in the Greek, means slaves, literally or figuratively, whether involuntary or voluntary . It comes from a word meaning to bind. A Roman centurian refers to his slave: I say to one, ...