How can we apply being "Christ’s slave" in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.” (1 Corinthians 7:22) Paul is turning every social category upside-down: whether you start out chained or free, the moment Jesus calls you, He becomes your absolute Master. Knowing this, how do we let the identity of “Christ’s slave” penetrate ordinary life? What “Christ’s Slave” Actually Means • Bought with a price—1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us we were “bought at a price.” His blood is the bill of sale. • Owned, protected, and directed—Romans 14:8: “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” • Freed from sin’s tyranny in order to serve righteousness—Romans 6:17-18. Mind-Shift for the Day Ahead • I wake up under new management. My plans start with, “Master, what pleases You today?” • My rights are no longer the ruling factor; His rights over me are. • Success is redefined: faithfulness over results (Matthew 25:21). Practical Rhythms of Slavery to Christ • Obedience First: When Scripture speaks clearly, discussion ends—John 14:23. • Immediate Repentance: A slave doesn’t schedule obedience; turn from sin the moment it’s exposed—1 John 1:9. • Time Management: Block out daily moments that are untouchable for the Master—Word, prayer, service. • Stewarding Money as His Purse: Budget with the question, “How does my Master want this spent?”—Luke 16:11-13. • Tongue on a Leash: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3); words must match the Master’s character. • Serving People Relentlessly: “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). When I serve them, I serve Him—Matthew 25:40. • Workplace Excellence: Colossians 3:23-24—work “as working for the Lord,” not for the boss’s applause. • Forgiveness as a Command, Not a Feeling: Ephesians 4:32—release the debt because the Master said so. • Sabbath Rest: Even slaves need rest; trusting God enough to cease striving honors His authority—Exodus 20:10. Guarding Against Rival Masters • Money—Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Regular giving breaks greed’s chains. • Self—Luke 9:23: deny self daily. • Public Opinion—Galatians 1:10: living for Christ’s approval makes me immune to the fear of man. • Addictive Habits—Romans 6:12: refuse sin’s reign in the mortal body; seek accountability quickly. Freedom Found in Slavery • True liberty is the ability to do what pleases God—John 8:36. • His ownership guarantees provision—Philippians 4:19. • No condemnation hangs over a servant fully transferred to Christ—Romans 8:1. • The Master rewards faithfulness—2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12. Encouragement for the Long Haul • The Spirit equips us to obey—Philippians 2:13. • Fellow slaves walk beside us—Hebrews 10:24-25; lean on the church. • Eternity will reveal that no act of service was wasted—1 Corinthians 15:58. Every sunrise is another chance to say, “Master, command me.” In gladly wearing His yoke, we discover the paradox Paul highlights: bound to Christ, we walk in the only freedom that lasts. |
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