Topical Bible: Servants: Bond of Christ

◄ Servants: Bond of Christ ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the concept of being a servant or bondservant of Christ is a profound and central theme that reflects the believer's relationship with Jesus. The term "bondservant" (Greek: δοῦλος, doulos) is often used to describe a person who is wholly devoted to the service of another, and in the context of Christianity, it signifies a voluntary and wholehearted commitment to Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently identifies himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1), emphasizing his total dedication to the mission and message of the Gospel. This servitude is not one of compulsion but of willing submission, reflecting a deep spiritual bond and allegiance to Christ. In Philippians 1:1, Paul and Timothy are described as "servants of Christ Jesus," indicating that this identity is not unique to Paul but is a shared calling among believers.

Spiritual Implications

Being a servant of Christ implies a transformation of identity and purpose. In Galatians 2:20 , Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This verse encapsulates the essence of servanthood in Christ, where the believer's life is no longer their own but is lived in and through the power and presence of Jesus. The bond of servitude to Christ is marked by obedience, humility, and a commitment to follow His teachings and example.

Freedom in Servitude

Paradoxically, the servitude to Christ is described as true freedom. In John 8:36 , Jesus declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This freedom is not from external constraints but from the bondage of sin and death. By becoming servants of Christ, believers are liberated from the dominion of sin and are empowered to live righteously. Romans 6:22 states, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life."

Servanthood and Leadership

The model of servanthood in Christ also redefines leadership within the Christian community. Jesus Himself exemplified this in Mark 10:45 , "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Christian leaders are called to emulate Christ's example by serving others selflessly and sacrificially. This servant leadership is characterized by love, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of others.

Eternal Perspective

The bond of servitude to Christ carries an eternal perspective. In 1 Corinthians 7:22 , Paul writes, "For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave." This dual identity as both free and bound in Christ underscores the eternal significance of being His servant. It is a relationship that transcends earthly status and is rooted in the eternal kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The concept of being a servant or bondservant of Christ is a profound expression of the believer's relationship with Jesus, marked by voluntary submission, freedom from sin, and a commitment to serve others in love. This identity is central to the Christian faith, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel and the eternal hope found in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:6
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:5
Why when he comes into the world, he said, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body have you prepared me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:7,8
But made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

1401. doulos -- a slave
... under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. Word Origin of uncertain derivation
Definition a slave NASB Word Usage bond-servant (11), bond-servants (12 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1401.htm - 7k

Library

The Obedience of Christ.
... and your own), and now are become servants of obedience ... seed, disobedience and death,
it is with Christ and his ... The one bond of union, the one mark of likeness ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/ii the obedience of christ.htm

Are You Willing to be a Servant?
... Says Paul, "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the Lord, and ourselves your
bond-servants for Jesus' sake." The low position we take toward the Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 8 are you willing.htm

The People of the Book.
... to "sons," and not to "servants.". The word is (...) doulos, and means a bond servant.
Now, without denying that the members of the Body of Christ are in a ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the book.htm

Christ's Kindred
... or no, we shall, at least, I suppose, all agree in this, that, in fact, the bond
of kindred ... Remember how many of these, Christ, and His servants for Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs kindred.htm

Christ's Friends
... Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:
but I have called you ... A perpetual bond unites men with Christ to-day ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs friends.htm

Have but one Eucharist, Etc.
... towards your servants, as holy Job has taught you; [913] for there is one nature,
and one family of mankind. For "in Christ there is neither bond nor free ...
/.../chapter iv have but one eucharist.htm

In the Case of those who have Sent Christian Slaves to Offer ...
... that, being of the number of the faithful, they are the servants of Christ, and
that ... great apostle, "the same shall he receive, whether he be bond or free.". ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon vi in the case.htm

To Brother William and to Messer Matteo of the Misericordia
... the servants of Jesus Christ, write to you in His precious Blood, with desire to
see you bound in the bands of charity, for I consider that without this bond ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother william and to.htm

Christ did not Abrogate the Natural Precepts of the Law, but ...
... Against Heresies: Book IV Chapter XIII."Christ did not ... nature, drawing it, as by
a bond, to obey its ... should be equally rendered both by servants and children ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii christ did not abrogate.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1.) "Ye servants of the most high God." "Yes," he would
say, "if they show so great zeal as to be bond-servants, doubtless this is ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm