Am I Christ’s Loving Slave?  Are You?

© 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

In the passage below, Paul the apostle begins his letter to Titus with a greeting.  It shows what should characterize each Christian’s relationship with Christ.

“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;  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (Titus 1:1‑4)

First, we find that Paul declares himself a “servant of God.”  The Greek word from which “servant” is translated is “Doulos” which carries with it the meaning of slave or bondman.  In ancient Israel, a Hebrew master of a Hebrew servant was required to free him after six years of servitude.  However, such a servant could choose not to be freed because he loved his master.  He then took on a lifelong bondage of love to serve that master (Exodus 21:1‑6).  Likely Paul had a similar loving relationship in mind when he declared himself a “servant of God.”

We next see that the initiator of this relationship was God Himself.  Paul had been chosen by God and given the faith of God’s elect.  His sins were forgiven and he acknowledged the truth pursuing godliness.  Paul now anticipated the eternal life which had been promised by God to His people.  Interestingly enough, this promise had been made before the world began.  How could this be?  To whom would this promise have first been made?  It was first made by God to Himself.  God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were always united in their immutable promise to bring salvation to God’s elect.  Paul was convinced that God would never lie to Himself.  He was persuaded that nothing could ever interfere with this eternal promise (see also Romans 8:38‑39).

In summary:

-Paul had become an eternal love slave to Christ.

-God had commanded him to preach His Word.

-Paul was committed to obeying this command.

 May the Lord fill us with such love for our crucified and risen Savior!

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