SLAVE

You were called to this... utter and ultimate slavery. The day you accepted Christ as Lord, "you became slaves.." (Romans 6:18). The Master is waiting, calling you to obey. Instead you are bristling on the inside, defensively fighting against His commands. "What about freedom?" you cry.

The word slave brings up pictures of torture, humiliation, and despair. The very thought is revolting, especially to those who live in the land of the free. Why would we ever subjugate ourselves to such tyranny??

Yet the gospel bids us come, for only in slavery will we ever find freedom.

What a beautiful picture the gospel of Jesus Christ paints! We were once in darkness, shackled to the chains of our own desires. There was no freedom - only a submission to the powers of darkness that reigned over our souls. Headlong we plunged; the grave our only end.

But our Maker saved us! Thrust upon a cross, with blood running down His back, his cry rang in victory over the powers of darkness, "Tetelestai!" It is finished. He came to set the captives free, and rose to lead them home to victory.

Because the slaves of Christ will one day reign as kings.

The gospel of Christ is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us it is the POWER of God.

What if Christ had set us free to our own whims and desires the day we surrended our wills to His? Slaves do not know how to live as freeman. We have no strength, no ability to live on our own. If He did not lead and guide us, how would we know the way?

Sanctification is the redemption of slaves, every single day. He has not left us to figure it out on our own. Instead, He humbles us and guides us, teaching us what it means to live free.

True freedom is the way of righteousness.

Sin battles against us, trying to claim His place in our lives. But our God is a jealous God! He will not let us succumb to the desires that will enslave us; No, He disciplines us until we finally understand... there is no freedom without Christ.

Therefore, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness... and all these things shall be added until you".

And that is why Paul boldly proclaimed himself as.. "Paul, a SLAVE of Christ"
He got it.
Do you?