Day 476 "Choosing to be a Bond Slave"

Passage: Romans 1:1a 

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus...

Devotion:

The word "servant" is translated from the Greek word "doulos" which means "bond slave". Exodus 21:2-6 describes this practice: In Israel, a slave was required to serve his master for six years. In the seventh year he was set free. However, if the slave said, "No, I don't want to go free, I like it here," the master would then take him before a judge and pierce his ear with an awl, thereby signifying he had become "doulos" -- a slave for life.

I think it is interesting Paul used this graphic illustration to express his loyalty to Jesus Christ. He was a slave to our Lord, not because the Lord required it -- rather it was completely voluntary on Paul's part. Jesus loves us and He gave his life for us, but He won't make us His slaves. He desires a relationship with us; yet we must do it of our own accord: He will never force Himself upon us. Jesus said in Luke 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

On the road to Damascus the Lord appeared to Paul: "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?" Paul asked, "Who are you Lord?" He answered, "I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting." Paul replied, "What shall I do, Lord?" [King James translation] I have always thought Paul's response was so appropriate -- because just at that moment Paul became a bond slave to Jesus Christ.

Questions to Ponder:

What is your response to salvation? Is it "What shall I do Lord?" or something else? More often than not I hear prayers asking the Lord for stuff: help me out of this jam, I would really like a home out by the lake, or I need that promotion. We don't sound too much like bond slaves, do we? How about changing your prayers to Paul's: "What shall I do, Lord?"

Day 475 "Today We Begin Paul's Epistle to the Romans"

Day 475 "Today We Begin Paul's Epistle to the Romans"

Passage:

Introduction to the Epistle of Romans

Devotion:

Many years ago when I first became a Christian, my pastor at the time Jeff Walling (the man who led me to Christ) instructed, "the Epistle of Romans is perhaps the greatest book of the Bible and most complete presentation of the Gospel message -- you would do well to memorize it." Martin Luther once wrote about Romans, "the true masterpiece of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, which is well worthy and deserving that a Christian man should not only learn it by heart, word for word, but also that he should daily deal with it as the daily bread of men's souls. It can never be too much or too well read or studied; and the more it is handled, the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes." Seventy-five percent of Bible teachers said that if they could teach from just one book, it would be Romans.

John Chrysostom, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley -- all led church revivals which changed history. What Book of the Bible influenced them most? That's right Romans! Chuck Smith was teaching through the Book of Romans in a Foursquare Church, when he realized he could throw off the yoke of religiosity, his life was changed and the "born again" revival of the 70's began. Calvary Chapel went from a little 25 person church in Costa Mesa to one of the fastest growing churches of all time, which now numbers in the tens of thousands. When Romans is read and studied -- revivals follow. The law of religion demands "Take responsibility, follow these rules." But a relationship with the Lord says, "Just respond, the work is done, the price has been paid." By responding to the Lord we'll always do more than we could ever do under the pressure of religion.

To say I am excited to begin our study would be an understatement! Thank you for joining me in the weeks and months ahead as we examine the teaching of Romans and look for ways to apply these principles to daily living.

Questions to Ponder:

My pastor (Dr. Tyler Guy) and I challenged each other to memorize the 12th chapter of Romans in two weeks -- we both succeeded. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to know a compete chapter by heart. The instruction and application of Scripture is simply priceless. If you commit to memorizing scripture -- Romans is a worthy place to start. Has your Christian life become a little dull lately? Perhaps it is time for revival.