Sunday, September 27, 2009

BONDSERVANTS OF THE BIBLE

PRIDE BUSTERS 

IS JESUS YOUR LORD? 

Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made know to you." 
John 15:15 NKJV

Jesus called the disciples who obeyed him, "friends."  What did the disciples call themselves?

"Simon Peter, a bond-servant..." 
II Peter 1:1 NASB

"James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ..." James 1:1 NASB

"Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James..." Jude 1:1 NASB

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John."  Revelation 1:1 NASB

"Paul, a bond-servant of Christ...
Romans 1:1 NASB

"Paul and Timothy bond-servants of Christ Jesus..." Philippians 1:1 NASB

Even after Jesus ascended into heaven, His disciples called themselves "bond-servants." "Doulos" is the Greek word.

In Bible times, on the 7th year, & the Year of Jubilee, slaves were set free. They had the freedom to go their own way; or become a 'doulos'--becoming a lifetime servant under a master. The servant's ear was pierced at the doorpost, signifying his was a bond-servant for life.

People making Jesus Lord of their lives, surrender all and become obedient to him, like a servant to a master. Jesus is the loving Lord, who treats his servants like friends.

Apostle Paul said, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." 
Galatian 1:10 NASB

Is Jesus Lord of your life?
If so, he calls you "Friend."
What do you call yourself?