John MacArthur preached an outstanding sermon on the word “doulos” or slave. He said the only thing ‘doulos’ can mean is slave, although almost every Bible translates it servant, bond-servant, or bond-slave. It is tough to understand the significance, having never participated in slavery. However, the principle in question is one that effects us all every day of our lives. It is the principle of submission.
MacArthur pointed out that much of Scripture is “slave talk.” We are slaves of Christ, not simply servants. While a servant is paid for services rendered, a slave is owned. He is property of the Master. As Christians, we need to know our place.
While it is essential to think of ourselves as slaves, it is more important to think of Christ as Master and Lord. While no Christian should deny Christ as Lord, it seems as though familiarity with God and the Gospel has taken the edge off of this term. Because ‘Master’ is a term less frequented, it still connotes all of the ideas of slavery. It eliminates any idea of will on the part of the slave, bowing him before the Master and Lord.
I confess I have used the term Lord with far too much familiarity. Our (and my) sinful nature wants to have the lines of authority blurred. We prefer Jesus to be our friend. After all, in John 15:12-17 Jesus called us His friends. But we are slaves; and HE OWNS US! He has been gracious enough to share Himself with us, but that does not change His position. He is our Master.
The greatest result of this truth is humility. What great pride we muster if we say we work for the Master. But how many people would say, “HE OWNS ME?” It is humiliating to the unbeliever. A fallen creature does not want to be owned. After all, we have free will don’t we?
The fact of our fallen state aids the argument dramatically. We are not holy, the Master is. He is infinitely greater than the sum total of all humanity. Mankind in his pomp is but fodder compared to our Master; and that is even a stretch. For all of the mathematicians, think of a number line centered around zero. Using it to compare God’s holiness to man’s holiness, we would place God at infinity, the ever-increasing right. Man however would not simply be at zero. He would be at negative infinity, the ever-decreasing left. Sin corrupts us to such an extent. He is holy, we are defiled.
Another pride-crushing truth is that we are created. The Master made us! He has the ultimate authority to do whatever He wants. We are created beings who must obey. If we do not obey, we will be punished. He is holy therefore it is right for Him to punish disobedience.
Examine for a moment what the Master actually did. He created man to worship Him. Man rebels, introducing sin to all of creation. Instead of wiping out creation the Master chooses to send His only Son to die as a propitiation for our sins. For all who believe, Christ’s death purchases us from the slave market and places us in His care. He owns us. What humility this should bring. The Inquisitor wrote:
"It strips us of any sense of credit or glory that we would covet for our salvation. It lends us a proper perspective as to where we ought to be focused. Christ is LORD. We are slaves. If we are to be good slaves, then we must know and do the will of our Master."
As if His purchasing sacrifice was not enough, the Master then shares His will with us through His Word, calling us His friends! We are mutinous mercenaries serving Satan when Christ saves us. He then calls us, not slaves, but friends! It is unfair - to Him. We deserve death, but He gives His Grace, that is His unmerited undeserved favor, to His slaves! What a glorious God!
He is Master and Lord!
1 comment:
Thanks for the post, Curt. That concept is such a crucial concept and one that I need to meditate on more and more.
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