Another Q & A Segment (Bond-Servants of Jesus Christ)

QUESTION

    In reading the Scriptures, I notice believers are referred to as “bond-servants of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1, for example) If Christ died to set us free, why does the Bible use such a term?

ANSWER

     Although it may appear somewhat authoritarian at first, the term bond-servant actually depicts a liberating, loving relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Savior, he is instantly freed from the penalty of sin which is eternal death. At the same time he is brought into a new relationship with Christ Who becomes both his Savior and his Lord.

     The primary Greek word for Lord is kurios which can be translated as “master” or “owner.” Knowing Jesus Christ as Master or Owner is far from being a tyrannical relationship. Instead it brings the believer under the direction and mastery of One Who loves him unconditionally and Who is interested only in his highest and best good.

     Romans 6:15-23 clearly says that either sin or Christ is our master: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh for as you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to Righteousness unto Holiness” (Romans 6:19). We may think we are free to do as we please, but in reality we are either under the sway of sin of Christ.

     Certainly sin is a harsh taskmaster, demanding unstinting obedience. Its yoke is cruel and severe, ultimately leading to death and destruction.

     On the other hand, follow Christ as Master is a liberating choice. As our Maker and Redeemer, Christ never asks anything of us that He is unwilling to provide. Placing ourselves in the Master’s care is the way to freedom, satisfaction, joy and peace. His yoke “is easy” and His burden “is light” (Matthew 11:30).

     Equally as important as knowing Christ as our loving Master understands our role as servants. A Christian is one who has come into the King’s court as a royal servant.

     That’s why we are called bond-servants people who now gladly serve their new Master, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul delights in calling himself “a bond-servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1) because he is keenly aware that he now belongs to the King of kings and Lord of lords Who has purchased him with His own spilled blood and battered body. Serving our Creator God is a matchless opportunity, not a dreaded chore.

     We shall serve our beloved Master and Owner for all the ages. On earth such servitude always results in blessing. In heaven it shall be a royal honor as we bow at the feet of the Lord of the ages.

Q & A Segment (Quiet Time)

QUESTION

     Several of my friends talk about having a “quite time” each day. I do read my Bible frequently but not in this sense. Is a quiet time all that necessary?

ANSWER

     Let me answer your question by first saying that the most important thing in my life is an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

     A quiet time is focused time spent with God that nurtures that relationship. The more hurried our pace and busy our schedules, the more we need to spend time alone with the Father.

     A quiet time should include several common biblical threads. Always, you should make reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures your primary focus. God talks to you through His Word as the Holy Spirit guides you. It is truth for daily living, and it fortifies you to face each day’s challenges and opportunities.

     Prayer should be a regular part of any quiet time. Prayer is talking to God, and this is the real stimulus for communion with the Father. He wants to hear from you. He enjoys your fellowship. Your prayer may include confession of sin, praise for God’s goodness and faithfulness towards you, and specific requests. Be honest. Be real. God is not threatened by your anger, disappointment, or questions, He can handle it.

     Some people like to include another devotional tool in their quiet time. I think this is fine so long as it does not displace the Word of God and communion with God.

     A quiet time is usually best observed by scheduling a particular time of day. I cannot think of a better way to start the day. However, others prefer to have their quiet time in the evening. Again, the important thing is to do it regularly and consistently.

     I also think it is helpful to spend your quiet times in the same place each day as often as possible. When you do, a sense of sacredness develops. When you sit down at the kitchen table, the den, the living room chair, or wherever you choose, you will find that you are ready to spend time with God.

     Expect to hear God. Anticipate answers to prayer. Persevere when the dry seasons of the soul strike. That is when you need God’s refreshment most.

     Above all, remember that a quiet time is time spent with God. You are fellowshipping with your personal Savior, Deliverer, and Friend. Get to know His as well as you can. Also, you must keep a focused mind and have a willing heart to allow the Holy Spirit to grow your relationship with God.

What Is Life?

Someone once asked me “What Is Life?” After a lot of thought, I put together a word answer about life.

LIFE IS A . . .

Song . . . Sing it. 

Game . . . Play it.

Gift . . . Accept it.

Tragedy . . . Face it.

Beauty . . . Praise it.

Goal . . . Achieve it.

Duty . . . Perform it.

Adventure . . . Dare it.

Challenge . . . Meet it.

Mystery . . . Unfold it.

Opportunity . . . Take it.

Journey . . . Complete it.

Sorrow . . . Overcome it.

Promise . . . Fulfill it.

Struggle . . . Fight it.

Puzzle . . . Solve it.

But above all, do LIFE unto the Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him.

Question and Answer Segment:

Question of the Day: I try to share Christ with some of my unsaved friends, but they don’t seem to understand what I’m saying. I know we are to tell others about Jesus, but it is so frustrating sometimes. Could you give me any recommendations?

     I understand your disappointment. The unsaved person is often in different to the Gospel and occasionally hostile. Let me share something that I think will help explain the reaction you receive and encourage you as you share Christ.

     There are various evangelism tools available to the Christian such as tracts, books, like this blog, and training programs. They are useful, but I am convinced there is one essential part we frequently overlook – the critical role of the Holy Spirit in bringing men and women to faith in Christ.

     Jesus described the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8; “And He (the Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.”

     Although the unbeliever may seem like everyone else on the surface, the Scriptures tell us that his soul and mind are in a depraved state. (Romans 3:10-18) He is spiritually dead; that is, he is completely separated from the life of God by sin. (Ephesians 2:1-2) He has no desire for God. (Galatians 5:19-21) He is also blind to the truth. (1 Corinthians 3:18-20) He cannot see the kingdom of God.

     The unbeliever sins because he is a sinner by nature. He knows nothing about righteousness, sin, or judgment.

     It is in those areas that the Holy Spirit is able supernaturally to impress an unbeliever’s heart. Without His divine aid in sharing Christ, we are helpless; dependent only on our persuasion or reasoning which in themselves cannot bring a person to salvation.

     Only the Holy Spirit can regenerate a person. Only the Holy Spirit can convict him of the truth about his sin. Only the Holy Spirit can convince the lost about God’s holy standard of truth and of His judgment that awaits all who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. (John 16:8-11)

     The Holy Spirit points the unbeliever to Jesus Christ. In so doing He brings him to an awareness of his separation from God and need for salvation.

     The next time you share your faith, invest time asking the Holy Spirit to open the eyes and mind of the unsaved person. Then understand that his salvation is not dependent on your presentation alone (although we want to be courteous and scriptural) but on the Holy Spirit).

I hope this helps some of who are seeking to be a more effective witness for Christ! Address your thoughts or questions in comment section of this blog post. Let me know if this has helped.