SLAVES OF CHRIST JESUS - PART I

As we continue our daily devotion, we are going to go through the book of Philippians. Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the churches in Philippi, which is in modern-day Greece. The city of Philippi is one of the known provinces of the Roman Empire. Paul went to Philippi for the first time in his second missionary journey around 49-50 AD. When he was there, he met a businesswoman named Lydia who sold purple fabrics. Lydia and her household became believers and used her house as the gathering place of worship, which became the first Christian church in Europe. It was also in Philippi that Paul and his traveling companions were put in prison, but God miraculously freed them by an earthquake. In the process, the guard and his household became believers in our Lord Jesus (Acts 16:11-40). Paul passed through Philippi again in His third missionary journey to continue to encourage them. Then, around 60-62 AD, Paul was put into prison in Rome because of his faith in our Lord Jesus, and it was during this time that he wrote the book of Philippians through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to encourage the churches that sprang up in Philippi. 

Paul began his letter to the believers in Philippi with the following words, "This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons (Galatians 1:1)." Paul introduced himself and Timothy, who was visiting him when he wrote this letter, as the slaves of Christ Jesus. The slaves of Christ Jesus means under the lordship of Jesus. Paul was saying that his life was completely surrendered to the authority of Jesus. Jesus was his master, and Paul lived according to the will and direction of Jesus. As believers, we are also slaves of our Lord Jesus. We are under the authority of our Lord Jesus, and we obey and follow Him. Our obedience to God is based on willingness, not force. We become slaves of Christ because of our loving relationship with Him. The more we get to know God's great love for us, the more we surrender our lives to Him as His servants or slaves. 

The moment we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become under His authority. We become God's servants or slaves. We obey and serve God, not under compulsion, but out of our loving relationship with Him. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How did Paul describe himself? How does a person become a slave of Christ Jesus? Do I consider myself a slave of Christ Jesus?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please help me to understand what it means to be your slave, like how Paul described himself. You have saved me through the life of my Lord Jesus; as a result, my life is now yours. I am no longer living for myself, but for you. Please help me to live a surrendered life to you, just as you want me to live my life. Please continue to teach and help me to surrender my life to you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.