Scripture: Romans 1:1


Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

In Romans chapter one, Paul calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ. Out of the six Greek words for ‘servant’ used in the New Testament, Paul used one of the most slavish terms possible. The word used in this passage is ‘doulos’ and comes from the root word ‘deo’ which means ‘bind’.

Paul literally speaks of himself as a bondman or slave of Jesus Christ – a slave by free choice; yet owned and purchased by Jesus Christ.

The idea of being a love-slave by choice comes from Old Testament passages such as Exodus 21:2-6 and Deuteronomy 15:12-17.

If an Israelite bought a Hebrew slave, he must set him free in the seventh year. However, if the slave loved his master and said, “I will not go away from thee,” then a hole was to be bored through the lobe of his ear pronouncing him a bond- slave forever.

Jesus is the supreme example of humility and selflessness. We see clearly from His example that the way to exaltation in God’s kingdom comes through humility and service to others.

Christ’s humility displayed in His coming to earth as a man and His death on the cross, is not only a lesson in Christology but an example to all believers of how to attain greatness in God’s kingdom.

The Creator became the creation; the Lord became the servant; the possessor of eternal life died on a cross. All these He did to save us from destruction. What should be our response to all these?

We shall totally submit ourselves to His Lordship, and stop living for ourselves but for Him who loved us and laid His life down for us.

What can you do today for others to demonstrate your gratitude to the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, I declare myself your bondservant all the remaining days of my life. Scriptural Reading : Romans 1:1-6