Early disciples underwent a radical change in self-image seeing themselves not as just followers of Christ, but as slaves of Christ. However, if you do a casual read through the New Testament you will not see this distinction and yet there is no more prevalent idea to express a Christian’s relationship to Jesus other than the slave/master relationship. As a matter of fact, the word for “slave” (GK, doulos) is used to describe a Christian’s relationship to Jesus over 124 times in the New Testament and yet most translations use the word, “servant.” However, there is a vast difference between a servant and a slave: servants are hired but slaves are owned. Servants are free to quit or take another job, but slaves have no freedom, no rights, no hint of self-will. Today we will consider how a disciple of Jesus is a slave and revel in the reality that our master, our owner is gracious and kind and loving, and has given freely of Himself to liberate us – people who are His willing and joy-filled slaves.
About Dan Miller
Pastor Dan was part of the core group that started Grace Fellowship in 2003. Pastor Dan is our primary teaching pastor, leads the staff, and oversees the vision and strategy for our disciplemaking philosophy of ministry. Dan married Vicki in 1993. Together, they enjoy their seven children – Benjamin (married to Courtney), David, Alexa, Zachary (married to Ginna), Nathan, Ana, and Autumn, along with one grandchild - Lucy.
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