Doulos

I can't express how much I missed studying Greek. More accurately, studying God's word as written in the original language in the context of culture, time, and audience. We finished first year Greek and then took a break. Our class has started up again, now going though the book of Romans. I cannot tell you how affirming the Holy Spirit within me has been at the hearing of His Truth being poured into my life.

So, I am going to share with you what I am learning. This is my digestion, and sometimes straight regurgitation, of what I am learning. It is not MY teaching. But as far as I am able to determine and with the affirmation of the Spirit it is accurate and sound.

Romans 1:1-7. This passage is all one sentence in Greek. It's like Paul is talking as fast as he can to get this all in in one breath. He is addressing a congregation of believers that he has not personally visited-yet. He wants to establish his position in ministry. This is the ground he has to stand on. So naturally, he starts by stating his capacity for ministry. in verse 1.

The first thing he tells us about himself is that he is a slave. The word slave is in the genitive, showing possession or ownership. Paul says that he is owned my Christ Jesus. In Greco-Roman society, a slave is the most reprehensible member of society-an outcast, really. A slave was purchased property, owned and managed by someone else. In modern America we have a little different view of slavery than they had in Paul's day. For starters, our society is generations removed from slavery. Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating slavery at all! As far as one person owning another person is concerned, it is heinous. But I believe it is quite another matter when talking about the Creator of the Universe owning His created beings. I didn't make my fellow man, therefore, I have no claim of ownership or authority over them; even my children. I birthed them, but Psalm 139 tells us unequivocally that it was God who formed my children in my womb.

Anyway, back to Paul's day. Slavery was common practice; sadly, a thriving trade. According to the Mosaic law, you could own a slave for six years. On the seventh year the slave had earned his freedom, or in some cases, had the right to buy his freedom. However, if that slave desired, he could stay and serve his master for the rest of his life. The only motivation for this act was pure love and devotion-admiration and respect. If that were the case, the slave would give up his freedom voluntarily for the service of his master. Can you imagine the level of love and respect that would merit? From then on, he belonged to his master. His identity was his master's. He lived to the service of his master and his household. His master's needs were now his needs. His master's desires were now his desires. He would be taken to a doorpost, an awl would pierce through his earlobe, and a gold ring was placed in the hole.

The word picture to the ancient Roman was powerful!! Paul was calling himself something detestable. A slave. He renounced his own life to become property of Christ Jesus. He lived to do the bidding of Christ-exclusively. He worked only on Christ's projects. He went only on Christ's errands. He sought only the pleasure of Christ. He spoke only Christ's words.

Paul is supposed to be unpacking his credentials here; gaining respect so that the Romans would continue reading. The first thing he says is, "Hey folks, the most important thing for you to know about me is that I am a slave, owned by my master Christ Jesus. I have been purchased from the slave market of sin. Christ Jesus owns me and it is my deep pleasure to serve Him out of love. My life is not my own."

Paul is essentially saying I have died to my self and live for Christ. This is the perfect beginning to hear the words of Christ. Through the mouth of a man who is dead to self, living only as a mouthpiece of God. He is about to speak words and Truth that were not of his own design, but Christ Jesus'. Being a slave to Christ. Paul sets a supreme example here. Have I died to myself? Do I put Christ's preferences above my own? Am I pleased to be despised by the world? Is it ok with me to be seen as the lowest of low-barely human, because of my love for the Lord? Does my service flow from true adoration for Christ?

Paul's capacity for ministry is that he ONLY speaks for Christ, acts for Christ, lives for Christ, and loves with Christ's love. He is Christ's trusted slave.