Slaves of Christ

“Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:1)

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a slave of Christ.” (Galatians 1: 10)

“James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (James 1:1)

“Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ…” (Jude 1)

Over the Christmas holidays I read “Slave: The Hidden truth About Your Identity In Christ” by John MacArthur. A must read for every Christian who really wants to understand their true identity. He reminds us that the designate “Christian” appears only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26: 28; I Peter 4:16) while a whole host of other terms are used to portray the followers of Jesus (children of God, citizens of heaven, lights of the world, etc.). However, one word is used more frequently than any of these: SLAVE.

MacArthur reminds us that time and time again throughout Scripture believers are referred to as “slaves of God” and slaves of Christ.” He states, “Whereas the outside world called the earliest believers Christians, these first believers repeatedly referred to themselves in the New Testament as the Lord’s slaves.” Read the following texts as examples:

Rom. 1:1; I Cor. 7:22; Gal. 1:10; Eph. 6: 6; Phil. 1:1; Col. 4:12; Titus 1:1; James 1:1; I Peter 2:16; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1; and Rev. 1:1.

Listen to MacArthur’s analysis of what it truly means to be a Christian:

We don’t hear about this concept in churches today. Slavery is a distasteful concept to modern sensibilities. So we hear that God loves people unconditionally and wants them to be all they want to be. Personal ambition, personal fulfillment, personal gratification – these have all become part of the lexicon of evangelical Christianity – and the essence of what it means to have a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Truth be known, the gospel is not simply an invitation to become Christ’s friend, associate in the battle, or companion on the journey. The Bible includes an unmistakable mandate to become His slave. That is what it means to be a Christian.

So, MacArthur’s teaching on the subject of our true identity in Christ is a Biblical portrait of anyone who would truly follow hard after Christ. It may not resonate in much of today’s seeker-sensitive “me” driven society. But it sure took up root in my life. It will take root in my preaching as well. He reminds us, “True Christianity is not about adding Jesus to my life. To be a Christian is to be Christ’s slave.”

I hope that brief synopsis whet’s your appetite enough to get to your local bookstore and purchase the book. Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ may revolutionize your life as a devoted follower of Christ.

Dr. Derek