Voluntary Bondservants

Romans 1:1a

We started this book with some background information on the book of Romans. Today we get to dive into the first verse. I hope you will join me as we dive in to His Word together!

Romans 1:1 states, “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” Paul self-proclaims as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. The Greek Word for bondservant is δοῦλος (doulos) which indicated a voluntary or involuntary service. Paul uses it in this verse to indicate that he has voluntary given himself over to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 21:1-6 gives us a picture of what a voluntary bondservant is. The law stated that the Israelites could only have a Hebrew servant for a maximum of six years (Exodus 21:2). In the seventh year he was to be set free. He did not need to pay for his freedom and could leave with, at minimum, what he started with (Exodus 21:3-4). However, if he liked working for his master he could stay as a servant and would be his masters servant forever (Exodus 21:5-6). Now he was a voluntary bondservant. So Paul in Romans 1:1 is saying that he is a voluntary bondservant, one who wanted to serve his Master forever.

It is a humble statement to make by a man who could have been filled with pride at his abilities and accomplishments (Philippians 3:4-6), yet Paul knew these things were rubbish (Philippians 3:8). He knew that serving Jesus Christ was the best place he could be. That is why he willingly chose to be a bondservant.

How many of us can say that we have done that? Do we willingly choose to be God’s bondservant, willingly serving Him every moment of our lives? Or do we only serve Him when it is convenient? Do we go to church because we want to know more about Him and be surrounded by other believers, strengthening and encouraging one another, or do we do it to look good in front of others, patting ourselves on the back for being “obedient” as we look for those who are missing from the service? Do we put forth our best effort to please Him or do we put in the work with the hopes of human praise and more money? Do we even put forth our best effort?

The point is, we all should be voluntary bondservants. It is not a pristine title, but it is the only right way to live. Who better to serve then the great Servant? The One who came and died on the cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life forever spent with Him? Our flesh and the devil will constantly tell us that it is not worth it, that we are missing out, and that we are unable. Instead of listening to them we must listen to Him and obey His Word. We must humble ourselves and become voluntary bondservants of Jesus Christ!

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