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In this sermon, Pastor James H. Rickard explores the doctrine of DOULOS (slave/servant) and its implications for believers. Discover how being a slave of God brings freedom from sin and a new status as sons and daughters of God. Explore the servant role of believers and their obligation to be totally committed to their Lord. Learn how the Lord provides for and protects His slaves as they serve in the ministry He has designed for them.
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Pastor / Teacher James H. Rickard Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Grace Fellowship Churchwww.GraceDoctrine.org
Memory Verse 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The Upper Room DiscourseJohn 13-16; John 13:16, Servant-hood, Pt. 8
E. The use of DOULOS: 1) Christ is the DOULOS of God. 2) The believer is a DOULOS of God and Christ. 3) The believer is a DOULOS to others.
Everyone has a choice; we are either slaves of sin or slaves of God's righteousness. Luke 6:13; John 8:34, 36; Rom 6:16-23
Luke 6:13, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
John 8:34,"Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.… 36So if the Son makes you free (from sin), you will be free indeed.”"
Believing in Christ's atoning work makes it possible for man to be freed from their enslavement to sin and to enjoy a new status as sons and daughters of God. Gal 4:7; 2 Peter 2:19
2 Peter 2:19b,“For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved”
Gal 4:7,“Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”
Servants should proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as servant ambassadors of God.John 12:26; Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 4:5-6
John 12:26,“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
Rom 1:9,“For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you.”
2 Cor 4:5, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. ...
… 6For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
That's why Paul was able to say, "my gospel", in, Rom 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8
The DOULOS of God is under obligation to be totally committed to his Lord,Mat 6:24; Luke 16:13, even unto death, Rev 19:2.
Mat 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
The slave depends upon his Lord to provide for his every need including sustenance and protection, while he serves in the ministry God has designed for him.Lam 3:20-25; 2 Cor 9:8-15
Lam 3:20-25, “Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me (Jeremiah's grace orientation). ...
… This I recall to mind; therefore I have hope (faith under pressure). …
… The Lord's loving kindnesses (gracious functions) never cease (perpetuation of logistical grace even for enslaved believers); His compassion never fails. …
... They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. `The Lord is my portion,' says my soul (logistical grace rationale);…
... `Therefore, I have hope (faith under pressure) in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait (trust) in Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”
Grace Fellowship ChurchTuesday, March 25, 2008 Tape # 08-022Servanthood, Part 8 The Believer is a DOULOS of God Upper Room Discourse, Pt 164 John 13:16; Luke 6:13; Rom 6:16-23; 2 Cor 9:8-15 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2008
