WORD FOR THIS WEEK: SLAVE

VERSE FOR THIS WEEK: : "Paul, a SLAVE of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth according to godliness." Titus 1:1 (DIV)

THOUGHT FOR THIS WEEK: To be a SLAVE by force is detestable; to be a SLAVE by choice is honorable.

Does the thought of being a SLAVE appeal to you? Probably not; in fact, the word itself is detestable to most people, and for good cause. It does not take a history buff to know that forced slavery has had a devastating effect on humanity through the ages. However, if one chooses to be SLAVE, the effect is entirely different. In the study passage for this week Paul begins his letter to Titus by identifying himself as "a SLAVE of God." Even though most English versions use "servant" or "bondservant" to translate the Greek noun, the literal translation of doulos is SLAVE. It was logical and appropriate for Paul to use this particular word in reference to himself, because he was indebted to Jesus Christ. At the dramatic moment when the former persecutor of Christians let the blood of Jesus pay the price for his sins, Paul became a SLAVE by choice. So it is with all who trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. Such slavery is not detestable, but honorable and truly enjoyable.

To view the study passage for this week from Titus 1:1-4 click the button below.

In His service, Bart