For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:22
As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explains the text's correlation of "slavery (rather than liberation) with Messiah, and liberation (rather than slavery) with Master[.]" John Piper explains broadly by sharing that believers in Christ do have new freedom in Christ (no longer slaves to sin), but this freedom is limited in that while we are free from other lords (and hence "uncontested" and "secure"), Jesus remains our Master. Similarly, while we gain new freedom, we are bound by and slaves to Christ, and this brings us "from the confines of captivity into the open spaces of peace." Piper goes on to share that by being His we experience the "sweetest of joy." Piper refers us to Isaiah 9:7 and Psalm 81:16.
This morning's devotion calls to mind how Jesus' commands are not burdensome nor "restrictive" - our obedience is in response to how great God is, and how He is full of grace and compassion for us.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great, Your mercies are new every morning, and they never cease - and You give me freedom from the sting of sin and death. You also give me the sweetest joy of being slave to Christ. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and grace. My sins are great and they continue....daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
