Being a Servant, an Apostle, and Separated - Romans 1:1
What is a Servant?
In exploring the biblical concept of a servant, it’s essential to look into specific scriptures that show the true meaning and implications of servanthood.
In John 12:26, Jesus says, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” Similarly, John 13:14-16 records Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and teaching, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
The apostle Paul further emphasizes this in 2 Corinthians 4:5, stating, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
Servanthood in Scripture
The term “servant” frequently appears throughout the New Testament, indicating a deep-rooted identity for early Christians. Notably, Romans 1:1, Titus 1:1, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, and Jude 1:1 all begin with the writers identifying themselves as servants of Jesus Christ.
What It Means to Be a Servant
As a servant or slave, you are not your own. Your master dictates every aspect of your life, and you do what your master commands. For Christians, Christ is our master, having bought us with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). As His servants, we are called to follow His will and commands.
Called to Be an Apostle
Understanding what it means to be called and what we are called to do is foundational for every Christian. Every believer is called to at least three basic things:
1. Study the Bible: 2 Timothy 2:15 urges us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2. Prayer: Philippians 4:6 encourages, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
3. Witness to the World: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-16 commands us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” and “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
We have a more certain word than the audible voice of God, as highlighted in 2 Peter 1:18-19.
Are We Separated?
As servants of Christ, we are called to be distinct from the world. Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:16-17, and Galatians 5:25 emphasize living by the Spirit and not gratifying the desires of the flesh.
Separated Unto the Gospel of God
Ephesians 4:28 instructs believers to abandon former sinful behaviors and embrace a new way of living. However, separation from the world involves more than just abstaining from sinful actions; it requires dedication to something greater. We must be separated unto the Gospel of God.
The Gospel is described in multiple ways throughout Romans: as the Gospel of God (Romans 1:1), His Son (Romans 1:9), Christ (Romans 1:16), and Paul’s own gospel (Romans 2:16).
In conclusion, as servants of Christ, our lives are to be marked by devotion to His teachings, prayer, witnessing, and a distinct separation unto the Gospel. This profound commitment sets us apart, not merely by abstaining from worldly behaviors, but by being dedicated to the transformative power of God’s Word. Romans 1:16 encapsulates this truth: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”