Young People's Group

Bondservants of Jesus Christ

by Mitchell Tan
May 03, 2018

PAUL INTRODUCING HIMSELF AS A BONDSERVANT

We continue our Youth Walk articles with another of Paul’s epistles. The book of Philippians had always been a favourite of mine among the Pauline writings. In fact, the first series of articles I wrote 23 years ago was from the book of Philippians. It is my personal great joy to revisit this epistle and prayerfully write on truths and principles from Paul’s very loving and personal letter to the beloved Philippians.

“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ”
Philippians 1:1

Paul would sometimes address himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. And he did this to establish himself as one who was sent by God to minister. To the Philippian Church, there was no need to establish his office of apostleship. They already recognised him as a true servant of the Lord. His focus was more seeking to relate to them as a bondservant.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF BEING A BONDSERVANT

1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In the Old Testament, a bondservant is a person who had been sold to a master for whom he will serve six years (Deuteronomy 15:12-17). After this duration, the master will set free the slave and liberally supply him from all that he owned. If the bondservant chooses to stay and continue to be a slave to his master because he loves him and his house, the master can take an awl and thrust it through his ear. And he will be slave to him forever.

2. PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE IN MINISTRY

The Apostle Paul saw himself as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had come to love Him as His Saviour and Lord. He was going to serve Him for the rest of his life. With regards to what filled the mind, the heart and the spirit of Paul, essentially, he saw himself as only a slave. This was his personal disposition for life and ministry.

APPLICATION IN SERVICE

“Paul and Timothy”
Philippians 1:1

1. PAUL INCLUDING TIMOTHY AS PART OF HIS ADDRESS

Paul graciously included Timothy as part of his opening address to the Philippians. Timothy was his spiritual son. He had proven himself as part of Paul’s team of fellow-servants

2. SENSE OF ONENESS IN MINISTRY

The use of the “and” is significant. The name Paul was mentioned first to establish that he was the leader of this team. And yet, it refers to the sense of oneness that Paul and Timothy had in service.

3. BEING BONDSERVANTS OF CHRIST TOGETHER

Paul and Timothy saw themselves as slaves of the Lord Jesus. Because of this, they were able to serve together as a team. They had learnt to minister with a depth of closeness and oneness in the mission field. Let’s learn to have the perspective of bondservants in ministry. Let’s learn to serve together as one.

Back to Article Listing