26 May 2025
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 1:1a, CSB)
Paul begins his letter not with accolades, but with identity. He calls himself a slave. Not an apostle, not a church planter, not a theologian—just a slave of Christ Jesus. Mark notes, “Paul doesn’t tout his apostolic office.” Instead, he embraces “a common self-deprecated identity of the New Testament writers.”
In the Roman world, slavery was widespread. “There were 12 million slaves in the Mediterranean world, one of every five people in the Roman Empire.” And yet Paul chooses that language deliberately. He identifies himself and Timothy as “slaves of Christ Jesus.” The word doulos is unmistakable. Mark says, “The word doulos means slave, the meaning is so unequivocal, no study of history is necessary.”
This identification speaks volumes. Paul’s life, speech, and plans belong entirely to Jesus. “Slave market, pick a slave, pay for a slave, own your slave, control your slave, provide for your slave, protect your slave, discipline your slave, reward your slave.” In calling himself a slave, Paul is saying, Christ owns me completely.
That runs against our instincts. We value independence. We treasure autonomy. But the Christian life begins with surrender. “If you’re not a slave of Christ you’re not a Christian.” These are sobering words, but they are true. In Matthew 25:21, Jesus commends the faithful servant, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.”
Mark reminds us, “Slaves of Christ ask, ‘Lord, what do You want from me?’ They surrender their schedules, their spending, their speech, their lives to His authority.” That is the call of discipleship—not convenience, but commitment.
Start your day today with this simple truth: I am a servant of Christ. Let that shape how you lead, speak, and serve. Let it challenge how you plan, react, and relate. Let it change how you parent. Ask your children tonight, “What does it mean to be a servant of Jesus?” You might be surprised by their insight.
How does seeing yourself first as a servant of Christ change the way you approach your daily responsibilities?
Prayer:
Lord, help me today to remember that I am Yours. Teach me to live and lead as Your servant. Amen.
This week’s series of blog posts have been created from Mark’s notes. Read them for additional insight into the passage.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.