SERMON MANUSCRIPT
Title:
“SERMON MANUSCRIPT
Title:
“Doulos: Called to Serve as Slaves—or Bond-Servant of God”
Main Texts:
Exodus 21:5–6
Romans 1:1
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I. INTRODUCTION (Approx. 5–7 minutes)
A. Opening Illustration/Hook
Good morning, church family! I want to begin today by asking a question: Have you ever met someone who was so dedicated—so committed—to a person or cause that they were willing to give up personal rights and freedoms for its sake? We hear stories of athletes who train every waking hour, or scientists who forego personal leisure to pursue a breakthrough. But what if I told you the Bible invites us into a relationship with God that requires an even deeper commitment—one so complete that the Scriptures use a word that often translates as “slave”?
The word I’m referring to is the Greek term doulos often rendered as “bond-servant” or “slave.” For many, the very mention of “slave” triggers discomfort. Our modern history, especially in the West, is marred by racial chattel slavery, a horrific institution. So how should we feel about applying the word “slave” to our relationship with God or Christ? Is it contradictory for the Bible—filled with messages of love, grace, and freedom—to use a word that suggests total subjection?
B. Purpose and Scope
Today, we will explore what the Bible means by doulos, and why believers should actually embrace, rather than avoid, this identity. We’ll look at two key passages: one from the Old Testament—Exodus 21, where the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) uses forms of doulos to describe a servant who voluntarily commits for life—and one from the New Testament—Romans 1:1, where Paul calls himself a doulos of Christ Jesus. Through these Scriptures, we will uncover:
1. The meaning and nuances of the word doulos.
2. The theological truth behind being “bond-servants” or “slaves” to the Lord.
3. The practical implications for how we live our daily lives in absolute submission to Jesus.
C. Transition
Let’s begin by looking at the origin and core definition of doulos. Then we will move straight into the Exodus passage, see how it was applied in ancient Israel, and finally contrast that with Paul’s usage in Romans 1:1.
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II. EXPLAINING DOULOS (Approx. 5–7 minutes)
A. Literal Meaning
The Greek word doulos most literally means “slave”—someone legally owned by a master, lacking personal autonomy. In the first-century Greco-Roman world, a doulos was under complete authority of the master. That’s strong imagery! Today, we might call that “radical subjection”—giving up every right to self-determination.
B. Why “Bond-Servant” or “Servant”?
Translators sometimes render doulos as “bond-servant” to reflect situations where servitude could be voluntary or contractual, such as paying off debt. This can also avoid conjuring modern images of slavery’s worst abuses, which often differ from ancient practice. However, the reality is that in both contexts—ancient or modern—“slave” implies surrender of personal freedom. It’s not a part-time volunteer or an employee. It is a person wholly given over to the master’s will.
C. Tension in Modern Ears
Why does this matter? Some folks say, “I can accept being a servant of God, but slave? That sounds demeaning.” Scripture, however, boldly uses doulos to emphasize our relationship with Christ as one of complete submission. It’s not primarily about being exploited; it’s about belonging to a loving Master. And that’s where the biblical picture diverges from the cruel, dehumanizing forms of slavery we’ve seen in human history.
D. Key Insight
The difference often boils down to this: doulos points to a relationship with a master. When the Bible uses “bond-servant” or “slave,” it’s communicating a sense of ownership—we do not belong to ourselves, but to the One who redeemed us. And that can be good news when our Master is God Himself, the Holy and Loving One.
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III. OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLE: EXODUS 21:5–6 (Approx. 10 minutes)
Let’s open our Bibles to Exodus 21:5–6. In the NASB, it reads:
> “But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.”
A. The Context of Exodus 21
1. Hebrew Servitude
Ancient Israel had laws that allowed a Hebrew person to serve another Hebrew, typically for six years to pay off a debt (Ex. 21:2). On the seventh year, they were to be set free.
This was not identical to modern slavery. There were regulations to protect the dignity of the servant.
2. The Choice to Stay
If, at the end of six years, the slave (the doulos in the Greek Septuagint) loved the master, he could choose to remain permanently.
The text says: “I love my master…I will not go out as a free man.” This is a voluntary lifetime commitment.
B. Voluntary Bondage?
At first glance, the word bondage is negative. But see the heart behind it: “I love my master… I want to stay.” This flips the script on typical slavery. The master isn’t forcing him to remain; the servant loves the environment, cares for his family, and recognizes the master’s household as a place of blessing. This is a willing subjection—a joyful acceptance of the master’s authority.
C. Symbol of Ear-Piercing
They would pierce the servant’s ear—often done at the doorpost—signifying permanent loyalty. This was a public declaration: “I belong to this household forever.” It was a sign of covenant between servant and master.
D. Theological Implications
1. Love Motivates Commitment
It wasn’t fear or legal coercion that bound the servant; it was love.
What a parallel to our relationship with God! We serve Him not merely because He is powerful, but because we love Him for who He is and what He has done.
2. Belonging to a Good Master
In the ancient world, a servant often chose to remain because the master was fair or kind.
In our relationship with God, we know our Master is utterly holy, righteous, and loving. If an earthly master could be good enough to inspire a servant’s loyalty, how much more our Heavenly Father?
3. Covenant Symbol
The ear-piercing might seem strange, but it was a perpetual token of belonging.
For the believer, one might think of baptism or the indwelling Holy Spirit as our mark of belonging to God. We are “sealed” (Eph. 1:13).
E. Application
How many of us see our relationship with God in such a way? Do we say, “Lord, I love You—I choose to remain with You forever”? Or do we see service to God as an obligation? The Exodus model shows a relationship built on love. This Old Testament background sets a powerful foundation for how a doulos relationship can be God-honoring and even desirable.
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IV. NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE: ROMANS 1:1 (Approx. 10 minutes)
Now let’s jump forward to the New Testament. Turn to Romans 1:1:
> “Paul, a bond-servant [doulos] of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…”
A. The Apostolic Context
1. Who Paul Was
Paul was a Pharisee of Pharisees, a Roman citizen, a highly educated man. He had status, knowledge, respect in certain circles.
Yet, when addressing the church in Rome, he identifies first as a doulos—a “slave/bond-servant of Christ.”
2. Why Use This Title First?
Before claiming apostleship or authority, Paul underscores humility. It is as if he says, “My primary identity is slave of Jesus. Everything else—my mission, my authority—flows from that.”
B. Doulos in the Greco-Roman World
1. Slavery as a Social Institution
In Paul’s day, slaves (douloi) had no personal rights. Their master determined their life.
For some, slavery might be a path to eventually gaining freedom. For others, it was lifelong.
To call oneself a slave was to say, “I am fully under someone else’s authority.”
2. Paul’s Radical Choice
Think of how upside-down this is: A free Roman citizen—by birth—voluntarily choosing to call himself a slave!
This captures the Christian paradox: in losing ourselves, we gain Christ; in surrender, we find freedom.
C. The Purpose: “Called as an Apostle”
1. Submission Before Commission
Notice the order: “Paul, a bond-servant… called as an apostle…”
Being a doulos under Christ sets the stage for service. We cannot effectively serve in ministry—whether as pastors, teachers, or everyday Christians—unless we first surrender fully to Jesus’ lordship.
Our “calling” flows out of our “bonded” relationship to the Master.
2. Set Apart for the Gospel
The phrase “set apart” indicates a holy calling. It’s reminiscent of the Old Testament concept of being consecrated or devoted to God.
For Paul, belonging to Christ meant being dedicated to spreading the gospel everywhere he went.
If we identify as douloi, are we also recognizing that we are “set apart” in our workplace, family, community to represent the Master?
D. Application for Today
1. True Identity
Many of us think of ourselves as “Christians,” but do we identify as doulos—slaves of Christ?
If we see ourselves this way, it changes how we approach decisions, use our time, our money. Everything belongs to the Master.
2. Obedience out of Love
Paul’s letters emphasize the grace and love of God. Paul served Christ because he was overwhelmed by the love God displayed in Jesus’ sacrifice (Gal. 2:20).
The master-slave analogy, in a Christian sense, is built on the foundation of the cross. We are “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20).
3. Called to a Task
Each one of us has a role in God’s kingdom—teaching kids, leading worship, or showing compassion to neighbors. But it starts with acknowledging: “I am wholly Yours, Lord.”
Bond-servants in the ancient world didn’t pick and choose tasks; they simply obeyed the master. In the same way, we yield all to Christ.
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V. THEOLOGICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS (Approx. 8–10 minutes)
Now, let’s pull these threads together—the Old Testament picture (Exodus 21:5–6) and the New Testament picture (Romans 1:1):
A. Total Surrender to God
1. No Half-Measures
Bond-servants didn’t say, “I’ll serve you only on Sundays.” They lived in perpetual service.
Being a doulos of Christ means daily surrender, not a weekly event.
2. Trusting the Goodness of the Master
We can do this wholeheartedly because our Master is not a tyrant—He is the God who “so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16).
He is the Master who washes His disciples’ feet (John 13).
Such a Master is worthy of our complete devotion.
B. Serving Out of Love, Not Fear
1. Exodus 21: Motivated by Love
The slave said, “I love my master… I will not go out as a free man.”
We echo that sentiment: “Lord, I love You. I do not wish to live on my own terms.”
2. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
While the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10), the relationship matures into perfect love (1 John 4:18).
Love transforms service into delight rather than drudgery.
C. Identity and Mission
1. We Belong to God
First, we are God’s possession, purchased by Christ’s blood (Acts 20:28). That’s identity.
Second, we have a mission. Bond-servants are entrusted with tasks. Paul’s was to preach; yours might be to disciple your children, serve your neighbors, or do justice in the community.
2. Inverting the World’s Values
The world tells us: “You are your own master. You do you!” But the Christian message says: “We are not our own; we have been bought at a price.”
This challenges the core of Western individualism, but it also promises a life of meaning under God’s gracious rule.
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VI. CONCLUSION (Approx. 5–8 minutes)
A. Recap
1. Exodus 21 showed us a slave who, out of love, chooses permanent service—this is a glimpse of doulos in the Old Testament.
2. Romans 1:1 showed us Paul, who, despite his many credentials, led with his identity as a bond-servant of Christ.
B. Embrace the Call
God calls each of us into a doulos relationship: a voluntary yet total surrender.
The question is: Will we joyfully submit or remain half-hearted?
C. Common Objections
1. “But doesn’t God set us free?”
Yes, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1). We are free from sin and condemnation, free to serve God.
True Christian freedom is found in voluntary surrender to a benevolent Master.
2. “I want to keep some control.”
That’s our human nature. But real peace, purpose, and transformation come when we yield completely.
D. Practical Challenge
1. Ask Yourself:
Am I living as a part-time volunteer in God’s kingdom, or have I truly embraced being His doulos?
Are there areas in my life I’m refusing to surrender—finances, relationships, time, or personal ambitions?
2. Spiritual Ear-Piercing
In Exodus 21, the servant’s ear was pierced at the doorpost as a visible sign of permanent service.
For us today, perhaps the Holy Spirit is saying, “It’s time to declare your full devotion.”
This might mean taking a concrete step—publicly recommitting your life to God, or engaging wholeheartedly in a ministry you’ve felt called to.
3. A Word on Joy
Remember, the Exodus slave loved his master. The bond-servant of Christ delights in pleasing Him. If we only see duty, we’ve missed the heart of God. The Master is loving, merciful, and cares deeply for us.
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Closing Prayer (1–2 minutes)
> Heavenly Father, we thank You for being a gracious and loving Master. We recognize that in our hearts, we often resist the idea of total surrender. But Your Word shows us that being Your doulos—Your slave, Your bond-servant—is the path to true freedom and joy.
We pray, Lord, that each of us would examine our hearts. Where we cling to self-will, help us lay it down. Where we doubt Your goodness, remind us of the cross. May we willingly say, “I love my Master—I will not go free,” because we have tasted Your goodness.
Fill us with Your Spirit so that our service isn’t drudgery but devotion—born of love. Transform us into faithful servants who reflect Your light in this world. May our lives bring glory to Jesus, our King, our Savior, and our loving Master.
In His mighty name we pray, Amen.
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Final Exhortation (1 minute)
Brothers and sisters, as you go this week, remember: You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Let that truth give you confidence and purpose. Our Master is faithful and kind. May you serve Him with gladness—and discover that the greatest freedom is found in being a doulos of Jesus Christ.
God bless you, and may the Spirit empower you to live out this calling every single day.
