The Gospel is all about freedom. See John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1
So what’s with the title Paul gives himself, “Paul, the Servant (Slave) of Christ?”
The Apostle Paul’s life absolutely blows me away. He tries to share the Gospel with people – they done him and leave him for dead. When he revives to life, he goes straight back to sharing the Gospel – regardless of the danger. Multiple shipwrecks didn’t lessen his desire to share God’s love overseas. Scourgings and beatings didn’t make him compromise his witness. Knowing that his countrymen in Jerusalem would end his freedom didn’t dampen his desire to bring them Truth that could set them free.
What motivated Paul? Love.
“The love of Christ compels us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
Paul had glimpsed the love of Jesus “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2: 6-8
And why did Jesus do what He did?
Jesus, “for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2
What joy?
“Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety-nine just persons, who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7
What Paul saw of the heart of God absolutely blew him away.
Jesus was the Creator. In Heaven, angels were eager to serve Him. He chose to leave Heaven to come serve us. He chose trials, humiliation and torture over the pleasures and praise He had in Heaven. Not because He enjoyed suffering. Not because He was coerced to. Rather, because that was what it would take to save you and me. And He loved us that much.
If that’s the kind of love that God has for us, why do we worry? Why do we think that God’s plans for us are miserable?
How will you respond to His love?
