Believers Who Serve

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2)

Paul opened his letter to the churches in Philippi not by listing his title as Apostle or Timothy's as a Pastor. Instead, he began by identifying himself and Timothy as servants. The Greek word for servant is doulos, which means bondservant or slave. That may sound uncomfortable to us today, but Paul intentionally chose that word. He was describing a life completely given over to the Lordship of Jesus.

Here is the balance Scripture teaches. We are sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ. We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. But sonship does not eliminate submission. In fact, genuine sonship is expressed through radical obedience. A servant does not question the instructions they receive; they simply respond and act. That is the heart posture Paul was writing about. Many believers are comfortable calling Jesus Savior. But far fewer are willing to live as though He is Lord. When we choose to see Jesus as Lord, we allow Him to lead and direct our lives.

A servant recognizes that his life is no longer his own. The will of God becomes the top priority, and the plan of Heaven guides him. Faith is trust, and trust manifests in how we obey Him. When God speaks and you follow without full understanding, that is faith in action. That is why Paul could live boldly and sacrificially; he no longer belonged to himself. Prayer in the Spirit plays a key role in our ability to obey God’s commands because when you pray in tongues, your spirit becomes more sensitive to His guidance. Obedience is easier when you hear God more clearly. Many believers struggle with direction because they are not developing their spiritual sensitivity through praying in the Holy Ghost.

Practical Application

Ask the Lord today if there is any area where you have been making decisions without seeking His guidance first. Surrender that area to Him in prayer. Declare aloud, “Jesus, You are Lord of my life.”

Romans 1:1; John 12:26