A Bondservant and Freedman

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

Scripture Focus: For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7.22a)

Devotional Thought: When we become part of a family, we are adopted into it, and we adapt to it. Adoption carries both blessings and duties.

1 Corinthians 7 is greatly needed in today's world of sexual promiscuity, marital abuse, divorce, and cohabitation. The Apostle Paul helps us sort out today's confusion. I recommend a careful reading of it periodically to help keep you grounded in Biblical morality. In the chapter, however, there is a brief interlude dealing with how we ought to comport ourselves in a more general way.

In view of the passing nature of this life, Paul says that a Christian is to live as "a freedman of the Lord." We are no longer bound by sin, but have been set free in Christ. Reading that from our Twentieth Century perspective is exciting enough, but when we get behind what Paul was saying, it becomes even more exciting!

"According to Roman law, a person freed from slavery by a generous benefactor was obligated to take his patron's name, live in his house, and consult him on business affairs. The Christian likewise owes a debt to Christ that he can never fully repay." (BBC, 382)

But, being "a freedman of the Lord" is so much more than procuring a debt we can never repay. Think about it. We get the authority of his name! We get to live in his house! And, we get to consult him on every aspect of our lives! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for setting me free from sin and for making me your freedman. Thank you for giving me your name, taking me into your home, and granting me your wisdom. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalms 107:4-9)