Let me Be Your Servant
“For the sake of the gospel.” That was Paul’s main motivation for serving, even considering himself a slave to everyone around him, so that he might see them reap the reward of the gospel, salvation. Have we got distracted from the power of the Gospel in our present age? I think we have, and the scriptures call us to a deeper devotion to the work Jesus left us.
"Washing of the Feet II" by John August Swanson, painting, 2000
Anchor Texts:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIVUK - Paul’s use of his freedom
Psalm 104:1-23 NIVUK - God and Creation
Romans 8:18-25 NIVUK - Present suffering and future glory
Psalm 19:1-4 NIVUK - The Heavens Declare
Questions to Ponder:
In what way does Paul mean that he is “free” in 1 Cor 9:19? How does it compare with how we usually define freedom in our cultural setting?
Paul begins a very intersting defense of his ministry in v. 20-22 - is his approach dishonest? Think of some objections people might have to Paul’s approach. (Don’t worry - the next question takes a different angle).
What is positive about Paul’s approach? How would you defend Paul’s approach?
Why does Paul call this approach “being a slave” to everyone? How is what he is doing “slavery”?
What does Psalm 104 teach us about God' and creation? What is the difference between them?
How might Psalm 104 and Romans 8 (see links above) help revive our connection to the land, to Native Canadians, or inform our contribution to the dialogue about climate change?
The Theme in Song:
Friends of mine, Lowana and Matt, recorded this beautiful and simple rendition of the classic hymn on the streets of Moose Jaw, SK outside of St. Aiden’s Anglican Church a few years ago. The concept of being pilgrims on a journey together with other followers of Jesus isn’t supposed to be cute and poetic, rather it’s real, tragic, rich, and ultimately the only way to find true Life and Joy.