What made Paul such a great Christian? There is not just one answer to this question. The truth is Paul had several characteristics that were conducive to being a great follower of Christ. One reason he excelled as a Christian was that he recognized his true position in Christ. He realized that he was a servant.
Romans 1:1 (ESV)
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
This was a typical introduction to Paul’s epistles. He would often refer to himself as a servant. From the moment he obeyed the gospel, to the time he was executed at the hands of Nero, he was, first and foremost, a servant of Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for servant here is doulos and refers to the lowest kind of slave. Vine says it referred “to the lowest term in the scale of servitude.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).
Two things are immediately apparent when it comes down to being a slave. First, a slave belongs to someone else. When Paul refers to himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, he is affirming that he is the possession of Christ. We should recognize the same thing. Not only were we purchased by Christ when we obeyed the gospel, but the purchase price was very high.
Acts 20:28 (NKJV)
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Paul reminded the saints at Corinth of this truth.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price…
Since we belong to Christ, serving Him should be our primary focus in life. This is the second thing that is apparent about being a servant—servants serve. They do not just think or talk about serving, they serve. Are you a servant of Christ? To answer that question in the affirmative, you must be engaged in serving Christ.
How do we serve Christ? One very important way is by serving one another. In the world, being served by others is a sign of greatness. The world believes that if you can demand service from others, you have arrived. In the kingdom of God, it is different. Jesus teaches us that serving one another is the foundation of greatness. He once told His apostles, “…whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). This is the consistent teaching of the New Testament. It is one of the great paradoxes of Christianity. We have been set free to serve.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Even the gifts we receive from God are meant, not to be used selfishly for our benefit, but to serve others.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
If we are true servants of Christ, let us act like it. Let’s show that we realize we belong to Christ by serving Him and one another.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.