THE BEST FORM OF SLAVERY
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
1 Corinthians 7:22, John Piper's translation
“He who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.”
REFLECTION
THE HAPPY PARADOXES OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM AND SLAVERY
“I would have expected Paul to switch the places of “Lord,” which means Master, and “Christ,” which means Messiah.
He correlates our liberation with Jesus being our Master (“a freedman of the Lord”). And he correlates our new slavery with Jesus being our Messiah (“a slave of Christ”). It seems strange because the Messiah came to liberate his people from their captors; and masters take control of their slaves’ lives.
Why does he say it this way? Why correlate slavery (rather than liberation) with Messiah, and liberation (rather than slavery) with Master?
Suggestion: The switch has two effects on our new liberty and two effects on our new slavery.
On the one hand, in calling us “the liberated of the Lord,” he secures and limits our new liberty:
His lordship is over all other lords; so our liberation is uncontested — absolutely secure.
But, free from all other lords, we are not free from him. Our freedom is mercifully limited. Jesus is our Master.
On the other hand, in calling us the “slaves of Christ,” he loosens and sweetens our slavery:
The Messiah lays claim on his own in order to bring them from the confines of captivity into the open spaces of peace. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).
And he makes them his own to give them the sweetest joy. “With honey from the rock I would satisfy you” (Psalm 81:16). And that Rock is Christ, the Messiah.
So, Christian, be glad in this: “He who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord” — the Master. “Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ” — the loosening, sweetening Messiah.”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
THE BEST FORM OF SLAVERY
THE HAPPY PARADOXES OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM AND SLAVERY
This verse from 1 Corinthians 7:22 highlights the paradox of Christian identity—freedom and servitude in Christ. As a follower of Jesus, here are five key points to meditate and reflect on: 1. Your True Freedom Is in Christ Even if you face earthly limitations or struggles, your ultimate freedom comes from belonging to Jesus. No external circumstance can enslave your soul when you are in Him. 2. You Are Bought with a Price (1 Corinthians 7:23) Jesus redeemed you through His sacrifice. You no longer belong to the world but to Christ. This means your decisions, values, and purpose are shaped by Him, not by cultural or worldly pressures. 3. Servanthood Is a Mark of Discipleship Though you are free in Christ, you willingly submit to His lordship, just as Jesus Himself took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5-7). Serving Him means loving, obeying, and following His example. 4. Your Status Does Not Define Your Worth Whether you are rich or poor, successful or struggling, your identity in Christ is what truly matters. Earthly titles and positions fade, but being a "freedman of the Lord" lasts eternally. 5. Live with a Kingdom Mindset Being a "slave of Christ" means surrendering your will to His, trusting that His plans are for your good. Your life is no longer your own, but an instrument in His hands for His glory. Take time to meditate on these truths and ask God how He wants you to live in the light of this passage. How does it challenge your understanding of freedom and servanthood in Christ?
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You in awe of the truth that in Christ, I am both free and a servant. Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into the glorious freedom of Your kingdom. Though the world may try to define me by status, success, or struggle, my true identity is in You alone. Lord Jesus, You purchased me with Your precious blood, and I belong to You. Teach me to walk in the freedom You have given me—not to live for myself, but to serve You with my whole heart. Shape my desires to reflect Yours. Help me to surrender daily, knowing that true joy is found in obedience to Your will. Let me not seek security in temporary things but in the eternal promise of being Yours. Whether in times of hardship or abundance, let me remember that I am Your child, Your servant, and Your beloved. Use my life for Your glory. Holy Spirit, guide me in humility and faithfulness. Strengthen me to serve others as Christ served, and remind me that even in my weakness, Your power is made perfect. Let my life be a testimony of the beautiful paradox—that in being a servant of Christ, I am truly free. I love You, Lord, and I give You my life again today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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