Marymi

The fact that there was such a great need to illustrate what it is to be a servant, a slave, someone who is committeed fully to living a life of Christlikeness give an impression that they had difficulty commiting themsleves to that lifestyle. It seems that they did things that were supportive of others Like Paul living a life set apart for Christ, but lacked the desire or the drive to do it themselves. They lacked conviction and determination to act it out in there own daily l lives, at least thats what the purpose of addressing them seems to indicate.

I agree with some of you, Slave to me implies servitude without much of a choice. Your a slave to something usually says that you cant help but do anything BUT that thing. Which in regards to being Christs likeness is a good thing, but its not always a choice, its something that cannot be helped. Preference is something that you do at all times with Joy and a grateful heart because want to. Preference coupled with being a slave is even better, because yes slave meaning you cant help but serve, but ad preference to that and its that you cant help but serve Jesus, by choice with a grateful and joyful heart. Thats just what i get out of that passage.

I actually was brought to the Lord by a dear friend ( who was a stranger at the time) who I worked with at Friendlys, she lead me to the Lord and then proceeded to mentor me, provided me with tons fo books to read to encourage me to grow me. She provided me with Music to encourage and hep me to worship in that way. She was (IS) a wonderful sister in the Lord and friend. I have to say though that in the 5 almost 6 years I've been saved, the recent year has been probably THE MSOT growth because of my friend and mentor. She is no hold barred , she challenges me and speaks truth to me all in the same time she listens and embraces me. SHe is a living testimony of what a woman of God truly is, someone I'd like to end up just like. She is the closest thing to a living example of Christ I think I've ever met. I am in the proces of beginning to mentor two yound girls I know who just recently received Jesus and I pray that I can be to them what my friend Sue has been to me.

A slave does what they are told no questions asked. It means absolute and instant obedience no matter what the cost to them personally.t. They may be allowed to have a spouse or children but this is not their free choice but that of the master. He decides if they are allowed to have contact with a spouse or their children. In other words every single decision about their lives is taken by the master and they have to learn to live with whatever decisions are made on their behalf. No wonder a slave was thankful when they had a genrous and kind owner who thought of their needs when decisions were being made.

I also feel that partnering is with a ministry, yes is with funds, as you feel at ease with. But we can also give of our time. There are many minsitries that need laborers, that need volunteer time. Effort on our part. There really are many many way we can give with or wihtout money involved. THats at least how I feel about it.

The reason that first comes is very simply put. Paul expects G-d to finish what He started because He said He would. G-ds word is very clear on more than on occasion Jesus says that whatever He began to do in us HE will never stop working out His purpose in us. Paul is trying to encourage the Philippians that they must keep faithful, as He will remain faithful. That HE WILL do that which is intended for us to be. And that same applies to us. If G-d tells me He will never leave me or forsake me than that says to me that I must stay believing that, so that I can continually allow His Holy Spirit to mold me, change me and grow me. At least thats what I get from what i was reading. Thank sfor listening. Bless you!

We can also support missionaries, and other things in prayer. Financial gifts are necessary but as needed, I also think that food, clothing, thoughful things like cards or bibles when able. Housing if available is a great way to support a ministry or anything of the like. We share in the eternal inheritance of knowing that our contribution touched a life and that when we see that persons in heaven we will know that a part of our generousity touched there lives for the futherance of the kingdom. amen!

Hello Joyful Heart Forum, My Name is Mary, I am 34 and this is the first time I am doing this study and the forum. I live in Bellmore. Its in New York State in the US and more specifically its on the Island East of Manhattan NY. I have been saved almost 6 years (it'll be six years on Oct 10th actually). ANd I just LOVE to study the Word, to read books that I acn glean from. I am an intercessor, G-d has given me a heart to pray for everyone and I love knowing that the closer I draw to Christ, the more He can and will work through me to see other found who are lost. I was Catholic until I got saved. um, I am not married or involved, I'd like to be ,when G-ds sees fit to bring who He has for me. So in the meantime I just keep looking up, and to Jesus. I look forward to studying with all of you. Thanks for allowing me to Bless you your IN Christ, ,Mary

Greetings and Salutations all! Slaves, are bound, with no choice. The stigmat of slaves is that there is no joy usually involved in there servace of there master. However, when Paul talkes about it, he makes it clear that although he is bound to Christ as a slave he does it with great joy. Servant is someone that does that same things, in serving there master, but that implies there is a choices more then at slave does. Either way, they both BY CHOICE are completely sold out to serving that whom they call Master. Its funny how the difference is, I looked a those words as negative, but as I grow closer to Christ, adn start to equate my hearts desire with descriptive words, those words are totally what I feel. THat i want to be that is. I just also wanted to share that I so far,love this study and am grateful for all the other comments. They are edifiying as a fellow believer. Thanks, Bless yoU!