Featured My feelings of failure and not being good enough....

Why is this in the baptist section.

 

Brother, be patient. :thumbsup:

 

We walk by faith, not sight. :thumbsup:

 

You have only been working your new job for two weeks. It takes time to get good at anything. I don't know what you do, but you have to be patient and give it time.

I would not skip your scheduled breaks. You will actually do more work, and better quality work if you take them, this has been proven in many studies.

 

Humble yourself under His hand, and He will exalt you when it is right. :thumbs:

 

I didn't kick anyone in the chin. I just asked why it was posted here. It is not a baptist topic specifically. There is a whole list of forums to choose from for different topics.

 

John, you know better than to answer that post. You're better than this. :thumbsup:

 

Good for you. John, I am not your enemy. I pray God uses you. Be patient. Trust Him. raying:

 

Part of the problem is giving too much weight to MacArthur's words. You are taking the slave mentality to an unhealthy place, when the Bible means servant. We are called sons and a friend of God. We give ourselves to him out of love, not because Hes to be viewed as a slave master.

 

Going to a new job is like enrolling in a new school, it takes time to get use to your surroundings and new people.

 

Some find it too far below them to think of themselves as a slave of Christ. This attitude typically stems from a theology that holds a high view of man and diminishes truth in Rom. 3 and other Scriptures. I am very leary of any person who paints themselves (pre-conversion) as a good person, seeker of God, always loved God &c.

Then there is the feeble attempt to say slave means servant and diminish its meaning. That in itself is altogether a weak argument and shows rejection of the truth. English translation ('slave' to 'servant') does not override the original meaning and intent here. The term is doulos, and means slave. It is in a figurative sense and one is to consider himself or herself as such, as Christ is the perfect model of this; Php. 2:7, and Timothy was to consider himself in the same manner; 2 Tim. 2:24 as Paul himself did as well.

As to the OP just remain patient John. Rome wasn't built in a day. Walk wisely before others and remember Jesus was a friend of sinners, be one yourself, show the same grace to them that Christ showed to you.

 

He is looking for advice, not your handy dandy memorized sayings from various movies.

 

The word doulos is translated as both "slave" or "servant" In the New Testament, and Moses referred to himself as an 'ebed of God. This word, also, was used interchangeably for "slave" or "servant" in ancient Hebrew writings. For that reason, it has confused both believers and unbelievers over the ages.

Those who want to make your argument must understand the context of the uses of the word for "slave" to realize the words, in both Hebrew and in the Greek, do not actually mean "slave" as we understand the word. When we hear the word, we think of the evils of slavery, both ancient and in current use with the new concerns arising for the international slave trade. In ancient Israel, slaves were not "slaves" in the sense that blacks were slaves in the U.S. South. They were not chattel, nor were they owned "body and soul" as so many slave purchase contracts read in the South 200 years ago.

In the Bible, a slave is willingly bonded to his/her master. Even those of the lesser nations -- i.e., not Israel -- were to be willingly bonded to the household they served. Unfortunately, for those who were not willing they were, as those captured in battle, slain instead. The word doulos especially is best translated "bond-servant." Paul used this word to describe himself at least a half-dozen times, he described Epaphras and Tychicus both in this fashion, and in the well-quote Philippians 2:7, identified Christ by that term. James, the half-brother of Jesus, also used the term to describe himself.

The meaning of "slave" for doulos should be abandoned, due to its meaning of "willing bondsman." That is the nature of the bond-servant, to willingly gives himself up to another's will, specifically Jesus, who then uses this bond-servant's service in extending and advancing His cause among men. No one could do this as an unwilling slave.

Lose the concept. It isn't biblical.

 

Obviously you've missed all that I said in your long post. I claimed it as you did, in a figurative sense. You brought in all the negative connotations brought on by culture, and none of it does away with the true biblical concept. That is the view that isn't biblical. Cultural sensitivities don't rewrite or override truth. Again, English translations do not take away the words true meaning. That is a weak and faulty hermeneutic you've employed.

 

I did not claim it to be figurative. We are to literally and willingly give ourselves over completely to Christ as His servant, to further His kingdom.

I did not say cultural connotations are the reason the use of the word doulos for "slave" should be abandoned. It does not mean "slave." No slave is willing.

You misunderstood my post.