As we begin the First letter that Paul wrote to Timothy, this young pastor is going to be confronted with lots of different situations concerning the “Law of God”.

As Paul writes this letter to Timothy to teach him and encourage him, we are going to learn allot about ourselves and how we just naturally have a hard time with “The Law of God”

First, a little background…

There are, what we call:

(3) Pastoral Epistles: 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

(7) Church Epistles Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians that Paul wrote

Paul always begins his letters with some type of introduction that includes a description of himself and a greeting to the reader.

3 times Paul calls himself “A Bondservant”,
9 times Paul calls himself “An Apostle”.
1 time he calls himself “A Prisoner”.

•    In the Greek language, a “Bondservant” is a “Doulos”.  A Hebrew could only be kept as a household slave in cases where they had incurred debt they could not repay, or for certain crimes. 
•    The law stated that after 6 years the slave had to be set free.  Many times, because the slave was treated so well, the slave fell in love with his master because and really became a member of his household, he became like a son. 
•    At the end of the 6 years, this slave could choose to remain in his masters house “Forever.”  In which case, the master would take the slave out to the door post and Pearce his ear lobe with an awl, and place an ear ring there, signifying that he was a slave for life.

By Paul stating that He is a “Bondservant”, or “Doulos”, he is stating that he loves his master Jesus and wishes to remain in his household forever.

•    Even as you, this morning, as you fall in love with Jesus, you might go from “Servant” to “Son” or “Daughter”, have your heart pierced through for Jesus, and choose to remain in His household forever.

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