Sermon:Who is a slave?

WHO IS A SLAVE?
A slave is someone who is legally owned and ruled by another person.
A slave is someone forced to work for another person without pay.
A slave is a person manipulated or dominated by their owner.
A slave is a person who is owned by another person or family and is expected to serve and obey their master without pay or reward. 

FACTS ABOUT SLAVES FROM THE BIBLE.
▪︎Slaves can be inherited as a possession and passed down as property.
-Leviticus 25:46, "And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves.

▪︎If a slave chooses to stay with their master after the release period, a ceremonial act is performed, signifying their voluntary lifelong service.
-Deuteronomy 15:16-17, "And if he says to you, I will not go away from you, because he loves you and your house......then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever."

▪︎Slaves are encouraged to work wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord. 
-Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men."

▪︎Slaves or bondservants can decide to serve or remain with their masters forever.

- Exodus 21:5-6, "But If the servant plainly says, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go free.......His master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever."

▪︎Bondservants are encouraged to be obedient to their masters so that they may adorn the doctrine of God, promoting good conduct.
-Titus 2:9-10, "Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,..... that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things."

▪︎Bondservant of Christ:This is a spiritual form of servitude: Paul describes himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ.
- Romans 1:1, "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

▪︎Those who are slaves are encouraged to remain in the Lord as they are, if possible, and not to become slaves of men.
-1 Corinthians 7:21-23, "Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it.........You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men."

▪︎There is equality in Christ, distinctions such as slave or free do not matter.
-Galatians 3:28, "There is neither slave nor free.....for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

▪︎There is no distinction between slave and free in the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is for both slaves and free men.
-Colossians 3:11, "There is neither Greek nor Jew.....slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."

▪︎Bondservants should obey their earthly masters with sincerity and respect, as if serving Christ. Masters should treat their slaves justly and fairly, knowing they too are accountable to God.

-Ephesians 6:5-9,"Bondservants,be obedient to those who are your masters.......And you,masters,do the same things to them."

▪︎Bondservants should honor their masters, especially if they are believers, to avoid bringing shame to the name of God and the teaching of Christ.

-1 Timothy 6:1-2,"Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour,so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be Blasphemed.And those who have believing masters ,let them not despise them because they are brethren,but rather serve them.."

TREATMENT OF SLAVES
▪︎Humane Treatment:Masters are instructed to treat their slaves with kindness, reminding them that both parties are ultimately accountable to God. 
-Colossians 4:1, "Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."
-Ephesians 6:9, "And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven."

▪︎Israelites are instructed not to treat fellow Israelites harshly if they become poor and must sell themselves.
-Leviticus 25:39, "And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve you as a slave.

▪︎Slaves sold to you should be set free after serving you for six years. 
-Deuteronomy 15:12,"...And serves you six years, then in the seventh year, you shall let him go free from you.

▪︎Masters shouldn't rule with harshness those that are under them.
-Lev 25:43, "You shall not rule over him with rigor.."

▪︎Ethical treatment of foreigners and sojourners:They should be treated as equals and loved as one’s own.
-Leviticus 19:33-34, "And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself.."

▪︎Temporary servitude:Hebrew slaves should be released every seven years.
-Jeremiah 34:14, "At the end of seven years let every man set free his Hebrew brother, who has been sold to him."

▪︎Freed slaves shouldn't be sent away empty-handed,their former masters are instructed to provide for them generously. 
-Deuteronomy 15:13, "And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed."

LAWS GOVERNING SLAVERY 
▪︎Slaves should not be compelled to labor against their will and no one should be kept in bondage.
-Jeremiah 34:9, "That every man should set free his male and female slave- that no one should keep a Jewish brother in bondage.

▪︎Escaped slaves should be granted refuge and not oppressed. 
-Deuteronomy 23:15-16, "You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you. He may dwell with you in your midst, in the place which he chooses .....you shall not oppress him."

▪︎Fair treatment of individuals:When a person sells himself to you, he should not be compelled to serve as a slave but should be treated fairly(Leviticus 25:39-44)

SIN AS A FORM OF SLAVERY 

Sin is often depicted in the Bible as a form of slavery, capturing individuals and leading them away from freedom and righteousness. Sin enslaves individuals, limiting their spiritual potential,while Christ offers true freedom.

▪︎Believers should not be enslaved by their circumstances or their past.Sin can bind individuals to their circumstances,but true freedom comes from Christ, who has redeemed believers from the bondage of sin. 

-1 Corinthians 7:21-23: “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” 

▪︎One becomes a slave to whatever they obey,whether sin leading to death(slavery to sin) or obedience leading to righteousness(slaves to righteousness) One’s choices determine their allegiance, and yielding to sin results in spiritual slavery.Sin enslaves individuals,leading them away from the true freedom found in following God's will.

-Romans 6:16-18:,“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness” .

▪︎Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.Sin captures and controls people, limiting their spiritual freedom and ability to live according to God’s purpose. Habitual sin creates a bondage that holds individuals captive, preventing them from experiencing true freedom.

-John 8:34, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” 

▪︎Having been set free from sin, believers become slaves of God, which leads to holiness and eternal life.Sin enslaves, freedom in God leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

-Romans 6:2,"How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

AREAS OF PERSONAL SLAVERY

Individuals may feel enslaved in various areas of life, and seeking freedom in Christ can bring transformation and hope. 

•Sinful Habits: Many struggle with addictive behaviors, such as substance abuse, pornography, or compulsive behaviors.Yielding to sin can lead to enslavement. 

   - Romans 6:16: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey,you are that one’s slaves whom you obey”

•Emotional Wounds: Feelings of shame, guilt, or past trauma can bind individuals. In Christ one can find healing and renewal. 

   - 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold,all things have become new.”

•Fear and Anxiety: Many are held captive by fear, anxiety, or worry about the future. Believers should surrender  their fears to God.

   - Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious for nothing.... and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.” 

•Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges or bitterness can be a form of emotional bondage.  

   - Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you,with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

•Materialism: The pursuit of wealth and possessions can create a sense of enslavement.  

   - Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon.” 

•Relational Struggles: Toxic relationships or unhealthy attachments can lead to emotional bondage.

   - 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” 

STEPS TO SPIRITUAL FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY

▪︎Confession: Acknowledge and confess your struggles to God and others.  

   - James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your trespasses to one another,and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” 

▪︎Encouragement and Community: Regular fellowship with a supportive christian community can help you grow and encourage you.

   - Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider on another in order to stir up love and good works,not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together......,but exhorting one another."

▪︎Prayer: Prayer is essential for casting burdens and receiving peace.Dedicate time to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength in your journey toward freedom.  

   - Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 

▪︎Renewing the Mind: Fill your mind with God’s Word to combat lies and negativity.Transformation begins with changing how you think.

   - Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

▪︎Forgiveness: Release any bitterness or unforgiveness that may be holding you back.Forgiveness is crucial for spiritual freedom. 

   -Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

▪︎Commitment to Growth: Actively pursue spiritual growth through bible study, worship, and service. Continuous growth fosters a deeper relationship with Christ.

   - 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE 

Heavenly father,I come to You in humility, seeking forgiveness for the times I have allowed myself to be enslaved by sin, fear, and doubt. I repent for turning away from Your truth and for any harm I have caused myself and others. Please cleanse my heart, set me free from chains that bind me, and guide me towards a life of freedom in Christ Jesus. Help me to walk in Your ways and to embrace the new life You offer,in Jesus name.Amen

PRAYER

1.Father,heal my wounds from past enslavement to sin and shame, and restore my spirit,in Jesus name.

2.O Lord,Protect me from the influences that seek to bind me; grant me the courage to seek refuge in You,in Jesus name.

3.I break free from habits that enslave me,in Jesus name.

4.I break the chains of fear and doubt in my life,in Jesus name.

5.Father,deliver me from the shackles of my past and lead me into freedom,in Jesus name. 

6.Renew my mind and spirit, freeing me from thoughts that keep me in bondage,in Jesus name.

7.I break free from the  traps of addiction and unhealthy relationships,in Jesus name.

8.O Lord,forgive me for the times I have returned to my old ways; grant me the strength to move forward,in Jesus name.

9.Awaken my spirit, Lord, and help me recognize the chains that bind my soul,in Jesus name.

10.Heavenly father,liberate me from spiritual apathy and fill me with Your life-giving Spirit,in Jesus name.

11.Renew my faith and help me trust in Your power to free me from spiritual oppression,in Jesus name.

12.Protect me from the forces that seek to enslave my heart and mind; keep me safe in Your presence,in Jesus name.

13.Fill me with Your peace, freeing my heart from anxiety and doubt,in Jesus name.

14.Lord Jesus,reveal the areas of my life where I am spiritually enslaved and guide me toward freedom,in Jesus name.

15. I surrender my burdens to You, Lord; help me trust in Your plan for my freedom,in Jesus name.

16.Father,grant me a fresh start as I seek to leave behind the chains of my past,in Jesus name.

17.Bless me with believers who will walk alongside me in my journey toward spiritual freedom,in Jesus name.

18.Fill my heart with compassion for others who are also struggling with their own chains,in Jesus name

19.Help me forgive those who have wronged me, releasing any bitterness that may hold me captive,in Jesus name.

20.Transform my heart and mind, Lord, so that I may live in the freedom you provide every day,in Jesus name.

Thank you for answering my prayers,in Jesus name.Amen