In his sermon, Luke Cummings delves into the concept of being a "bondslave" to God, drawing from various biblical references to explore its meaning and implications for Christians. He starts by discussing why Apostle Paul frequently identifies himself as a bondslave of God in his epistles, such as in Titus 1:1, Romans 1:1, and Philippians 1:1. Cummings suggests that this identity is more fundamental than being an apostle, indicating total surrender and service to God. He then explores why Jesus Christ took on the form of a bondslave, as described in Philippians 2:6-7, emphasizing that Jesus, being in the form of God, chose to empty Himself and assume a lowly position as a bondslave. This act is interpreted as a profound transformation from divine status to human servitude.
Cummings also discusses the story of Onesimus, a slave who ran away from his master Philemon, using this narrative to illustrate the concept of spiritual slavery and the futility of running away from God or one's spiritual obligations. He underscores the distinction between a servant and a bondslave, with the latter indicating a deeper level of surrender and loyalty to the master. The sermon then addresses the application of these concepts to believers, asserting that all Christians are slaves of Christ, but not all are bondslaves. Cummings encourages his audience to contemplate whether they seek the deeper intimacy and identification with Christ that comes from being a bondslave.
He outlines seven characteristics of a bondslave, which include complete ownership by Christ, lack of personal possessions, surrender of personal will, and commitment to God’s will without compromise. The sermon concludes with a call for self-examination among believers, challenging them to consider embracing the role of bondslaves of Christ, which involves both intimacy and challenges. Cummings' sermon effectively blends theological examination with practical application, urging listeners to deeply consider their relationship with God and their level of surrender to Him.
