Whose Prisoner Are You?
The sermon challenges listeners to consider whether they are prisoners of their circumstances or of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Theodore Epp explores the profound shift in how Paul identifies himself in Ephesians, transitioning from 'an apostle of Jesus Christ' to 'the prisoner of the Lord.' This change reflects Paul's understanding of his circumstances; despite being imprisoned by Rome, he sees himself as a servant of Christ, emphasizing the importance of walking worthy of one's calling. Epp challenges listeners to consider their own identities, questioning whether they view themselves as prisoners of their circumstances or as devoted followers of Christ. Paul's letters, written during his imprisonment, serve as a testament to how God can use us in any situation.
Text
Ephesians 4:1,2; Acts 16:25-31
It is interesting to note the difference between the ways Paul referred to himself in the first half of Ephesians and the last half. In beginning the first half, or doctrinal portion, Paul referred to himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" (1:1). Paul emphasized his apostleship because he had a special message to give believers, and that message was given in the first three chapters. In the last half of Ephesians, which emphasizes the practice of Christians, Paul referred to himself as "the prisoner of the Lord" (4:1). This last section of Ephesians is an intense appeal by Paul for believers to walk worthy of their calling, and Paul underscored his appeal by calling himself a prisoner of the Lord.
How interesting that Paul should have this viewpoint. He was a prisoner of Rome and was in a damp dungeon because of preaching the Gospel, but he really considered himself to be a prisoner of the Lord. Paul recognized that the Lord could use him where he was, and this is precisely what the Lord did. During this imprisonment, Paul wrote letters to Philemon, the Colossians, the Ephesians and the Philippians. These letters are now contained in the Scriptures and have had great impact on the world down through the ages.
It is good to ask ourselves, Whose prisoner am I? Do I consider myself a prisoner of circumstances or of the Lord Jesus Christ?
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Rom. 6:16).
Sermon Outline
- Paul's Viewpoint
- The Lord's Use of Paul
- Our Viewpoint
- Considering ourselves prisoners of circumstances
- Considering ourselves prisoners of the Lord Jesus Christ
Key Quotes
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should recognize that we are not limited by our circumstances, but can be used by the Lord to achieve great things.
- We should examine our obedience and service to determine whose prisoner we are.
- We should strive to be prisoners of righteousness, obeying the Lord Jesus Christ and living a right relationship with Him.