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As we discussed in an earlier post, co-dependency is a fuzzy pop-psychology term. The more precise Biblical concept is that of someone becoming a “slave of men” (I Corinthians 7:23) by subsuming their inner self to another person, rather than to God. But we will use the term codependent interchangeably as shorthand.
How do we know that this phrase did not refer to the physical slavery of the day? We know it because Paul made several other clear statements that while it is better to be free, it was also ok to be a slave.
.Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. I Corinthians 7:22-23
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All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. I Timothy 6:1.
Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Colossians 3:22
a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:11
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
- Bullying
- Manipulation
- Use of fake authority
- Abuse of true authority
The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. Proverbs 29:25
.“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5