Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end everlasting life. I. THE GROUND OF THEIR SERVICE. They are God's property (Titus 2:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 1 Peter 1:18). II. ITS DIGNITY. It is a great thing to be a servant of an earthly monarch; but what a dignified and dignifying service is spoken of here! Contrast it with that out of which we are taken. III. ITS FREEDOM. Observe the words "become servants." Although the introduction to His service is an act of grace towards you, you are not forced into it contrary to your will (2 Corinthians 5:14). It is a service of love, the yoke is easy and the burden light. This service is perfect freedom. IV. ITS PRIVILEGES. A good master — 1. Provides for his servants, thinks for his servants. Oh, how God's servants are provided for! what angels' food, what raiment, what protection! 2. Upholds his servants, and our Master will uphold His. His name is upon them, His honour is identified with them, their cause is His. If one of the servants of the Queen, representing us in a foreign land, be insulted, in a moment the whole country is in arms. V. ITS CHARACTERISTICS AND DUTIES. 1. A good servant is described to us in Scripture; he has — (1) A watchful eye. "As the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters," etc. In Eastern countries instead of giving directions by word of mouth, they are often given merely by indications of the hand or of the eye. A good servant will have the eye of faith on the Master's hand, and watch the indication of the Master's eye, that there may be no delay in serving; and the promise is, "I will guide thee with Mine eye."(2) A listening ear: "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."(3) A ready foot. "I will run in the way of Thy commandments."(4) A ready heart. "An offering of a free heart will I give Thee."(5) A submissive, obedient will. 2. There is a beautiful directory for servants of the Lord in 2 Timothy 1 and 2. A good servant must — (1) Be a praying servant. "Stir up the gift of God that is in thee." (2) Not be ashamed of his master. "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." (3) Hold fast the truth. "Hold fast the form of sound words." (4) Be true to his trust. "That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (5) Be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (6) "Endure hardness." (7) Study "to show himself approved unto God." (8) "Flee youthful lusts: but follow righteousness," etc. (9) Persevere (Romans 3:14). VI. ITS FUTURE. How the Spirit loves to light up that future (Colossians 3:24; John 12:26; Revelation 22:1.; Luke 12:37)! (M. Rainsford.) Parallel Verses KJV: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. |
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