Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of
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In the Christian faith, the concept of good works is integral to the life of a believer, serving as a testament to one's faith and commitment to God's commandments. The Bible emphasizes that servants, in particular, should exemplify good works, setting a standard for others to follow. This expectation is rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where the conduct of believers is often highlighted as a reflection of their relationship with Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the importance of good works among believers. In Titus 2:7, Paul instructs, "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity" . Here, Paul underscores the necessity for servants, and indeed all believers, to be models of good works, demonstrating integrity and dignity in their actions and teachings.

Role of Servants

Servants, in the biblical context, are often seen as those who are under authority, whether in a household, community, or church setting. The call for servants to be patterns of good works is not merely about fulfilling duties but about embodying the principles of the Gospel in everyday life. This is further supported by 1 Peter 2:18-20, which advises servants to be submissive to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. This passage highlights the virtue of enduring suffering while doing good, as it is commendable before God.

Exemplary Conduct

The expectation for servants to be patterns of good works extends beyond mere obedience. It involves a proactive demonstration of Christian virtues such as kindness, patience, and humility. In Ephesians 6:5-8, Paul writes, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" . This passage encourages servants to view their service as unto the Lord, thereby elevating their work to a spiritual act of worship.

Impact on the Community

When servants embody good works, they not only fulfill their roles but also influence the broader community. Their actions serve as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, potentially leading others to Christ. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" . This call to let one's light shine is a universal mandate for all believers, including servants, to live in such a way that their good works point others to God.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for servants to be patterns of good works is a profound call to live out one's faith with integrity and purpose. Through their exemplary conduct, servants not only fulfill their earthly duties but also contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom, serving as a testament to the power of a life transformed by Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Titus 2:7
In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing soundness, gravity, sincerity,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Holy Exercises of Pure Love to God.
... love do and perform, if it lay in my power, all their works, as well ... 7. I do heartily
rejoice in all the good things that are in the elect servants of God ...
/.../holy exercises of pure love.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... say then, hereby shall they believe, if we do these works. ... that he does not do a
greater good than he ... servant, much rather will He bring His servants into His ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... waste Christ's blood, [553]161; Apostles patterns of devotion ... Evidences of the Gospel,
should be learned by ... Good works, where they find not sins to atone for ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... now find joy in yielding ourselves as servants of the ... and purify unto himself a people
zealous for good works. ... of our election"namely, that we should be holy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the obedience of faith.htm

Scriptural Christianity
... because they testified of it, that the works thereof were ... Or are we the least, the
servants of all ... also; not resisting the evil, but overcoming evil with good? ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 4 scriptural christianity.htm

The True vine
... His servants be; and that what He is that shall also His servants be. ... vanished good
harm us just as much as joy in the present good did, and ... Works are not fruit ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the true vine.htm

Matt. x. 16
... Next, his being conscious to himself of many good works. ... partakers of so high a
philosophy; should any persons ... by friends, nor insulted by servants, but rather ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxiii matt x 16.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone that ... would have exerted a powerful
influence for good over the ... the wise words and the magnificent works of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Preaching for the Poor
... Christ, to renounce his sins, and his good works too, and ... do something towards the
maintenance of God's faithful servants. ... but I never could see any good in it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/preaching for the poor.htm

On Obedience to Pastors
... making them both the creatures and the servants of their ... eyes against the light,
lest haply you should see that ... seek only to be adorned with good works, as men ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 97 on obedience to.htm

Resources
Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.org

Why is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org

What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | GotQuestions.org

Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God

Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith

Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance

Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness

Good Works: Called: Good Fruits

Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love

Good Works: Christ, an Example of

Good Works: God Remembers

Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of

Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest

Good Works: Justification Unattainable By

Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends

Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of

Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God

Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To

Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By

Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated

Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To

Good Works: Saints are Full of

Good Works: Saints are Zealous of

Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their

Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To

Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On

Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their

Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All

Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In

Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain

Good Works: Saints: should be Established In

Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In

Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All

Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In

Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All

Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All

Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In

Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness

Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other

Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By

Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment

Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To

Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform

Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name

Good Works: Wrought by God in Us

Works

Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith

Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest

Works: Good: A Blessing Attends

Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God

Works: Good: God is Glorified By

Works: Good: God Remembers

Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest

Works: Good: Jesus an Example of

Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of

Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To

Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree

Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard

Works: Good: The Pounds

Works: Good: The Talents

Works: Good: The Two Sons

Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment

Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation

Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Related Terms

Esteem (25 Occurrences)

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)

Honor (240 Occurrences)

Works (379 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

World (2829 Occurrences)

Highly (48 Occurrences)

Sake (241 Occurrences)

Works: Good: Jesus an Example of
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