Topical Bible: Servants: Bond of Saints

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who are in service to others, whether in a literal or spiritual sense. The concept of servanthood is deeply embedded in the Christian faith, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of a servant leader. The bond of saints, as it relates to servanthood, emphasizes the unity and mutual service among believers, fostering a community that mirrors the love and humility of Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servanthood is a common theme, with numerous references to servants in both domestic and religious settings. The Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," is used to describe individuals who serve others, including those who serve God. For example, Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 34:5), highlighting his role as a leader who faithfully served God and the people of Israel.

The concept of servanthood is also evident in the laws given to Israel, which include provisions for the treatment of servants. These laws emphasize justice and compassion, reflecting God's concern for the dignity and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their social status (Exodus 21:1-11).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often translated as "servant" or "slave," and it carries a profound spiritual significance. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is portrayed as the ultimate servant. In Philippians 2:7, it is written, "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness" . This passage underscores the humility and selflessness of Christ, who willingly took on the role of a servant to fulfill God's redemptive plan.

The teachings of Jesus further illuminate the importance of servanthood among His followers. In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus instructs His disciples, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" . This call to servanthood is a defining characteristic of the Christian life, where greatness is measured by one's willingness to serve others.

The Bond of Saints

The bond of saints refers to the spiritual unity and fellowship among believers, who are collectively called to serve one another in love. This bond is rooted in the shared identity of Christians as members of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Paul writes, "The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink" .

This unity is further expressed through mutual service and the exercise of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. In Galatians 5:13, believers are exhorted, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love" . This service is not merely a duty but a manifestation of the love that binds the community of saints together.

Servanthood as a Reflection of Christ

The servanthood of believers is ultimately a reflection of Christ's own servanthood. In John 13:14-15, after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus says, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . This act of humility and service serves as a model for all Christians, who are called to emulate Christ's example in their relationships with one another.

In summary, the concept of servants as the bond of saints is a profound expression of the Christian call to unity, humility, and love. Through mutual service, believers are united in their shared mission to reflect the character of Christ and advance His kingdom on earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:23
You are bought with a price; be not you the servants of men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Communion of Saints.
... without any attachment, inclination, love, or bond of union ... bloom forever, that then
all God's saints would come ... circle the least of His servants would glitter ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

The Negative Side
... Rom.6:14 was just as true of the Old Testament saints as of New ... the apostle declares,
"being then made free from sin, ye became the servants (bond-slaves) of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm

Letter Xcviii. (AD 408. )
... But the Holy Spirit who dwells in the saints, in those, namely, whom the ... silver,
[2311] accomplishes His work even by the ministry of bond-servants, of persons ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xcviii a d 408.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of His Saints. ... Philistines, ye must,
ye shall be servants unto Israel. ... we meet together in the common bond of union ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

Have but one Eucharist, Etc.
... that I blame the other blessed [saints] because they ... son." [912] Masters, be gentle
towards your servants, as holy ... For "in Christ there is neither bond nor free ...
/.../chapter iv have but one eucharist.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... hope, while here, in love, 'and the bond of peace ... the love, unity, and concord of
the saints; than as ... and serve it as Hanun served David's servants (2 Samuel 10 ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live ...
... of God, or diminish the happiness of saints, that they ... in any thing, God is the
principal creditor in that bond. All the creatures are but the servants of this ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxii therefore brethren we.htm

Prayerlessness in the Pulpit
... And as it is with all the Apostles, saints and angels in heaven, so is ... None but soldiers
and bond servants of Jesus Christ can possibly do this tremendous work ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/viii prayerlessness in the pulpit.htm

Death, the Friend
... that Death, the separator, becomes to Christ's servants Death, the ... the heavens, and
in Him with all His saints. ... of them ties more closely the bond that unites ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/death the friend.htm

Eyes Right
... us with the price of his own blood, we should be his servants. ... Version softly puts
it "servant" it really is "bond-slave." The early saints delighted to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/eyes right.htm