Topical Bible: Servants: Bond of the Wicked

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who are in a position of subordination or service to another, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The concept of servitude is multifaceted in Scripture, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. The "bond of the wicked" is a phrase that can be understood as the spiritual enslavement or bondage that results from sin and unrighteousness.

Physical Servitude

In ancient Israel, servitude was a common social institution. The Mosaic Law provided regulations for the treatment of servants, emphasizing justice and compassion. For instance, Hebrew servants were to be released in the seventh year of service (Exodus 21:2). The Law also prohibited harsh treatment, as seen in Leviticus 25:43: "You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God."

Spiritual Bondage

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of servitude to describe the spiritual condition of humanity under sin. In John 8:34, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." This highlights the concept that sin creates a form of spiritual bondage, entrapping individuals in a cycle of unrighteousness and separation from God.

The Bond of the Wicked

The "bond of the wicked" can be understood as the spiritual chains that bind individuals who live in rebellion against God. Proverbs 5:22 illustrates this concept: "The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him." This verse portrays sin as a binding force that ensnares the wicked, preventing them from experiencing true freedom and righteousness.

Deliverance from Bondage

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate deliverer from the bondage of sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are set free from the power of sin and death. Romans 6:6 declares, "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."

Servitude to Righteousness

Upon being freed from the bond of the wicked, believers are called to become servants of righteousness. Romans 6:18 states, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This servitude is not burdensome but is characterized by a willing and joyful submission to God's will, leading to holiness and eternal life.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents a stark contrast between the bondage of the wicked and the freedom found in Christ. While sin enslaves and entangles, the grace of God offers liberation and the opportunity to serve Him in righteousness. This transformation from bondage to freedom is central to the Christian experience, as believers are called to live as servants of God, reflecting His love and holiness in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:19
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 6:16,19
Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sealing of the Servants of God.
... great men and rich men, as well as bond-men, are ... After the wicked seek to escape
from God's presence, the ... angel of the living God seals his servants in their ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the sealing of the servants.htm

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... time they proceed to deeds; treating the servants as their ... more are they troubled
at the injuries wicked men are ... gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. ... These men were his servants
or slaves ... different countries, and at different times, the bond of servitude ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

The Negative Side
... Once more: note how in Eph.2:2 the wicked are said to be "children of ... 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

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Jesus, as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus ... he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free ... 2.); lest thou hear the sentence, "Thou wicked servant ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Psalm CXXV.
... the Lord bindeth His people into one bond of love ... from being servants, but good servants
from bad servants. ... an infidel Emperor, an apostate, a wicked man, an ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

Women as Well as Men, Slaves as Well as Freemen, Candidates for ...
... Masters, render to your servants justice and equity; knowing that ... put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness ... the wife who dwells with a wicked husband, or ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii women as well as.htm

Philemon i. 6-Apr
... a bond-servant, but more than a bond-servant, a ... done all things, say, We are
unprofitable servants." (Luke 17 ... delivered us to a hateful and a wicked king." Again ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... So that, had this man been as wicked as Herod, he would have slain Paul, as ... he would
say, "if they show so great zeal as to be bond-servants, doubtless this is ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm

Messiah's Innocence vindicated
... 2:18-21) "who in those days were chiefly bond-servants, or slaves ... But to act uniformly
as the servants of God ... He was crucified by wicked men; but He prayed for ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxiv messiahs innocence vindicated.htm