Topical Bible: Servants: should be Contented in Their Situation

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In the biblical context, the term "servant" encompasses a range of roles, from household servants and laborers to those who serve God and others in various capacities. The Bible provides guidance on the attitude and conduct expected of servants, emphasizing contentment and faithfulness in their roles.

Biblical Instruction on Contentment

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, addresses the attitude of servants, urging them to be content and faithful in their service. In 1 Corinthians 7:21-22 , Paul writes, "Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave." This passage highlights the spiritual freedom and identity found in Christ, regardless of one's earthly status, encouraging servants to find contentment in their situation.

Service as Unto the Lord

Servants are exhorted to perform their duties as if serving the Lord Himself. Colossians 3:22-24 instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage underscores the importance of serving with integrity and dedication, recognizing that their ultimate reward comes from God.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of a servant's heart. Philippians 2:5-7 states, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Christ's willingness to humble Himself and serve others is a model for all believers, including those in servitude, to emulate.

Contentment Through Trust in God

The Bible encourages all believers, including servants, to trust in God's provision and sovereignty. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 , Paul writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." This passage reminds servants to focus on spiritual riches and trust in God's care, rather than being consumed by earthly desires.

The Role of Masters

While servants are called to be content and faithful, the Bible also addresses the responsibilities of masters. Ephesians 6:9 instructs, "And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him." This verse calls for fairness and kindness from those in authority, recognizing the equal value of all individuals before God.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on servanthood emphasizes a heart of contentment, faithfulness, and service as unto the Lord. By following the example of Christ and trusting in God's provision, servants can find peace and purpose in their roles, knowing that their ultimate reward comes from the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:20,21
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Contentment
... Let us be willing to be the servants of the Church, and to ... will excuse me, brothers
and sisters, in exhorting you to be contented; and yet why should I ask ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/contentment.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... interposed in favour of his servants, to encourage ... it were a human contrivance, should
succeed; or ... They contented themselves with scourging them, and dismissed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... to cover my mind, and am well contented in being ... such an impression on my mind, that
I should not then ... an encouraging example to the poor tried servants of the ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... For the present, however, they contented themselves with renewing their ... people, and
thy father's house." This should be the ... Speak, Lord, for thy servants hear. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

Book ii.
... ordained that such as break these laws should be punished ... they made use of other
men as their servants for all ... and eating but little, and being contented to eat ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... terms as we find in Scripture; and, contented with that ... is the free gift of God to
chosen and devoted servants. ... of the society, that its members should not sue ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... he is contented with me"he must be contented with me ... said, "I am one of your fellow
servants." But no ... is like the Son of God." How should Nebuchadnezzar know ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

Extracts No. viii.
... of the divine mission of the servants of God. ... his present welfare,' for he was contented
and happy ... reasonable that the contemplation of them should be attended ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no viii.htm

The Runaway
... He contented himself with calling him hard names which ... The servants, of course, even
in the primitive housekeeping ... I told Paul yesterday that I should not stay ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter x the runaway.htm

Appendix ii (To 1-4 of Part I)
... poured upon all flesh, even upon the servants and handmaids ... for a long time past)
must be contented with a ... of this kind with canonical prestige should have been ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix ii to 4-jan.htm