Topical Bible: Servants: should Serve: As the Servants of Christ

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In the biblical context, the concept of servanthood is deeply rooted in the relationship between believers and Christ. The New Testament frequently addresses the role of servants, emphasizing that their service should mirror the devotion and obedience expected of the servants of Christ. This entry explores the biblical understanding of servanthood, focusing on the call for believers to serve as Christ's servants.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding servanthood, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 6:5-7 , Paul instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This passage highlights the principle that service rendered to earthly authorities should be done with the same sincerity and dedication as service to Christ.

Christ as the Ultimate Example

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of servanthood. In Philippians 2:7 , Paul writes, "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Christ's incarnation and His willingness to serve humanity, even to the point of death, set the standard for Christian servitude. His life exemplifies humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice, qualities that believers are called to emulate.

Servanthood in the Early Church

The early church embraced the concept of servanthood as a core tenet of Christian life. In 1 Peter 2:16 , believers are urged to "Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." This exhortation underscores the idea that Christian freedom is not an opportunity for self-indulgence but a call to serve God and others.

Spiritual Servanthood

The notion of servanthood extends beyond physical acts of service to encompass spiritual devotion. Romans 12:11 encourages believers to "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a passionate commitment to serving God, which is reflected in both actions and attitudes.

The Reward of Servanthood

The New Testament assures believers that their service to Christ will not go unnoticed. In Colossians 3:23-24 , Paul writes, "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 promise of divine reward serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their service, knowing that their efforts are ultimately for the glory of God.

Conclusion

The biblical call to serve as the servants of Christ is a profound and transformative aspect of the Christian faith. It challenges believers to adopt a posture of humility, obedience, and dedication, reflecting the servanthood of Christ Himself. Through their service, Christians bear witness to the love and grace of God, fulfilling their role as His faithful servants in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:5,6
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Servants and Stewards Here and Hereafter
... The watchful servant should be a working servant ... to meat, and will come forth and
serve them.' I ... His powers for the nourishment and blessedness of His servants. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/servants and stewards here and.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... difference represents the gain that all the true servants will make ... the motive to
diligence; for if any one should slacken in his efforts to serve the Lord ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

A Servant of Servants
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 71 A Servant of Servants. ... I have given you an example,
that ye should do as ... humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

The Servant-Lord and his Servants
... XVIII to XXVIII THE SERVANT-LORD AND HIS SERVANTS. ... self-sacrifice and service, 'that
is what I should be,' what ... is used to help and superiority stoops to serve. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the servant-lord and his servants.htm

The Equipment of the Servants
... We should be ever looking back to the Cross, forward to ... To the waiting servants He
comes as the Master who shall gird Himself and go forth and serve them; to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the equipment of the servants.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... of the Creator were earthly, but that Christ's are heavenly ... the promise of a similar
blessing should serve as a ... And again He says: "Behold, my servants shall be ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

An Argument Urging it Upon the Remnant of Idolaters that they ...
... Idolaters that They Should at Length Become Servants of This ... And that it should be
so He promised long ago ... shall worship Him: all nations shall serve Him." [620 ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxvii an argument urging it.htm

Servants and Lords
... pass to the next idea here, secondly, Christ's servants are the ... events their highest
purpose is that men should, by them ... as the field upon which we can serve God ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/servants and lords.htm

The People of the Book.
... For while all sons serve, and are in a sense, therefore ... Is it not passing strange
that this should be so? ... 15:15), "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the book.htm

St. Paul, all Through, Promises Eternal Life to the Body.
... to say, "that henceforth we should not serve sin;" [7604 ... ye should obey it, and that
ye should yield your ... As ye have yielded your members servants of uncleanness ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xlvii st paul all through.htm