Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the role of a servant is often highlighted as one of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. When servants exhibit these qualities, Scripture frequently illustrates that God is with them, guiding and blessing their endeavors. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that divine favor is not limited by social status but is accessible to all who serve with integrity and devotion.
Joseph in Potiphar's HouseOne of the most prominent examples of a servant who had God with him is Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph found himself in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Despite his circumstances, Joseph served diligently and with integrity.
Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did." Joseph's faithfulness in service led to his rise in authority, demonstrating that God's presence was with him even in servitude.
Daniel in BabylonDaniel, taken captive to Babylon, serves as another example of a servant who had God with him. Despite being in a foreign land and under the rule of a pagan king, Daniel remained faithful to God. His commitment to prayer and righteousness set him apart, and God granted him wisdom and favor.
Daniel 1:9 notes, "Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official." Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and his unwavering faith led to his elevation in the Babylonian court, showcasing God's presence with him.
The Centurion's ServantIn the New Testament, the account of the centurion's servant illustrates the power of faith and God's willingness to be present with those who serve well. The centurion, a Roman officer, approached Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant, demonstrating great faith in Jesus' authority. In
Matthew 8:10 , Jesus responds, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." The servant was healed at that very moment, highlighting that God's power and presence were with the centurion and his household due to the centurion's faith and concern for his servant.
Paul's Teachings on ServanthoodThe Apostle Paul frequently addressed the role of servants in his epistles, emphasizing that their service should be rendered as unto the Lord. In
Colossians 3:22-24 , Paul 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 teaching underscores that when servants serve with sincerity and dedication, they are ultimately serving Christ, and God's presence is with them.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, the theme of God being with good servants is evident. Whether in the lives of Joseph, Daniel, or the centurion's servant, the Bible consistently affirms that God's presence and favor are with those who serve faithfully and righteously. This divine companionship transcends earthly status, offering hope and encouragement to all who commit their service to the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 31:42Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely you had sent me away now empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.
Torrey's Topical TextbookGenesis 39:21
But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 7:9,10
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of the Difference Between the Faithful Servants and the Secret ...
... and the help of God, the faithful servants have chosen to ... But He sends His servants
outwards, that they may be ... service and in every kind of outward good works. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter vii of the difference.htm
Psalm CXXV.
... to servants"nor are all masters evil, because we have thus repressed ... But as long
as good servants serve evil masters, let them endure for a ... "For God will not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm
But not yet About the Good to be Got from Martyrdom must we Learn. ...
... that will be pronounced beforehand quite good enough, which ... children of Israel are
my household servants; these are ... have ears, and hear not; they have a nose ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter ii but not yet.htm
That the Love which is in Hope is Very Good, Though Imperfect.
... to love God under the title of sovereign good is to ... when we employ them, as our slaves,
servants, horses, clothes ... of our friends: for the love we have unto them ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii that the love.htm
The Reward of Obedience.
... must not imagine, because they are the servants of his ... of God's kingdom,"to be filled
with good things, to ... But such as have their poor consolation in this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the reward of obedience.htm
Of the Difference Between the Secret Friends and the Hidden Sons ...
... his own capacity"to virtues and good works, wherein ... hidden sons: nevertheless, they
are all servants, friends, and ... And by these words I have explained to you ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter viii of the difference.htm
Grace for Living.
... a servant, who perhaps does not leave the kitchen or the servants' hall all ... prophet
to bid her do such a thing; she would have asked what good could come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter vi grace for living.htm
The Ninth Chapter: we Should Offer Ourselves and all that we have ...
... to You also all the good I have, small and ... me, an indolent and worthless creature,
to a good and happy ... all the holy desires of Your devoted servants, the needs ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the ninth chapter we should.htm
Psalm CXXXV.
... His people, by separating the evil and the good; that is ... He shall be called upon
among His servants." By whom? ... For how vast are the nations who have come in by ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxv.htm
The Temple of Wisdom
... wealth which she, and they, her faithful servants, have prepared for ... of death; when
all seemed to have deserted them ... comes; and bade them be of good cheer still ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon ii the temple of wisdom.htm
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgIs the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus