Topical Bible: Servants: when Good: Often Advanced by Master

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In the biblical context, the role of a servant is multifaceted, encompassing both literal and metaphorical dimensions. Servants, when faithful and diligent, are often recognized and advanced by their masters, reflecting a principle of divine justice and reward for righteousness.

Joseph: A Model of Advancement

One of the most prominent examples of a servant being advanced by his master is Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. His integrity and God's favor led to his advancement. Genesis 39:4 states, "Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned." Despite subsequent trials, Joseph's faithfulness ultimately led to his elevation as the second most powerful man in Egypt (Genesis 41:40-41).

Daniel: Faithfulness Rewarded

Daniel, taken into Babylonian captivity, serves as another example. His unwavering commitment to God and his exceptional service led to his advancement in the Babylonian and Medo-Persian empires. Daniel 6:3 notes, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's account illustrates how faithfulness to God and excellence in service can lead to significant advancement.

The Parable of the Talents

In the New Testament, Jesus' Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) underscores the principle that faithful service leads to greater responsibility and reward. The master in the parable commends the good and faithful servants, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). This parable highlights the spiritual truth that God rewards those who are faithful with what they have been given.

Elisha: From Servant to Successor

Elisha's journey from servant to successor of Elijah is another testament to the advancement of a good servant. Initially serving Elijah, Elisha's dedication and desire for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9) led to his anointing as a prophet in his own right. His account demonstrates how faithful service can lead to spiritual inheritance and leadership.

Biblical Principles of Servanthood

The Bible consistently teaches that servanthood, when characterized by faithfulness, integrity, and excellence, is honored by God and often results in advancement. Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This principle is evident throughout Scripture, where good servants are elevated by their masters, reflecting God's justice and the value He places on faithful service.

In summary, the biblical narrative affirms that good servants, through their faithfulness and dedication, are often advanced by their masters, serving as a testament to the divine principle of reward for righteousness and integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:4,5
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Traders for the Master
... Here we often say, 'I have laboured in vain.' There we ... with those of His more
conspicuous servants, and to ... 'Good and faithful' refers not to the more general ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/traders for the master.htm

Unprofitable Servants.
... day do us an injury, and as often come and ... done all, say, We are unprofitable
servants""servants whom the ... opportunities of bearing evil and doing good are in ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvii unprofitable servants.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... discovered by the Lord, who escaped the notice of the servants. ... these are the miracles
of men who very often have not ... if I shall have made him a good man, have ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... to neglect even that) but then how often do they ... indeed, give any countenance to
children and servants to disregard ... all of them holy, just, and good; and the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... as many of you as are really the servants and friends of ... upon His bosom, and that
Peter sat a good way off ... Men at the table often reveal their minds more fully ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... wife, the wife over the servants, the servants again over ... to his snares, and worthy
of the good things to ... and the Patristic writers in general often quote the ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Why Men do not Attain Quickly to the Perfect Love of God. Of Four ...
... now of those who begin to be the servants of love ... It will happen that he is often
unable to move his ... his labour is in vain: he serves a good Master, Whose eyes ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xi why men do.htm

The Note of Cheer
... he who wrote that assurance which has so often come between ... "Wherefore, sirs, be
of good cheer," he ... But the servants of the Galilean, more persecuted than any ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter v the note of.htm

Jeroboam
... that there is so little mutual goodwill between servants and masters ... An employer
will often treat his people as mere "hands ... or because it is for the good of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

To Sister Daniella of Orvieto
... and insult with much persecution, from the world, and often from the servants of
God ... is the truth"only that we might share His highest and eternal good. ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sister daniella of orvieto 2.htm