Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the role of a servant is often highlighted as one of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the rewards awaiting those servants who perform their duties with diligence and integrity.
Old Testament InsightsThe Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the role and reward of a good servant. In
Genesis 24, Abraham's servant, often identified as Eliezer, is a prime example of a faithful servant. Tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, he demonstrates loyalty, prayerfulness, and reliance on God's guidance. His success in fulfilling his master's wishes is a testament to the reward of divine favor upon a faithful servant.
Proverbs 27:18 states, "He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored." This proverb underscores the principle that diligent service leads to personal reward and honor.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament further elaborates on the theme of servanthood and its rewards. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often used parables to illustrate the virtues of a good servant. In the Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30), the servants who wisely invest their master's resources are commended and rewarded: "His master replied, ‘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.’" This parable highlights the eternal rewards that await those who are faithful in their earthly responsibilities.
Similarly, in
Luke 12:37 , Jesus speaks of the blessedness of servants who are found watching and ready: "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and serve them." This passage reveals the profound honor and reward that faithful servants will receive from the Lord Himself.
Apostolic EncouragementThe apostles also encouraged believers to adopt the attitude of a servant, promising divine reward. 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 exhortation reminds believers that their ultimate service is to Christ, and their reward is an eternal inheritance.
Peter, in
1 Peter 5:2-4 , addresses church leaders, urging them to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain but as examples to the flock. He assures them, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." This promise of a crown of glory serves as a powerful motivation for faithful service.
ConclusionThe biblical narrative consistently affirms that good servants, characterized by faithfulness, diligence, and humility, are promised divine reward. Whether through parables, proverbs, or apostolic teachings, the Scriptures assure that those who serve well will be honored and blessed by God, both in this life and in the life to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 6:8Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Torrey's Topical TextbookColossians 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
"The Age of Every Man Shall be Acknowledged Before Him in Heaven ...
... before him in Heaven, and every man shall be rewarded ... AFTER this our good Lord said:
I thank thee for ... which hath called all his dearworthy servants and friends ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xiv the age of.htm
To Nicholas of Osimo
... a sincere and holy intention, but also in the servants of the ... there is no one who
serves her reverently"so good I hold this service" who shall not be ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to nicholas of osimo.htm
Seeking Richly Rewarded
... saints on earth were what they should be, they would be as constantly God's servants
as the ... "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." That ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/seeking richly rewarded.htm
The Judgment.
... masters of families, of parents, of children, of servants, of neighbors, or whatever
good things any ... to catch men from Satan to God, shall be rewarded ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm
Whether a Man Can Merit Anything from God
... are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have ... Now by good work a
man profits himself or another ... said in Jer.31:16: "thy work shall be rewarded ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether a man 2.htm
The Right Hand and the Left.
... When we have done all, we are unprofitable servants. ... sequence of cause and effect
in order to say: 'You must do well, but you shall gain no good by it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the right hand and the.htm
The Rewards of the Trading Servants
... shown a certain amount of faithfulness, that he is rewarded. ... There will be a good
deal of work to be ... And, in like manner, His servants shall rest from their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rewards of the trading.htm
Traders for the Master
... often say, 'I have laboured in vain.' There we shall say, 'I ... and emphatic monosyllable
'Well,' and the characterisation of the servants as 'good and faithful ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/traders for the master.htm
The Way to Honor
... Good servants make good masters. ... going to speak about the duties of masters and servants
this evening ... to speak our mind upon that matter, and we shall not fail ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm
Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity
... very great and wondrous deeds through his servants for a ... Let each set apart a good
hour for such exercises ... He who serves God after God's will shall be rewarded ...
/.../xxi sermon for the tenth.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 •
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