Topical Bible: Servants: when Good: To be Honored

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In the biblical context, the role of a servant is often highlighted as one of humility, dedication, and faithfulness. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the honor due to good servants, reflecting the values of diligence, loyalty, and integrity.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides foundational insights into the role and honor of servants. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant, often identified as Eliezer, is entrusted with the significant task of finding a wife for Isaac. His faithfulness and prayerful approach to the task demonstrate the honor and trust placed upon him by Abraham. The servant's success in this mission underscores the respect and esteem given to a servant who acts wisely and faithfully.

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 highlights the principle that diligent and faithful service leads to reward and honor. The servant who cares for his responsibilities and his master is assured of recognition and respect.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of honoring good servants. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the commendation and reward given to servants who wisely and diligently manage their master's resources. The master praises the good 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 underscores the honor and increased responsibility bestowed upon those who serve well.

In Luke 12:37 , Jesus speaks of the master who finds his servants watching 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 wait on them." This passage presents a profound reversal of roles, where the master honors his faithful servants by serving them, illustrating the high regard and honor given to those who are vigilant and faithful.

Apostolic Guidance

The apostolic writings also affirm the honor due to good servants. In 1 Timothy 6:1-2 , Paul instructs, "All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of respect, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and beloved." Here, the emphasis is on mutual respect and the honor that comes from serving well, especially within the Christian community.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently upholds the honor of good servants, recognizing their vital role in both spiritual and practical realms. Through diligence, faithfulness, and integrity, servants are esteemed and rewarded, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:31
And he said, Come in, you blessed of the LORD; why stand you without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:18
Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Honored Servant
... be honored." This also is a very good translation, if not equal to the other; and
I think it conveys an important meaning for us. You and I are like servants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the honored servant.htm

The Way to Honor
... So according to Solomon, good servants obtained honor as the ... there were far better
relations between servants and masters ... he was sure to be honored for his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

"He is More Honored than Jupiter These Days," the Philosopher was ...
... "He is more honored than Jupiter ... "You have wealth and birth and wit and good prospects. ...
"Many a poor patrician has better furniture and more servants and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 3 he is more.htm

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
... Here, too, are the servants of the rich, who thought it a kindness to be allowed
to do all ... Here, too, are the good children who honored their parents ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xx the glory of.htm

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... CHAPTER 3. How The Kings Of Asia Honored The Nation ... friends, and gave testimony to
the good behavior of ... wheat for the maintenance of their servants, until they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... and injured as he thought by one whom he had honored. ... This I have said to servants,
that they may learn ... For nothing is more engaging than good manners, nothing ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

A Servant of Servants
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 71 A Servant of Servants. ... His sun to rise on the evil
and on the good, and sendeth ... to all, He will again be served and honored by all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Let not the occupants of the humbler stations"servants and subjects"grumble ... our heathen
adversaries, but rather, because of our good works, honored. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... took the throne of David; and David died, honored and loved ... thy people, that I may
discern between good and bad ... He had thousands of servants and he knew how to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon
... was served so, pray what are the servants to expect? ... of the doctrine; what, because
some people spoil good food, are ... town are dear to me: God has honored me to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the good shepherd a farewell.htm