Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are Blessed by God

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In the biblical narrative, the role of a servant is often highlighted as one of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of servants who, through their good conduct and devotion, receive blessings from God. This theme underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who serve faithfully and with integrity.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest examples of a blessed servant is found in the account of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God and served diligently. Genesis 39:2-4 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 found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant." Joseph's faithfulness led to his eventual rise to power in Egypt, where he was instrumental in saving many lives during a famine.

Another notable servant is Eliezer, the servant of Abraham. Tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, Eliezer demonstrated faith and reliance on God. In Genesis 24:12-14 , Eliezer prays for guidance, and God answers his prayer by leading him to Rebekah. His success in fulfilling his master's mission is a testament to the blessings that come from faithful service and trust in God.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself exemplifies the role of a servant. Philippians 2:7 describes how Jesus "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." His life and ministry were marked by service to others, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus taught His disciples the importance of servanthood, saying in Matthew 23:11 , "The greatest among you shall be your servant."

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the blessings bestowed upon good servants. In this parable, the master rewards the servants who wisely invest the talents entrusted to them. Matthew 25:21 records the master's commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master." This parable highlights the principle that faithful service leads to greater responsibility and joy in the presence of the Lord.

Principles of Servanthood

The Bible consistently emphasizes that servanthood is not merely a position but a posture of the heart. Good servants are characterized by humility, diligence, and a desire to honor God above all. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers, "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."

The blessings of good servants are not always material or immediate. Often, they are spiritual and eternal, reflecting the values of God's kingdom. The faithful servant's reward is ultimately found in the approval of God and the promise of eternal life with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 24:46
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Union of the Blessed with God in the vision of the ...
... OF THE UNION OF THE BLESSED WITH GOD IN THE VISION ... David, describing the sweetness
of the friendship of God's servants, cries out: Behold how good and how ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii of the union.htm

Of the Difference Between the Hirelings and the Faithful Servants ...
... which every man has in himself to be blessed, that is ... wisdom and is a law to the
unfaithful servants of God ... and to strive after virtue, and to do good deeds, and ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter vi of the difference.htm

Of Works of Charity
... desire to rejoice in himself, but longeth to be blessed in God ... thou be able to bear
them with a good will. ... done and His honour be shown in His servants, for He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv of works of.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... a hedge around him, and about his servants, and about ... may be as safely kept and as
fully blessed, though, perhaps ... you all that is really for your good; and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... And in a good part: blessed are those who have died in the Lord. ... The same in another
part: they have put the corpses of your servants {out for food}. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... benefits, been made the sons and the servants of God ... this evocation, which also contains
the chief good of the ... also the glory of the same blessed God, when the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

Blessed is He Above all in his Birth!
... blinded men, to worship created things:"fellow servants were worshipped ... how much
more shalt Thou give Who art good! R., Blessed is Thy wealth in Thy servant! ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv blessed is he.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... it will certainly not be when his servants most want ... out with care that might magnify
his blessed name. You will never exaggerate when you speak good things of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Holy Exercises of Pure Love to God.
... Angels and Saints in heaven and Thy servants on earth ... O my soul, for all the excellency
and good things that ... 1. Blessed be Thy Eternal Father, O Heavenly Lord ...
/.../holy exercises of pure love.htm

That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone
... ever were created, yet couldst not thou be happy and blessed; all thy ... foolish lover
of the world, but such as Christ's good and faithful servants wait for ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xvi that true solace.htm