Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are Partakers of Gospel Privileges

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who are in a position of service or subordination, whether as slaves, bondservants, or hired workers. The New Testament, in particular, addresses the role and status of servants within the early Christian community, emphasizing their inclusion in the blessings and privileges of the Gospel.

Equality in Christ

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, underscores the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of their social status. In Galatians 3:28 , Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the transformative nature of the Gospel, which transcends societal divisions and unites all believers in Christ. Servants, therefore, are not excluded from the spiritual blessings and privileges that come with being part of the body of Christ.

Partakers of the Holy Spirit

Servants who are faithful and good are considered partakers of the Holy Spirit, sharing in the same spiritual gifts and fruits as other members of the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 12:13 , Paul states, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This passage affirms that servants, like all believers, receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith and contribute to the life of the church.

Inheritance in the Kingdom

The New Testament assures servants of their inheritance in the Kingdom of God. In Colossians 3:23-24 , Paul exhorts servants, "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 promise of inheritance is a profound assurance that their labor is not in vain and that they are valued members of God's family, with a share in the eternal rewards promised to all believers.

Exemplary Conduct and Witness

Servants are encouraged to exhibit exemplary conduct as a testimony to their faith. In Titus 2:9-10 , Paul instructs, "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every way." By living out their faith with integrity and diligence, servants can be powerful witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing glory to God and potentially leading others to faith.

Mutual Respect and Love

The New Testament also calls for mutual respect and love between masters and servants. In Ephesians 6:9 , Paul advises masters, "And masters, do the same for them, giving up threatening, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him." This instruction reflects the Christian principle of love and respect for all individuals, recognizing the shared humanity and spiritual equality of both servants and masters before God.

In summary, the biblical teaching on servants emphasizes their full participation in the privileges of the Gospel. Through faith in Christ, they are equal members of the Christian community, endowed with the Holy Spirit, assured of their inheritance, and called to live out their faith with integrity and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
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Ephesians 6:8
Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
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Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unity of the Church.
... heirs, and of the same body, and fellow-partakers of His ... have not left it to the
mere good pleasure and ... He has committed to certain of His servants to provide ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xvii the unity of.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... the centurion "called two of his household servants, and a ... Christ the heathen may
be made partakers of the ... and one that feareth God, and of good report among ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... overcome by Jesus Christ, and so made his servants to do ... deceitful, that it persuades
you ye have a good heart to ... ere ye can say that ye are partakers of his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

A Liberal Church
... which wait at the altar are partakers with the ... which their course has brought upon
His faithful servants. ... and physical, faithful workmen can earn good wages. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations.
... enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were ... who are reminded that the
Gentiles are partakers in the ... was greater than all the other servants of God ...
/.../chapter iii fundamental oneness of.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... was past, Cornelius called two of his servants, and a ... his kinsmen and friends, to
hear the good news of ... heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... held that it is the duty of His servants to foster a ... religion was designed to promote
the spiritual good of man ... fail to remember that we may be partakers of the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened,
... of Christ, and the truths of the gospel, they only ... to works of the law; do "by good
words and ... sound doctrine declared by the simple-hearted servants of Jesus. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a vindication of gospel truths.htm

The Consolation
... spirit and in truth; no more as servants, but in ... The first good work of the Holy
Spirit, upon the ... of every age who were justified were partakers of Abraham's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon i the consolation.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... Those who were servants were advised to remain subject ... Many had already become partakers
of Christ's sufferings ... With words of encouragement and good cheer Peter ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm