Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are Protected by God

◄ Servants: when Good are Protected by God ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the theme of God’s protection over His faithful servants is a recurring and profound testament to His covenantal faithfulness and divine providence. Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His commitment to safeguarding those who serve Him with integrity and devotion.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: One of the most compelling accounts of divine protection is that of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remained faithful to God. In Genesis 39:2-3, it is noted, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master." Even when falsely accused and imprisoned, God’s favor was upon him, eventually elevating him to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41).

2. Daniel: Daniel’s unwavering faith in God amidst a pagan culture is another powerful example. When Daniel was thrown into the lions' den for his refusal to cease praying to God, the Lord protected him. Daniel 6:22 states, "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight." Daniel’s deliverance underscores God’s protection over His righteous servants.

3. Elijah: The prophet Elijah experienced God’s protection during a time of severe drought and famine. In 1 Kings 17:2-6, God commanded ravens to provide Elijah with bread and meat, demonstrating His provision and care for His servant during a time of need.

New Testament Examples

1. Paul: The Apostle Paul’s life is a testament to God’s protection over His servants. Despite facing numerous trials, including shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment, Paul was continually preserved by God. In Acts 18:9-10, the Lord reassures Paul, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city."

2. Peter: In Acts 12, Peter is miraculously delivered from prison by an angel of the Lord. Acts 12:7 describes the event: "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." This divine intervention highlights God’s ability to protect and deliver His servants from seemingly impossible situations.

Theological Insights

The protection of God over His servants is not merely a historical account but a theological affirmation of His sovereignty and faithfulness. The Scriptures affirm that God is a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him. Psalm 91:1-2 declares, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Furthermore, the protection of God is often linked to His purposes and plans for His servants. Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." This divine protection is not always from physical harm but encompasses spiritual preservation and the fulfillment of God’s will.

Practical Implications

For believers today, the accounts of God’s protection over His servants serve as an encouragement to remain steadfast in faith and service. The assurance of God’s presence and protection empowers Christians to face trials with confidence, knowing that their lives are in the hands of a sovereign and loving God. As Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'"

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:7
And your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. )
... God as a good God, who took good care of ... believing that the devil, and witches, the
servants of the ... one disease, and one another; one saint protected the cattle ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xx the god of.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... between the British government and the protected potentates of ... In all probability
these servants were the bondsmen ... Sometimes he so employed a good thing, and ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

God and Mammon.
... which was once our strength, and protected us from ... drinking, clothing, better; having
more servants, carriages, plate? ... notion of what man's highest good may be. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvi god and mammon.htm

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
... In the East this is a good and safe mode of ... invade it, and though dispersed by the
servants, always return. ... He protected those who wished to honor him.[4] Thus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xi the kingdom of.htm

Heathen Plots
... The temple was at this time protected by walls and ... working out all things to accomplish
His good purpose ... God's true servants work with a determination that will ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Hatred of the King Towards Him Increased Daily...
... But the wicked are not long good. ... he had received David; and when none of the king's
servants ventured to ... at his destruction were in vain, for God protected him ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxv the hatred of.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... knows that all things work together for good to them ... a hedge around him, and about
his servants, and about ... or to bring disaster within the GOD-protected circle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

After the Wreck
... incidents, in which the Apostle appears as protected by God ... in the act of doing a
good thing; that ... glad, but because they were Christ's friends and servants. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/after the wreck.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... language of the same sort loved, consoled, protected, and avenged ... amidst so vast
a wealth of good words like ... And again He says: "Behold, my servants shall be ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... That also God wishes to have protected, and He has commanded ... here are my neighbors,
good friends, my own servants, from whom I expect good [every faithful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm