Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are the Lord's Freemen

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In the biblical context, the term "servant" often refers to individuals who are in a position of subordination, either voluntarily or involuntarily. However, the Bible presents a profound paradox where those who are servants in the earthly sense can be considered free in the spiritual sense when they are in Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses this paradox in 1 Corinthians 7:22 : "For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave." This verse highlights the spiritual freedom that comes from being in Christ, regardless of one's earthly status. The notion of being the "Lord's freedman" suggests that true freedom is found in serving God, transcending any earthly bondage.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ

The concept of spiritual freedom is further elaborated in Galatians 5:1 : "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery." Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice liberates believers from the bondage of sin and the law, granting them true freedom. This freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve one another in love, as stated in Galatians 5:13 : "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love."

Servanthood as a Model of Christ

Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate servant leadership. In Mark 10:45 , He declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Christ's life and ministry were marked by humility and service, setting a precedent for His followers. In John 13:14-15 , after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus instructs them, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you."

The Dignity of Servanthood

The Bible affirms the dignity and honor of being a servant of God. In Romans 6:22 , Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life." This passage underscores the transformative journey from being enslaved to sin to becoming a servant of righteousness, which leads to sanctification and eternal life.

The Role of Servants in the Early Church

In the early Christian community, servanthood was a vital aspect of church life. Deacons, for instance, were appointed to serve the needs of the congregation, as seen in Acts 6:1-6. The role of a servant was not seen as inferior but as essential to the functioning of the body of Christ. This is echoed in 1 Peter 4:10 : "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of servants as the Lord's freemen challenges conventional notions of freedom and servitude. It invites believers to embrace a life of service, following the example of Christ, and to find true freedom in their identity as children of God. Through servanthood, Christians are called to reflect the love and grace of God, living out their faith in tangible acts of service and humility.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:22
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Songs of Deliverance
... with complacency; they are not only his servants, but his ... flock; for it is your Father's
good pleasure to ... all opened, and we are the Lord's freemen: instead of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

Slaves and Free
... were altogether incapable of yielding any lessons of good. ... and accept Him as absolute,
dominant Lord over your ... in anything, and all His servants are alike in ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/slaves and free.htm

Matt. xxi. 33-44.
... even so now yield your members servants to righteousness ... with heaven, and shalt attain
unto the good things to come ... and love towards man of our Lord Jesus Christ ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxviii matt xxi 33-44.htm

Certain Prayers and Laws.
... they come to the word of the Lord; and let ... if any one be diligent, and has a
good-will to ... the faithful person, whether man or woman, treat servants kindly, as ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv certain prayers and laws.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put ... professing Christians of whom
we have a good hope that ... pursued them they forgot all the Lord's mighty acts. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... thou doest good to thy fellow-servants; whatsoever they ... he added, "That bring good
tidings of good things ... who are continually partaking of the Lord's body, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxii matt ix 27-30.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... We choose a strange lord, and he lords it over us. ... Romans 6:16, 19, We yield our
members servants to iniquity ... senses, that said, it was pleasant and good to eat ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

A Discourse
... to spoil her all along, sending their servants, and saying ... When there is but one
Lord among us and his name ... for the health of all, then look for good days, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... thine own part, lest thou do desire to thy Lord! ... Eye that slumbers not has seen thy
good intention; wherefore ... of the opinion of thy fellow-servants, when thou ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Rom. vi. 19
... merely, he means, but it was through the Lord's death ... been freed with a view to being
servants again, though ... living out of prison, and have a good fortune, yet ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii rom vi 19.htm