Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are the Servants of Christ

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In the biblical context, the term "servant" often denotes a person who is in service to another, whether in a literal or spiritual sense. The concept of servanthood is central to the Christian faith, as believers are called to be servants of Christ, emulating His example of humility, obedience, and love.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a profound understanding of what it means to be a servant of Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself declares, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). This passage underscores the principle that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in servanthood.

Characteristics of Good Servants of Christ

1. Obedience: A good servant of Christ is marked by obedience to God's will. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul exhorts believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). This obedience is not out of compulsion but out of love and reverence for God.

2. Humility: Humility is a defining trait of a servant of Christ. James 4:10 encourages believers to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" . A humble servant recognizes their dependence on God and seeks to glorify Him rather than themselves.

3. Faithfulness: Faithfulness is essential for those who serve Christ. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus commends the faithful servant, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21). Faithfulness involves steadfastness and reliability in fulfilling God's purposes.

4. Love: Love is the driving force behind the actions of a servant of Christ. Jesus commands His followers, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This love is sacrificial and seeks the well-being of others.

5. Service: A servant of Christ is actively engaged in serving others. Galatians 5:13 exhorts believers, "Serve one another in love" . This service is not limited to the church community but extends to all people, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.

Examples of Servants in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified servanthood. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1). His life was characterized by tireless service, enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel.

Another notable example is Timothy, whom Paul describes as a faithful servant: "I have no one else like him, who will genuinely care for your interests" (Philippians 2:20). Timothy's genuine concern for others and dedication to the work of the Lord made him a commendable servant.

The Reward of Servanthood

The Scriptures affirm that those who serve Christ faithfully will be rewarded. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes, "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 eternal reward is a testament to the value God places on faithful service.

In summary, the good servants of Christ are those who embody obedience, humility, faithfulness, love, and service. They follow the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, and they look forward to the eternal reward promised by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Good of Widowhood.
... On the Good of Widowhood. [De Bono Viduitatis.] Translated by Rev. ... Augustin the Bishop,
servant of Christ, and of the servants of Christ, unto the religious ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /on the good of widowhood.htm

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ...
... Lord of glory; even with those chief servants of His ... Peter, when recognizing the
companions of his Christ in their ... Him, suggest an expedient: "It is good for us ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the same conclusion supported.htm

Christ as Teacher and Master.
... Christ as Teacher and Master. ... Me in all My temptations." They, then, who live according
to fear, which God exacts from those who are not good servants, as we ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/31 christ as teacher and.htm

Psalm CXXV.
... the flesh." [5486] Behold, he hath not made men free from being servants, but good
servants from bad servants. How much do the rich owe to Christ, who orders ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

An Argument Urging it Upon the Remnant of Idolaters that they ...
... of Idolaters that They Should at Length Become Servants of This ... which has lifted
itself up against Christ in behalf ... But, in good truth, men are now asking into ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxvii an argument urging it.htm

The Sixteenth Chapter: True Comfort is to be Sought in God Alone
... not indeed such happiness as is seen and praised by lovers of the world, but such
as that for which the good and faithful servants of Christ wait, and of which ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the sixteenth chapter true comfort.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... but ye shall be ashamed; behold, my servants shall be ... He hath anointed me to preach
good tidings unto ... spirit of heaviness." [3971] Now since Christ, as soon as ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... the livery of Christ, they are not his servants; let them ... everlasting fire; this
shall be all their good cheer that ... they have not the livery of Christ, nor His ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone
... in God who created all things; not such felicity as seemeth good to the 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

John Chapter xv. 20, 21
... that, as the Apostle Peter says, "Christ suffered for ... is said, "Henceforth I call
you not servants," He is ... is yet to hear, "Well done, thou good servant: enter ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxviii john chapter xv.htm