faithful servant in the bible

However, many times we must step out in faith to experience God’s power—like Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water (Matt 14:29). Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. I am more. This is not a false, conjured-up humility; rather it is a true humility that comes from being in the presence of God. 24:48-51). The characteristics of a faithful servant of God is clearly outlined in the bible. You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work. All rights reserved. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). God allowed Moses to spend forty years in the wilderness to prepare him to lead Israel. One of the things that stands out about Paul’s testimony is that he says, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace” (v. 7). On the other hand, Jesus observed, But if that wicked slave says to himself, “My master is delayed,” and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. Paul was commissioned to share these truths not only with the Gentiles but with everybody, and this is true for us as well. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. The faithful servant knows the difference, and labors to continue in Christ’s power alone. Are you seeking to understand its mysteries? The word “became” can also be translated “was made” (ESV). Paul says that receiving the message—the mystery—was by grace (Eph 3:2-3), the calling to be a servant of the gospel was by grace (3:7), and the power to do the work came from God as well (3:7). Job says that he has treasured the Word of God more than his daily bread (Job 23:12). I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Of course, God’s plan has always been to bless the Gentiles through Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:3, 22:18), but the Old Testament doesn’t specifically teach that Jews and Gentiles will become one body and co-heirs together. “The unsearchable riches of Christ” includes everything we receive at salvation. He is faithful to His children, and by His grace we will one day hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). In a modern workplace context, the slave would be equivalent to a manager with a duty to the owners while managing other workers. It equips the man of God for all righteousness (2 Tim 3:17). These Bible verses about serving others will help you to develop a servant’s heart towards God and towards others. Jesus says that it is the servant leader’s duty to look to the needs of those under him as well as those above him. The faithful will be commended and rewarded, and the unfaithful will be rebuked and lose their reward (Matt 25:24-30). Next, Paul teaches how he received grace to understand the “mystery of Christ” (v. 4). His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. John MacArthur adds: It was not Paul’s education, natural abilities, experience, power, personality, influence, or any other such thing that qualified him to be a minister of Jesus Christ. He makes his servants in the fire. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. And, as stewards, we must be faithful. Paul refers to much of this in the first chapters of Ephesians. In verse 1, Paul says he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles. It was this truth that the Jews found so hard to understand and accept. After Christ healed the boy, they asked, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” Christ replied, “This kind only comes out through prayer” (v. 29). Faithful servants will experience suffering. This secret is that “through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). The manager has responsibilities to both those above and below him in authority. Typically, God makes a faithful servant by training him through other faithful servants. In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul teaches how Jews and Gentiles, who were formerly antagonistic towards one another, were now both part of Christ’s body. In order to grow in humility, we must practice humility by submitting to others and putting them first. This teaching was tremendously controversial in the early church. God chose to make him into a faithful servant of the gospel. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12). Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt 25:23). We must allow patience, or “perseverance,” to have her perfect work in us. Most likely they became spiritually lazy and therefore lacked power. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Even the roll of the dice is of him (Prov 16:33). Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”. Acts 26:16 records these words of Jesus to Paul, ‘‘Now get up and stand on your feet. Show some love and appreciation to a family member or friend with this beautiful tabletop photo frame. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul says, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. © 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc. Business, education, law, service industries, medicine, government--wherever you work, in whatever capacity, the Scriptures have something to say about it. The master gave each servant a mina. God makes his servants through the discipleship of other faithful men and women of God. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Matthew 5:10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Suffering for righteousness marks those who are part of God’s kingdom. He cannot excuse himself for mistreating those under his authority by claiming it is somehow for the benefit of his superiors. The parable of the unfaithful servant Starting from Matthew 24, the Lord stresses the point of alertness and that we should be awake, waiting for Him to come. Suggested result. Interestingly, Paul calls himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Paul was not only in prison for the Gentiles, but for the Ephesians specifically. Interpretation Question: Who are the rulers and authorities God is teaching through the church? While Jesus was on the mountain, nobody woke the disciples up early to read the Word and pray. Application Questions: Why is it important to study God’s Word and to understand its mysteries? Bible Commentary This was an accusation the Jews fabricated because of their animosity towards him and his teachings. How is God calling you to develop this selfless mindset in order to be a faithful servant—one who will be honored and rewarded by him? First Peter 1:12 says. / Faithful servants share God’s mysteries with everybody. (Ephesians 3:8-12). Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Paul suffered for Christ and also for the Gentiles. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. However, this is not only true of Paul but also of every believer. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. In fact, the Jews had Paul arrested, in part, for teaching it (cf. Angels desire to look into and understand the gospel. Paul continually teaches these truths to believers so they will know their identity in Christ. Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by the word “mystery”? He allows difficulties and hardships so we can recognize our weakness. Even angels long to look into these things. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Faithful servants do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than themselves. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Listen to what Paul says of himself in Colossians 1:29: “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”. 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