Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Servants of Christ" is a profound designation attributed to the saints, reflecting their role and identity within the Christian faith. This title emphasizes the relationship between believers and their Lord, highlighting themes of obedience, humility, and dedication to the service of Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of being a servant of Christ is deeply rooted in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself and others as servants of Christ, underscoring the importance of this identity. In
Romans 1:1, Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God." This introduction sets the tone for understanding the role of a servant as one who is called and dedicated to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
In
1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul further elaborates, "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." Here, the term "servants" is coupled with "stewards," indicating a responsibility to manage and disseminate the truths of the Christian faith.
Characteristics of Servants of Christ1.
Obedience: Servants of Christ are characterized by their obedience to His teachings and commands. In
John 12:26, Jesus states, "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." This verse highlights the expectation of following Christ's example and teachings as a fundamental aspect of servanthood.
2.
Humility: The role of a servant inherently involves humility.
Philippians 2:5-7 encourages believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, "who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Christ's own example of humility serves as the ultimate model for His followers.
3.
Dedication: Servants of Christ are dedicated to His service above all else. In
Colossians 3:23-24, Paul instructs, "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 passage emphasizes the wholehearted commitment expected of those who serve Christ.
Role in the ChurchThe title "Servants of Christ" also reflects the communal and functional role of believers within the body of Christ, the Church.
Ephesians 4:11-12 describes various roles within the Church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." Here, the service of Christ is linked to the edification and growth of the Church community.
Eternal PerspectiveThe servanthood of believers is not only a present calling but also carries an eternal perspective. In
Matthew 25:21, in the Parable of the Talents, the master commends his faithful servant, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master." This promise of future reward and joy underscores the eternal significance of being a servant of Christ.
In summary, the title "Servants of Christ" encapsulates a profound identity for the saints, marked by obedience, humility, and dedication to the service of Jesus Christ. It is a calling that shapes the believer's life, both within the Church and in anticipation of eternal reward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 7:22For 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 TextbookEphesians 6:6
Not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... to rise and be the shepherd of the saints, but Christ. ... omit consideration of most
of the great names we have ... As to the former titles, they look for any account ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that we ... they are commended by
many distinguished titles, as the ... of their inheritance in the saints" (Eph.1 ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm
The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us ... the testimony of Jesus" are other
names for this ... spirits; "Incense odours," prayers of saints; "Dragon," Satan ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm
part viii.
... heresy: he makes war against the saints by banishing ... make this public protest by
those whose names are under ... teachers, who usurped the sacred titles of Bishops ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... To plead the efficacy of our old titles to our inheritance, if questionable because
of new sins-Saints do not ... for want of a distinct knowledge of Christ in all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
Psalm LXXXIII.
... of the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God,
or His saints, who know ... The meaning of these names is as follows: Madian is ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm
John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... which Cop delivered on All-Saints' Day, in ... a fugitive evangelist, under assumed names,
from place ... Careless of wealth, of titles, of honors, indifferent to pomp ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm
Articles of Religion.
... of images as of reliques, and also invocation of saints, is a ... Of Homilies."The second
Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we ... "Of the Names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm
Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... are the pictures or statues to which they append the names of saints, but exhibitions ...
of statues to himself, but also the consecration of titles and stones ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm
Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints," 19:8 ... dwell on the earth shall
wonder, whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm
Resources
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