Servants dont serve for their own glory, but for the glory and satisfaction of othersand this was true of Paul. Horns: Garth - sax, trumpet, Rick - trombone, Richard . As we serve our Master, God, it should be our desire to be faithful and honored by him. In order to have Gods power work in us, we must believe the promises in Gods Word. Let us talk about List of faithful servants in the Bible and discover why were they called faithful servant? amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; 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. Application Questions: In what ways do you find Gods sovereignty even over evil comforting? This is done through prayer, fellowship, studying Gods Word, and living a holy life. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites. 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. But they became disobedient and rebelled against You, And killed Your prophets who had admonished them, Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified, says the, You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. All rights reserved. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom the detestable idol of the Ammonites. While this may apply literally, it can also more generally describe unfaithfulnessa willingness to abandon an agreement if they feel it is in their interest to do so. 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). In reality, He has no match and without using His own power, he followed His Father fathers desire and wish. A. 1. Faithful Bible teachers are diligent. 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.. Good News Translation (GNT). amzn_assoc_linkid = "1a9cca6b6dd8e39e9dc5a83f7c74e29f"; Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say. So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him. Indeed their faithfulness, conduct and submission are significant learning steps for all of us. While in Jerusalem, he was accused of bringing an Ephesian, Trophimus, into the temple (cf. All rights reserved. But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. Return, O faithless sons, declares the Lord;For I am a master to you,And I will take you one from a city and two from a family,And I will bring you to Zion.. Jesus tells His disciples that the heaven and earth shall pass away but His words shall not pass away. Application Questions: Who is God calling you to serve by seeking their glory over your own? We should be reading our Bible and keeping ourselves pure and righteous for His return. Marks of Faithful Servants. One must surely conclude that this parable is not just an interesting story, but a message of eternal significance. Paul discipled Timothy, and Barnabas discipled Mark. Used by permission. John MacArthur adds: It was not Pauls education, natural abilities, experience, power, personality, influence, or any other such thing that qualified him to be a minister of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:7). The parable of the faithful and unfaithful servant is told in two of the GospelsMatthew and Luke. Matthew 24 is close to the time when Jesus will be crucified. Matthew 24:45-51 GNT - The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant - Bible Or maybe it looks like sitting still and just being present, offering a listening ear and compassionate shoulder to someone who needs encouragement when you would rather be headed out for lunch. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Gods holy apostles and prophets. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. The master will cut him in pieces[a] and make him share the fate of the disobedient. They are biblical heroes and role models for all of us. Jesus though he was God himself became a servant and gave a stunning example of incarnation of love itself. He embodied and submitted himself completely to the will of his Father. "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. In John 15:5, Jesus says, I am the vine; you are the branches. Working in his own strength is marked by frustration, anxiety, and fruitlessness, but Christs power brings peace and fruitfulness. When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the Lord, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion. This is true for all who humble themselves before God and others; they receive grace. Believers Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Moreover, she knew that was really risking for her reputation. God calls Joshua to meditate on the law day and night and to obey it, with the promise that he will prosper if he does so (Josh 1:7-8). Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Mk 1:17). God made Abraham wait for twenty-five years for his son, Isaac, and Abraham is still waiting for his seed, Jesus, to fully bless all the nations. B. His heart was deeply connected with God. Of course, Gods plan has always been to bless the Gentiles through Abrahams seed (Gen 12:3, 22:18), but the Old Testament doesnt specifically teach that Jews and Gentiles will become one body and co-heirs together. 48But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Not something He would do to one of His own. Let's read it: Matthew 24:42-51. A servant is a very common person and addition of faithfulness makes him/her distinct and unique person. What Is a False Prophet? Psalm 36: 5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.. Show Humility. For more information about GNT, visit www.bibles.com and www.gnt.bible. Your sons shall be shepherds for forty years in the wilderness, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness, until your corpses lie in the wilderness. his home, his beloved son. When we continually compare ourselves with others, we either become discouraged and insecure, or prideful. They will eat, but not have enough;They will play the harlot, but not increase,Because they have stopped giving heed to the Lord. He was willing to be persecuted for Christ. Would he be pleased with you? Why? declares the Lord of hosts, Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house. How is God calling you to develop this selfless mindset in order to be a faithful servantone who will be honored and rewarded by him? When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.. In order to grow in humility, we must practice humility by submitting to others and putting them first. When we say we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we must remember what happened to the hands and feet of Jesus., Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.. Note the fifty-fifty split in the context of judging. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.