Characteristics of a Faithful Servant

Who will hear 'well done, good and faithful servant' should come as no surprise because we have been told what it takes to be just that!

Timothy was a faithful servant and trusted companion of the apostle Paul. A big responsibility in his ministry was to confront false teachers in local churches who were teaching contrary to the inspired Word of God. Paul indentified the nature and conduct of the false teachers, and warned of the danger they present to the church. He then identified the characteristics of the faithful servant of the Lord responsible to confront these people. The counsel he gave is still relevant to the church and those in the Lord's service today. With Satan working behind the scene through false teachers as the same source of the problem, so too is the solution the same.

Paul identified six characteristics that will be true of the faithful servant of Christ in the church then, and today. These include: 1) will expose false teaching; 2) be nourished on God's word; 3) have nothing to do with false teaching; 4) exercise self-discipline; 5) works hard; and 6) must be a truth-broker.