Servants Pleasing to God

By: Scott Morton

Colossians 3:22-25

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

As we conclude chapter 3 of the book of Colossians, we see the Apostle Paul starts to discuss another relationship between individuals. He starts to deal with the issue between servants and masters. This does create some confusion for individuals, as there was a different meaning to the term during Paul's time than we have today. We can see this if we look at the definition of the word servant (taken from Webster's 1828 Dictionary):

SERV'ANT, [L. servans, from servo, to keep or hold; properly one that waits, that is, stops, holds, attends, or one that is bound.]

1. A person, male or female, that attends another for the purpose of performing menial offices for him, or who is employed by another for such offices or for other labor, and is subject to his command. The word is correlative to master. Servant differs from slave, as the servant's subjection to a master is voluntary, the slave's is not. Every slave is a servant, but every servant is not a slave.

Servants are of various kinds; as household or domestic servants, menial servants; laborers, who are hired by the day, week or other term, and do not reside with their employers, or if they board in the same house, are employed abroad and not in the domestic services; apprentices, who are bound for a term of years to serve a master, for the purpose of learning his trade or occupation.

In a legal sense, stewards, factors, bailifs and other agents, are servants for the time they are employed in such character, as they act in subordination to others.

2. One in a state of subjection.

3.In Scripture, a slave; a bondman; one purchased for money, and who was compelled to serve till the year of jubilee; also, one purchased for a term of years.

4. The subject of a king; as the servants of David or of Saul.

The Syrians became servants to David. 2 Sam 8.

5. A person who voluntarily serves another or acts as his minister; as Joshua was the servant of Moses, and the apostles the apostles the servants of Christ. So Christ himself is called a servant, Isaiah 42. Moses is called the servant of the Lord, Deut. 34.

6. A person employed or used as an instrument in accomplishing God's purposes of mercy or wrath. So Nebuchadnezzar is called the servant of God. Jeremiah 25.

7. One who yields obedience to another. The saints are called servants of God, or of righteousness; and the wicked are called the servants of sin.

8. That which yields obedience, or acts on subordination as an instrument.

9. One that makes painful sacrifices in compliance with the weakness or wants of others.

10. A person of base condition or ignoble spirit.

11. A word of civilith. I am, sir, your humble or obedient servant.

Our betters tell us they are our humble servants, but understand us to be their slaves. Swift.

Servant of servants, one debased to the lowest condition of servitude.

We can see from these definitions how there would be some confusion over this idea. We can see how this word is used multiple different ways in the Bible, so we need to know which version of this that Paul was using here in order to be able to determine what is meant here. Many times individuals will state this is the issue of a bondservant or slave and start going in this direction. The problem with this is the Apostle Paul would then have been discussing this from the manner of obeying the law and would not have put this in a manner where there would have been an option to not obey.

The only thing which would make sense is the first definition given here, which shows there is a voluntary choice which is being made. This is why the passage starts with the issue of obedience. This is why we can see passages such as this:

1 Timothy 6:1

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Here the Apostle Paul is speaking about how servants should be considering their master to be worthy of honor. This shows there is a choice and by making the right choice according to the doctrine, the servant is going to be pleasing unto God and the doctrine would not be blasphemed.

Titus 2:9

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

We see here how the issue is the obedience of the servant. They are to be doing what is asked of them and be pleasing in all things. This means there should not be any problems with how they are working, to the point where the end of this verse speaks of how there should not be a questioning of what is being asked or a need to have to be asked again to do something.

These passages show the problem of when people try to just put this as the equivalent of slavery and using the history of the United States as the evidence of how this passage, and ones similar, were the evidence for this being correct according to the doctrine in the Bible. While this would seem to be indicating what was happening, there are the passages which speak of how the master was to treat the servant. Those passages definitely did not describe how slavery was conducted in this country and there is nothing in the Bible that could ever have defended the things which were done in our country during that time. These passages do not describe that practice.

As part of this pleasing, we see in our original text how Paul speaks about not being eye-pleasers. This would be where the individual would be doing well and the right things when someone was watching them. However, as soon as they were no longer being watched they stopped working hard and were doing their own thing. This is not what the Apostle Paul says is expected and would not be pleasing in all things as we saw in the passage from Titus. Paul speaks about the work ethic which should be present in a believer:

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

These three verses show a definitive work ethic which is to be present in the believers. To the assembly at Rome Paul speaks about how individuals are not to be slothful in business. This means they are not to be lazy and should be working hard if they are going to be following the doctrine and pleasing unto God. Using this in the discussion related to servants, if they were working hard and were not lazy then they would be pleasing unto their masters.

As he progresses through the doctrine, we see the practical examples of things, which include the issue of stealing. This is something which has been throughout all the Bible, as the nation of Israel had been instructed to not steal in what is known as the 10 commandments, the beginning part of the law. There was definite punishment for this, as there was to be restitution for the things which were stolen.

Paul speaks about replacing the idea of stealing with work. When someone is lazy and not working very hard, they are essentially stealing from their boss who is paying them for their work. Again, this would not be pleasing unto the master. The believer is to work hard, being a good example to others and their boss, which is what God intends for us to do.

The issue of working leads to the ability to be able to provide for yourself and those who are in your house. While Israel relied on God to provide for them, this is not the case for the Body of Christ. We are not promised physical blessings here on earth, but are promised all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Since we are promised spiritual things, it is the responsibility of the believer to be able to provide for themselves and their family. In order to do this, there needs to be work done in order to earn money to be able to buy the things which are needed.

When Paul is speaking about the masters here he says they are masters according to the flesh. They are the ones who are functioning in this manner here on the earth. There is a contrast which is being drawn between doing the things which are going to be pleasing to them here and the following the things of God, who is one who has control over the inner man. We know that He has control of this through several different passages:

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Here we have the individual who is living in us, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are functioning properly according to the doctrine, we are allowing Him to function through us and are then doing the things which would be pleasing unto God.

Philippians 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

This is how we are going to be viewed, as being sincere (without flaw) and without offense until He comes back for us. The Lord Jesus Christ has taken care of the things related to sin and its punishment. We are to be living our life according to what He has done for us.

This is the viewpoint of God, but man looks at things differently, which is why Paul has to speak about things related to performance. This is why we start to see him speak about the issues of the spirit and the flesh, even though a believer cannot be identified in the flesh today. Man views those who identify as Christian to a different standard than they do everyone else. Paul understood this and spoke to this assembly to let them know they needed to make sure they were functioning in the manner that would be pleasing unto them as well.

When we look at the example of the Apostle Paul, we see that he does things which are pleasing to God, even when they are not the best choice for him personally. We see an example of this when we look at the book of Philemon:

Philemon verses 10-16

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: [11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: [12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: [13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: [14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

As Paul is writing this he is sitting in a prison cell. He has encountered Onesimus and preaches the gospel to him, leading to his salvation and being able to be identified as Paul's son. It would have been very beneficial for Paul personally to have had him remain there and be able to provide physical comfort to him while we was in prison. Instead of doing this, he sends Onesimus back to Philemon, knowing this was going to be a gain to him and would be the best thing to do from the spiritual sense. This example shows how we are to be focusing on the things of others, rather than always be focusing on the things of ourselves and what benefits us.

In the continuation of the discussion, Paul speaks about whatsoever ye do. This means all of the things which are being done by these servants. We can see Paul speak of similar things in the passage in Ephesians which is also written to this same group of individuals:

Ephesians 6:5-8

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; [6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; [7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: [8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

In the epistles Paul wrote, he gives information to explain the areas of life and how things should go. We see here how Paul speaks about there being a reward from God in the things which someone does that are considered to be good things, which are identified as following what the Word of God says. The good things which are received have nothing to do with physical blessings here on the earth, as this is not what our program is about. The good things are related to the rewards received in the heavenly places and are associated with the gold, silver, and precious stones being built at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This reward system was promised during this dispensation and speaks of what will happen when we are caught out.

The Apostle Paul speaks about how it is we should be living our lives and identifies a pattern for us:

1 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

These three verses show how Paul was identifying himself as a pattern for the members of the Body of Christ to follow. We have received the doctrine, but also needed something to be able to see how this worked. Paul holds up his life as the pattern so all individuals would know, which specifically in the passage we are looking at would be the servants.

2 Corinthians 3:1-2

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? [2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Here we have the Apostle Paul identifying what the issue with this actually is. Those who are around us are going to see the lives we are living, which ends up being a demonstration of what the Word of God says. They may not pick up a Bible, open it, and read it for themselves. They will see us going about our daily lives and functioning according to what the Word of God says (hopefully). If they are seeing this, it should have an impact on them to want to live the same type of life and then the Word can start to have an influence on them.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Here we have another practical example of living life, this time dealing with how we should interact with other individuals. Our goal is to be able to live peaceably with all men. In the issue we have been looking at here, the servant needs to be able to live peaceably with their master. The issue of living peaceably includes how they are being looked at, what is being said about them (both while they are around and when they are not around), and how they are being treated. This goes along with the issue from the previous passage, as the believer is the one who is always being looked at to see how they are living and any 'errors' are going to be quickly pointed out by people as a reason to not believe what the Word of God actually says. We need to be diligent about this in our daily lives.

The question will sometimes come up about what are we supposed to do if we are not able to live peaceably. The world system would tell the individual they need to then fight back in the situation. Is this what the Lord Jesus Christ would tell us in this dispensation? Would He really tell us to fight individuals, when he makes many statements about us not fighting in this manner, or would He tell us that we should leave the situation at that point?

The Apostle Paul does say some things about the viewpoint of the various things we can possibly do in our lives:

1 Corinthians 6:9-12

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. [12] All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

In these two passages from this epistle to the assembly in Corinth, we see how the Apostle Paul spoke about their behavior. They had a tendency to start following after the things of this world and pleasing the flesh. Under a legalistic system, Paul would have told them outright there were certain things they could not do and would have started putting a punishment system in place. This is not what is being done during this dispensation. We see first it is said all things are not expedient (fit or suitable) and how certain things can put someone under their power. This is not hard for people to see, as there are many different things which are part of the world system and most of these are not fit and they can put someone under their power and pull them away from the things of God. This is where the believer needs to be able to figure this out for themselves.

This ties in with the next piece about how all things do not edify, or build up other individuals. The goal of the Body of Christ after helping others to see the saving message given to us (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) is to bring them unto the knowledge of the truth, or to build them up. This is why we see these statements about the behavior of the members of the Body of Christ. There is a need to be following the doctrine laid out in Paul's epistles, as this can end up being a pattern for other individuals on how they are to live their life:

2 Corinthians 3:1-2

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? [2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Here we have the Apostle Paul speaking about what others are seeing when they look at us. Many people do not read the Bible for themselves or study what the Word truly says for us today. Because of this, they have no foundation of the doctrine which is for today, which is what guides the behavior we are supposed to demonstrate. Instead, they have the things which they believe to be right and also their thoughts on what they think a believer should be doing. This is the basis of how they are looking at us.

Because this is the case, our behavior ends up being the first thing they actually see related to what the Word of God says. If we are acting in a manner which is contrary to what the Word of God says, it will be extremely difficult to be able to share the gospel with individuals, as they will struggle to accept the message from someone in this manner. This is why the Apostle Paul speaks here about the issue of being read of all men, as our behavior is seen by all.

Philippians 2:12

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Here is another guiding principle laid out by Paul. He speaks here about working out our own salvation. While we cannot work out our justification, our positional sanctification, or our glorification, we can do things which influence the practical sanctification while we are here on earth. This is what the Apostle Paul is speaking of. He is reminding these individuals to be focused on doing the things which would be pleasing unto God as we are living our lives.

This is why Paul gets into discussions about the differences between pleasing God and pleasing men. It would seem to be easier to please men, as we live among individuals on a daily basis and have to interact with individuals every day. The thought is if we are to get along with people we need to be functioning in the same manner as they are. While this makes it easier to live our lives today, it has a real impact on who we are in Christ and impacts the relationship we have with God and the rewards which we will receive in the heavenly places. Our focus should always be on doing the things which are pleasing to God. It is why the Apostle Paul speaks about how we are able to do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). The issue starts with being thankful to God, which is where most individuals start their opposition:

Romans 1:18-23

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

In the first epistle of Paul's we come to in the Bible, we see how from the beginning of the epistle he is speaking about the issue of individuals having an understanding of God. Man is able to look around, see the things of creation, and have an appreciation for who God is, the wonderful things He has done, and should be able to demonstrate thankfulness for all of the things which are seen.

The unfortunate thing is this is not what many people end up doing. They reject these things and therefore end up rejecting God. We can see this in many places in our culture where the discussion is outside of God and that everything seems to have come from somewhere else. This starts with creation (the idea of a Big Bang to start the universe) and carries over into other things as this full rejection of God happens. There is no excuse for this, as they should be able to understand.

The natural man attempts to focus on self, which leads to many problems. We cannot do things of ourselves which would be pleasing, which is why the Apostle Paul ends up saying this later in the same epistle:

Romans 7:15-20

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [16] If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. [17] Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. [19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. [20] Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

We see Paul speak here about a struggle which was going on within himself. He speaks about how this struggle is between the things which he knows he should be doing and the things which his flesh wants to do. He knows the things of the flesh are not pleasing to God (Romans 8:7-8), which is why the flesh is separated from who we are. The fact is we still walk in a fleshly body and it still can have an impact on the individual, which is what Paul is speaking about here. This struggle would tempt him to do things which were contrary to God and would therefore not be pleasing to Him.

If this is something which our apostle struggled with, who was receiving direct revelation from God and had a better understanding of the program than we do, how could someone think they are not facing the same types of problems in their life. We are all tempted by the lust of the flesh (Galatians 2:16) and the world around us controlled by Satan (Ephesians 2:2) to do things which would be pleasing unto men and not pleasing to God. This is why we have to build up the edifice of doctrine in our lives so we are equipped to do the things which would be pleasing to God.

Romans 8:7-8

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

This is the conclusion the Apostle Paul comes to with the statements preceding this in Chapter 8. He starts this discussion with the issue of those who would walk after the flesh would face condemnation from God, if we follow the thoughts to their logical conclusion. If someone was truly identified with the things of the flesh, this is the only thing which could happen for them. This is why we are taken out of the realm of being identified in this manner, as we have the Lord Jesus Christ in us and we need to live our lives accordingly. Many do not feel they have to do so, as they are saved and know they have the guarantee of their salvation. God intended for us to be doing good works, allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to live in us and through us, which is where the walking in the Spirit comes in. This is what allows for us to not be fulfilling the lust of the flesh and doing the things which are pleasing more to man than God.

The Apostle Paul saw the end result of the individuals who were doing things which were pleasing unto man rather than God. It ends up with the person turning their back on what God has taught and following the things of this world. This is what Paul warns Timothy about many times in the final epistle he wrote:

2 Timothy 1:15

This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Paul speaks about how all of those who were in Asia have turned away from him. We see many different assemblies he established in the book of Acts which were in this Roman province. All of the individuals who had put their trust in his gospel and were following the doctrine which had been given unto him have now turned away from this. Paul also warns of what was going to happen to the Body of Christ as a whole:

2 Timothy 3:1-9

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

As the Apostle Paul is giving warnings related to what is going to happen, he speaks here about the end result of the Body of Christ as the catching out of the saints is near. Many will take the passage to be speaking about what the world is going to look like at the time. The problem with this is the world has always looked like this and it really would not be a warning about the perilous times coming. The perilous times are going to be when the local assembly looks like the things of this world and there is no real difference. This results from the rejection of the doctrine which has been given to us to follow. These are the things which are pleasing unto man.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

As Paul speaks about what needs to be done to please God, which is to focus on the things of the Word, we see how there is a warning about individuals rejecting the teaching of the Word and just wanting to hear pleasing things to entertain. This is what happens in many places today, as the Word is not focused on and instead there is a bunch of stories and singing to make individuals feel good. While it might be pleasing to the flesh, it does not please God.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Here we have the ultimate expression of doing things which were pleasing to themselves. These three individuals saw all of the problems which came to Paul because of his stand for the doctrine. They each made a decision to reject this and flee because they loved the present world and would rather be pleasing unto themselves.

Paul speaks about how there is going to be a reward for those who are going to be functioning according to the doctrine. This happens at the event known as the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), which is something we are all going to appear at. Even as Paul is giving the warnings, he speaks about what is going to come to help the believers keep their focus:

2 Timothy 2:11-13

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: [12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: [13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Here the Apostle Paul speaks of a reward which is promised to those who are going to suffer, which revolves around standing for the doctrine given to us. When this happens we will be given a position of authority in the heavenly places based on what we have done. If we do not stand for the doctrine, He will deny us the ability to reign with Him. We have the guarantee of our salvation, which is why Paul says He cannot deny Himself at the end of the passage. The Spirit keeps us in the Body, which is a glorious thing to realize. The issue of the rewards ties in with Paul stating we are going to be heirs and join heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). There is something glorious waiting for us in the heavenly places when this dispensation is over.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

This passage can be hard to read, especially when someone is in the midst of a problem they are dealing with. It is hard to call things a light affliction, as it does not feel like it when the problem is going on. However, the Apostle Paul is stating this from the perspective of eternity. The things which are happening are going to bring about an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. This is hard to comprehend, but we have the verses here to show this. It is why the rewards are mentioned so we can understand this, knowing that we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). This is where the focus of things is supposed to be in the life of a believer today.

Ephesians 1:18-23

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Paul speaks about the positions in the heavenly places which are promised to us. This is the inheritance the Lord Jesus Christ has in us. We are going to fill these positions, along with the ones which are mentioned in Ephesians 6 and Colossians 1. The gold, silver, and precious stones which we build during our lives are going to determine which of these positions will be ours. This is true no matter what someone is during this life, which is why this promise can be said for those who fall into the category of being a servant. Every member of the Body of Christ has this promise and the guarantee of being at the Judgment Seat of Christ:

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

It is in this event we receive the reward based on our works. If we follow the doctrine which has been given to us we will receive a reward, which includes the ability to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). If we do not follow the doctrine, we lose our reward, but still have the guarantee of our salvation. It is a glorious things to realize and applies to all members of the Body of Christ.

This is why the Apostle Paul concludes this section with the statement about God not being a respecter of persons. This is something we are said in numerous places in the Bible (Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Job 34:19, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, and 1 Peter 1:17). It is clear that God looks at someone following His program and that is the most important thing.