[Jahka-John]

In the teaching of Servanthood and its principle by Dr, Iyewuna O, we could see that True service is not determined by one’s background, status, or circumstances of birth but a conscious and intentional decision to act faithfully, diligently, and selflessly underlined by integrity. This principle is evidenced in the biblical accounts of Rebekah’s service to Abraham’s servant and Joseph’s service to Potiphar in Egypt. Both demonstrate that genuine act of service flows from character and choice rather than external conditions.
In the case study of Rebekah, and her act of service found in Genesis 24, is a powerful example of voluntary and generous hospitality. This is illustrative when Abraham’s servant arrived at the well seeking a wife for Isaac, he prayed for a specific sign: that the chosen woman would not only offer him water but also draw water for his camels. Rebekah fulfilled this request without hesitation. Drawing water for ten camels was a labor-intensive task, requiring significant effort and time. And, Rebekah willingly undertook it, going beyond what was expected. This act was not coerced, It was a voluntary act.
The case of Joseph on the other hand, was a service to Potiphar. This is found in Genesis 39, which shows faithfulness under pressure and adversity. When compared to Rebekah, Joseph did not choose his environment; he was sold into slavery in Egypt due to his brothers’ betrayal. Regardless, this unfavorable circumstance, Joseph distinguished himself through diligence, integrity, and excellence. Serving in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, Joseph committed himself fully to his responsibilities. His service was so remarkable that Potiphar entrusted him with the management of his entire household. Joseph’s success was not merely due to his skills but also because “the Lord was with him,” indicating a spiritual dimension to his service.
The act of service is for everyone, old, young, small or big, It is not reserve for the smallest according to the believe of the world. Joseph and Rebekah show that the act of service is rewarding so long as it was done with a clear heart and not a pretentious act.
Significantly, between Rebekah and Joseph is their willingness to serve wholeheartedly. Both individuals displayed initiative and went beyond minimal expectations. Rebekah could have simply given the servant a drink and left, but she extended her service to his camels. Joseph would have chosen to performed his duties reluctantly as a slave, but he chose to serve with a devoted heart, excellence, earning trust and responsibility. However, in both cases, service was a reflection of inner character rather than external compulsion and this shows that it was not an eye service kind of act.
Also, in comparing both, there are traceable contrasts between their situations. For instance, Rebekah’s service was a single, defining moment that revealed her character and led to a significant life transition which is becoming Isaac’s wife while Joseph’s service, was continuous and tested over time in a difficult environment. It is therefore safe to say that Rebekah served from a point of relative comfort and freedom and that of Joseph was under the constraints of slavery and injustice. This posits that true service is not limited to favorable conditions; it can thrive even in adversity and when you overcome this adversity, it brings you before kings and not mere men.
It is therefore safe to conclude that, both Rebekah and Joseph illustrated that true service is an intentional act and not and after thought or a circumstantial act. We saw the Rebekah’s voluntary kindness and Joseph’s steadfast faithfulness under hardship. This shows that genuine service is embedded in character, obedience, and a willingness to act beyond expectation. And therefore, this is required for every believer.

[Jahka-John]

Your response of the relationship between salvation and good works, and how you clearly distinguished between the root of salvation and the fruit of salvation. You rightly emphasized from Ephesians 2:8–9 that salvation is entirely by grace through faith and not by human effort, which protects the believer from boasting and highlights God’s mercy. This is foundational to Christian doctrine.
I particularly appreciate your inclusion of Ephesians 2:10, which many people; even Christians overlook when discussing salvation. While verses 8–9 explain how we are saved, verse 10 reminds us that believers are recreated in Christ for the purpose of good works. This shows that good works are not optional in the Christian life; rather, they are expected evidence of genuine transformation. A believer who has truly encountered Christ should naturally reflect His character in conduct and lifestyle.
Indeed, Genuine faith produces visible results. Therefore, while works do not save us, they validate the authenticity of our faith before others. In essence, good works flowing from a relationship with Christ serve as practical witnesses that glorify God and draw people toward Him.
Thank you for this, may Christians practice genuine faith and show forth the good works of God

[Jahka-John]

The assertion that “good works that stem out of a relationship with Christ Jesus are witnesses for Jesus” is scripturally valid and theologically sound within the context of salvation by grace. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is not attained through human effort or good deeds, but solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is seen in Ephesians 2:8–9 which states“For by grace are ye saved through faith not of works, lest any man should boast.” This passage establishes that salvation is not earned by moral uprightness, good deeds or even religious practices but that Salvation is a gift from God, not a reward for works.
Howbeit, while believers are not saved by their good works, they are saved for good works. Let us consider what the bible said in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” This emphasizes that good works are the natural result and evidence of genuine faith in Christ. Absolutely! They do not produce salvation, but they show that salvation has taken place in a believer’s life.
This was the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5: 16, when He said, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Hallelujah! Christ is our pointer, He shows that good works comes to light as a testimony to the world, drawing attention not to the believer, but to God. When Christians live righteously, show compassion, help others, and act in love, they reveal the character of Christ and become living witnesses of His transforming power. This is the life of a believer, all we do, must bring Glory to our father in heaven.
James 2:17 affirms this, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This is not a contradiction to Paul’s teaching on salvation by grace; rather, he lays more emphasizes that practical faith on its own produces outward evidence. A faith that does not result in changed behavior and good deeds is questionable because true faith transforms the heart and actions of a believer. Hallelujah!
Interestingly, good works also serve as a practical form of evangelism. Illustrative is 1 Peter 2:12, where believers are charged to maintain honorable conduct among unbelievers so that others may observe their good works and glorify God. This further strengthens the idea that Christian conduct can influence others toward faith in Christ.
Conclusively, we can say that while good works do not save anyone, they are essential expression of a transformed life in Christ. They are the fruits of salvation, not the means of salvation. Therefore, good works that flow from a genuine relationship with Jesus indeed serve as witnesses for Him by reflecting His nature, glorifying God, and drawing others toward the gospel. A believer’s life should consistently demonstrate the inward change brought by Christ through outward acts of righteousness and love.

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