Introduction
• This evening I want to take a look at the high calling of servanthood.
• As believers, we should follow the example of Jesus, who was seated with God but humbled Himself and became a man. Jesus came as a servant of the most high God!
• Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave” (Matt. 20:26-27).
• Each of us must stop focusing on ourselves and generously meet the needs of others.
• If we do this without expecting recognition from people, the Bible promises that God will honor us.
• Let us look to the Word of God this evening.
(NKJV) Philippians 2 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1) What is servanthood?
a) Shout…I want to be a servant of the most high God like Jesus did.
b) All our actions should reflect the fact that Jesus is not only our Savior but also the master of our lives.
i) Salvation means more than forgiveness and the assurance of heaven; it signifies that we are now servants of the living God.
ii) By actively serving Him here on earth, we are preparing for eternity with the Lord.
c) God carries out His work through each one of us.
(NKJV) John 14 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
i) Jesus told His disciples that they would do even greater works than He did.
ii) While our actions cannot compare to the work Christ accomplished on the cross, none of us know our maximum potential.
iii) As we surrender our lives to the service of the most high God, He will honor us with true greatness.
d) In order to experience spiritual growth we must be servants.
i) Unless you are serving God in some fashion, you aren’t maturing spiritually.
ii) We should humbly seek to serve people with the attitude Jesus had. Even when our giving is overlooked or taken for granted by everyone, our Heavenly Father notices.
(NKJV) Hebrews 6 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
e) Your spiritual gifts are refined when you serve the Lord.
i) Every believer has one or more spiritual gift, which we are to use in serving the body of Christ.
(NKJV) 1 Peter 4 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
ii) That same attitude of humble service should extend outside the church as well.
f) When you serve God there may be conflicts.
g) Those who serve the Lord aren’t always popular.
i) Some people may not like you, or they may falsely accuse you.
(1) When that happens, concentrate on maintaining a servant spirit, and allow the Lord to handle the unfair criticism.
(2) Don’t leave a job or ministry position unless He tells you it’s time to move on.
2) How can you get through a difficult conflict?
a) Remember that serving God means allowing Him to work in and through you, not striving to serve Him in your own strength. Rely on Him.
b) Keep in mind that you are working for the Lord Jesus Christ.
(NKJV) Colossians 3 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
c) Let go of selfishness. If you angrily decide to walk away from a position, you are serving yourself. Serving God means obeying His commands and trusting Him to take care of you despite hardship.
Conclusion
• Greatness is not found in a title, a salary, or a position of influence. True greatness is found in servanthood.
• Willingly meet the needs of others without looking for recognition from people.
• God’s Word promises that He will honor your humility.
• When believers finally realize that our calling is to serve, not merely to seek our own interests, then we will have an irresistible impact on this world.
• How do you spell servanthood…JESUS!
• Let us pray.
