Point 1: Pursue Righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11a)
A servant's heart is rooted in a deep desire to pursue righteousness. It involves a deliberate choice to walk in obedience to God's commands and live a life that aligns with His will.
Proverbs 21:21 - "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour."
Point 2: Embrace Godliness (1 Timothy 6:11b)
Godliness is an essential attribute of a servant's heart. It entails a reverence for God, a commitment to living a life that reflects His character, and a sincere devotion to Him.
1 Timothy 4:8 - "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
Point 3: Practice Faith (1 Timothy 6:11c)
A servant's heart is marked by unwavering faith in God. It involves trusting in His promises, relying on His strength, and believing that He is faithful to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Point 4: Cultivate Love (1 Timothy 6:11d)
Love is at the core of a servant's heart. It encompasses genuine care and compassion for others, seeking their well-being, and being willing to sacrificially serve them.
1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all your things be done with charity."
Point 5: Persevere in the Faith (1 Timothy 6:12a)
A servant's heart perseveres in the faith, remaining steadfast despite challenges and trials. It involves standing firm on the foundation of God's truth, never compromising or wavering.
James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
Point 6: Fight the Good Fight (1 Timothy 6:12b)
A servant's heart engages in spiritual battles, striving to uphold the truth and combat falsehood. It involves being courageous in defending the Gospel and contending for the for the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Point 7: Lay Hold of Eternal Life (1 Timothy 6:12c)
A servant's heart recognizes the surpassing value of eternal life and strives to lay hold of it. It involves keeping an eternal perspective, focusing on the kingdom of God, and prioritizing spiritual treasures over earthly possessions.
Matthew 6:19-20 - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."
Point 8: Profess a Good Confession (1 Timothy 6:12d)
A servant's heart openly and boldly confesses faith in Christ. It involves proclaiming the Gospel, sharing our testimony, and living in a way that brings glory to God.
Matthew 10:32 - "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."
Point 9: Fight for the True Life (1 Timothy 6:12e)
A servant's heart understands that true life is found in Christ alone. It involves renouncing worldly pursuits, surrendering to God's will, and striving for the abundant and eternal life that He offers.
John 10:10b - "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Conclusion:
As I conclude this message from 1 Timothy 6:11-12 on having the heart of a servant, let us reflect on these principles and strive to embody them in our daily lives. May we pursue righteousness, embrace godliness, practice faith, cultivate love, persevere in the faith, fight the good fight, lay hold of eternal life, profess a good confession, and fight for the true life. May God empower us to serve Him and others wholeheartedly, reflecting the heart of our ultimate servant and Savior, Jesus Christ.
