Servanthood
Matthew 20:25-28
Introduction
- Romans 12:2
- "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its mold. But let God remold your mind"
- Importance of resisting cultural influences and allowing God to transform one's thinking
The Philosophy of the World vs. The Word of God
- Cultural Influence:
- It's easy to uncritically adopt the world's philosophy
- The world's philosophy often opposes the teachings of the Word of God
- Servanthood:
- Cultural challenges to developing a servant’s heart
- Personal anecdote about a friend struggling to find people willing to serve
Definition of the Christian Life
- Reproduction of Christ's Life:
- The Christian life is the life of Christ reproduced in the believer by the Holy Spirit
- Mastering the teachings of the Gospels is essential to understand what the Holy Spirit wants to reproduce in believers
The Holy Spirit’s Role
- John 16:14:
- The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus
- Evidence of the Spirit's control is seen in Christlike behavior, not merely spiritual manifestations
- Galatians 5:
- The fruit of the Spirit reflects the qualities of Christ
- Luke 22:27:
- Jesus as a servant
Focus on Servanthood
- Concept of Servanthood:
- Examine biblical exhortations, specifically from Jesus' life
- Matthew 20:20-28:
- Jesus' teaching on leadership and servanthood
- Contrast between worldly and Christlike leadership
Biblical Examples of Servanthood
- John 13:12-17: Jesus washing the disciples' feet as an example of humility and servanthood
- Acts 6:1-7: Early church's selection of deacons to serve the community
- Philippians 2:5-7: Jesus' humility and taking the form of a servant
Characteristics of a Servant
- Availability:
- Commitment to serving people
- Importance of being available for ministry despite personal inconvenience
- Obedience:
- 1 Samuel 15:22: Emphasizes obedience over sacrifice
- Matthew 6:24: Cannot serve two masters
- Submissiveness:
- Submission as a sign of strength, exemplified by Jesus
- Sacrificial:
- Giving up rights to fulfill responsibilities
- Servants are characterized by giving and sacrificial living
- Faithfulness:
- Matthew 25:21: Faithfulness in small tasks leads to greater responsibilities
- Importance of faithfulness in the ministry one currently has
Application and Personal Reflections
- Personal Story:
- The impact of servanthood on ministry and personal growth
- Encouragement to embrace servanthood for lasting impact
Conclusion
- Servanthood as the Path to Impact:
- The unique and profound impact of becoming a servant in the likeness of Christ
- Example of Senator Mark Hatfield as a modern-day servant leader
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
