Model Servants

Before we can minister to others we must become ministers. Before we can refresh others, we must be refreshing in our own character.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)

At 82 F.B. Meir, was asked to sum up his life - "I have only one ambition, to be God's errand boy."

He understood the principle that greatness rises out of sacrifice.

Thomas Brook said, "Example is the most powerful rhetoric."

He understood the principle that the greatest tool of leadership is the power of an exemplary life.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Philippians 2:1-16 (NASB)

In Philippians chapter 2, Paul gives us the principle of godly living in verse 5 ”this attitude … which was also in Christ Jesus,”

He follows it up with personal illustrations of 3 men who are examples of the victorious Christian life. Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus exemplify the principle of godly living Paul identifies in verse 5 as ”this attitude … which was also in Christ Jesus,”

3 model servants who rendered their service to God in humility without grumbling, without complaining, working on to the outside what God had put on the inside. Putting the interests of others ahead of themselves.

2:1-16 lay out the priciples that brought us to three our ringing questions-

• How can I display a “Christ Like” attitude to those around me?
• What am I “grasping” that I should be giving up?
• How can I demonstrate “Christ Like” humility & unity with those around me in ministry?

After the principle, Paul gives examples. The flesh and bones of the precept.

2:17-18 starts the fleshing out with the example of Paul.

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Philippians 2:17-18 (NASB)

Paul instructs:

Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 1 Cor 4:16 (NASB)

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor 11:1 (NASB)

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thess 1:6 (NASB)

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 1 Thess 2:14 (NASB)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; Eph 5:1 (NASB)

The author of Hebrews adds,

so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12 (NASB)

What does Paul set before us as ideal in conduct as to personal character?
As to our conduct toward other believers?
As to our relationship with the outside world?

Paul further revealed his heart, and his example to the church at Colossae.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Col 3:12-14 (NASB)

How?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Col 3:15-17 (NASB)

The Word, richly dwelling within us......