Message Musings: A Servant Spirit

The following article is based upon Pastor Tony's message "A Servant Spirit" preached on June 21st, 2020

Why's a servant spirit important?

Everyone can and should develop a servant spirit because:

• A servant spirit shows Jesus to the world
• A servant spirit is blessed by God
• A servant spirit is used by God to make a difference in the world

In Philippians 2, we find that Jesus made himself a servant. The life of Christ was the model that Paul followed.

Philippians 2:5–8

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Notice how Jesus became a servant to reach and save us:

• Jesus is equal with God but made himself of no reputation
• Jesus took on the form of a servant
• Jesus humbled himself and became a man
• Jesus willingly went to the cross to die for our sin

The Source of a Servant Spirit

Paul's statement, "the servants of Jesus Christ," said a lot about his character. He embodied a Christ-like servant spirit! Even though he was an important figure in bible times, he considered himself a servant like Jesus.

The first few verses of Philippians reveal the key to a servant spirit: A servant spirit begins with a right heart because of a right mind.

Philippians 1:1–8

1 PAUL and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Thoughts of Cheer

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you**, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy"

A servant of Christ does not despise their responsibility to God and others. Instead, cultivate an attitude of joy! Choose to love people, pray for people, and focus on serving Jesus.

Thoughts of Comfort

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Servants of Christ find their anchor in the grace and peace of God. These gifts settle the soul and allow us to comfort and encourage others.

Thoughts of Cooperation

"For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;"

Though Paul could have emphasized his independence, he highlighted his dependence on Christ and his partnership with others. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone! The church is a body, and Christians are partners in the mission of God.

Challenge

It's time to bring our thinking in line with God's word. "Servant" is not a bad word; it's a Bible word. There is no higher calling than "Servant of Christ." Embrace it and allow God to use your life to make a difference!