The Humble Servant
Philippians1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.”
Throughout the Apostle Paul’s writings, he uses the word “servant” as a title when referring to himself and others. When reading the Book of Philippians, it is clear that servitude is a key theme. Timothy, Paul’s spiritual son, is cited as an example of servitude as well.
Phil. 2:20-22 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself because as a son with this father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
The Greek definition for the word servant, means “one that serves or attends to others, voluntary or involuntary.” A servant lives every day in subjection to their master’s will.
Servitude can be seen, both vertically and horizontally. When a follower of Christ is in subjection to Christ, then they have the ability to genuinely and graciously serve others from their heart. Serving from the heart is an important qualifier. I am ashamed to say that I know that there have been more times than I want to count when I served others and even God, but I did not have a right heart in doing so. I have grumbled, complained and even resented times of personal sacrifice. I did not have joy in serving and I missed out on the blessings. You have probably never done that, right?
In an age where there seems to be a lot of clamoring for the recognition and elevation of people’s gifts, the Body of Christ would do well to pursue deep humility instead of a name for themselves or to be honored and exalted. When one demands to be recognized and honored, respect has already been lost. God is searching for humble hearts!
Paul’s example of calling himself a servant is a wonderful tribute glorifying God. The inner attitude and lifestyle of any humble person is an identity statement that catches heavens attention.
Humility is seen in Paul’s gracious attitude while being in prison. In Chapter one, he shares his story that what happened to him, though painful, was for the benefit of others. Humility always prefers others before and above themselves. Paul encourages the saints to strive together as one, to be of one mind. That requires humility. Unity cannot be found in self-centered attitudes and actions.
Philippians chapter two is one of my most favorite chapters in all of the Bible. Paul is encouraging people to imitate Christ, specifically modeling Christ’s humility.
Phil. 2:6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
The humility found in servitude attracts The Masters attention. Hearts that are motivated by love to serve others, no matter the cost, are seen and honored by God. Jesus surrendered his will to his Master, Father God. In love, He laid down his identity as God’s only Son and took up the broken, created image of mankind. Laying down our rights, privileges, will, and desire, like Jesus, is servitude humility!
Lu.24-27 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. Jesus said to them, the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is that the table or the one who serves.? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Serving is never for our benefit, but for the benefit of others!
Throughout Paul’s writings he uses the term “Bond Servant.” A Bond Servant had no personal rights or ownership of any possessions. Everything he was in possession of belonged to his master. Also, whatever was placed into the servants care by the master was not only protected for the master, but it increased in value. To grow or increase value of what is not yours takes humility. It is also called stewardship.
Living in a self-centered world that is screaming to be noticed and valued brings enormous challenges to living selflessly. I point out that God does not instruct us to be and do something that he does not also give us the grace to be and do. We can live as servants!
2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Living a life of humility activates God’s blessings. If we humble ourselves, he will exalt us in due time. This cannot be the motive for humbling ourselves, but it certainly opens the doors for God’s favor. Pride, focus on “I”, brings about God’s resistance; humility brings about his favor!
1 Pet.5:5 – 6 “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
You are loved!
Throughout the Apostle Paul’s writings, he uses the word “servant” as a title when referring to himself and others. When reading the Book of Philippians, it is clear that servitude is a key theme. Timothy, Paul’s spiritual son, is cited as an example of servitude as well.
Phil. 2:20-22 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself because as a son with this father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
The Greek definition for the word servant, means “one that serves or attends to others, voluntary or involuntary.” A servant lives every day in subjection to their master’s will.
Servitude can be seen, both vertically and horizontally. When a follower of Christ is in subjection to Christ, then they have the ability to genuinely and graciously serve others from their heart. Serving from the heart is an important qualifier. I am ashamed to say that I know that there have been more times than I want to count when I served others and even God, but I did not have a right heart in doing so. I have grumbled, complained and even resented times of personal sacrifice. I did not have joy in serving and I missed out on the blessings. You have probably never done that, right?
In an age where there seems to be a lot of clamoring for the recognition and elevation of people’s gifts, the Body of Christ would do well to pursue deep humility instead of a name for themselves or to be honored and exalted. When one demands to be recognized and honored, respect has already been lost. God is searching for humble hearts!
Paul’s example of calling himself a servant is a wonderful tribute glorifying God. The inner attitude and lifestyle of any humble person is an identity statement that catches heavens attention.
Humility is seen in Paul’s gracious attitude while being in prison. In Chapter one, he shares his story that what happened to him, though painful, was for the benefit of others. Humility always prefers others before and above themselves. Paul encourages the saints to strive together as one, to be of one mind. That requires humility. Unity cannot be found in self-centered attitudes and actions.
Philippians chapter two is one of my most favorite chapters in all of the Bible. Paul is encouraging people to imitate Christ, specifically modeling Christ’s humility.
Phil. 2:6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
The humility found in servitude attracts The Masters attention. Hearts that are motivated by love to serve others, no matter the cost, are seen and honored by God. Jesus surrendered his will to his Master, Father God. In love, He laid down his identity as God’s only Son and took up the broken, created image of mankind. Laying down our rights, privileges, will, and desire, like Jesus, is servitude humility!
Lu.24-27 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. Jesus said to them, the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is that the table or the one who serves.? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Serving is never for our benefit, but for the benefit of others!
Throughout Paul’s writings he uses the term “Bond Servant.” A Bond Servant had no personal rights or ownership of any possessions. Everything he was in possession of belonged to his master. Also, whatever was placed into the servants care by the master was not only protected for the master, but it increased in value. To grow or increase value of what is not yours takes humility. It is also called stewardship.
Living in a self-centered world that is screaming to be noticed and valued brings enormous challenges to living selflessly. I point out that God does not instruct us to be and do something that he does not also give us the grace to be and do. We can live as servants!
2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Living a life of humility activates God’s blessings. If we humble ourselves, he will exalt us in due time. This cannot be the motive for humbling ourselves, but it certainly opens the doors for God’s favor. Pride, focus on “I”, brings about God’s resistance; humility brings about his favor!
1 Pet.5:5 – 6 “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
You are loved!
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
No Comments