Embracing Servanthood: A Christ-Centered Life
Summary
In this message, we delve into the profound teachings of Ephesians 6:5-9, exploring the concept of servanthood and its implications for our lives as followers of Christ. The passage challenges us to reconsider our understanding of authority and submission, urging us to adopt a heart of servanthood in all aspects of life. This is not merely about obeying earthly masters but about recognizing our ultimate Master in heaven and serving Him with sincerity and devotion. The text invites us to transcend societal norms that prioritize self-promotion and control, encouraging us to embrace a mindset of humility and service.
The historical context of slavery in the Bible is acknowledged, yet the focus is on the deeper spiritual principle of servanthood. God calls us to a radical transformation of the heart, where our interactions with others reflect the love and humility of Christ. This is a call to live counter-culturally, where the pursuit of power and status is replaced by a commitment to serve others selflessly. The example of Jesus, who emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, serves as our ultimate model. His life was marked by submission to the Father's will, and we are called to follow in His footsteps.
In practical terms, this means approaching our work and relationships with a servant's heart, regardless of our position or status. It challenges us to rethink our ambitions and motivations, aligning them with the values of the Kingdom of God. The message also highlights the dangers of pride and the temptation to seek control, reminding us of Satan's fall due to his desire for power. In contrast, Jesus' humility and obedience led to His exaltation, demonstrating the divine principle that true greatness is found in servanthood.
Key Takeaways:
- Servanthood as a Heart Attitude: Embracing servanthood is about a transformation of the heart, where we willingly choose to serve others as an expression of our devotion to Christ. This mindset challenges societal norms and calls us to live counter-culturally, prioritizing humility over self-promotion. [03:12]
- The Example of Christ: Jesus exemplified servanthood by emptying Himself and submitting to the Father's will. His life teaches us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in seeking power or control. We are called to follow His example in our daily lives. [15:39]
- Authority and Submission: The passage in Ephesians addresses both servants and masters, urging them to recognize their ultimate Master in heaven. This perspective transforms our understanding of authority, emphasizing mutual respect and service rather than domination. [05:40]
- Living with Eternity in Mind: Our actions and attitudes should be guided by the eternal perspective that we will one day stand before God. This awareness encourages us to serve faithfully, knowing that our reward comes from the Lord, not from earthly recognition. [29:16]
- The Danger of Pride: Pride and the desire for control are rooted in demonic thinking, as exemplified by Satan's fall. In contrast, Jesus' humility and obedience led to His exaltation. We are reminded to guard against pride and to cultivate a servant's heart. [12:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Introduction to Ephesians 6
[02:09] - Historical Context of Slavery
[03:12] - The Heart of Servanthood
[03:51] - Bondservants and Masters
[05:40] - Recognizing Our Master in Heaven
[06:39] - Servanthood in the Workplace
[07:33] - Personal Reflections on Ambition
[09:12] - Embracing Servanthood
[11:53] - Marriage and Servanthood
[12:49] - The Fall of Satan
[14:16] - The Mindset of Christ
[15:39] - Jesus' Example of Humility
[17:14] - Servanthood in Leadership
[18:43] - Temptation and Submission
[21:29] - The Call to Humility
[22:42] - Living with the End in Mind
[23:20] - Servanthood in Everyday Life
[27:12] - The Heart of a Servant
[29:16] - Eternal Perspective
[31:27] - Fighting Injustice and Embracing Servanthood
[33:13] - A Church of Servants
[35:15] - A Prayer for Servanthood
[36:24] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:5-9
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Isaiah 14:12-15
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:5-9 say about the relationship between servants and masters, and how does it relate to our relationship with Christ? [00:49]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "bondservant" and its significance in the context of servanthood? [03:51]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the societal norms that prioritize self-promotion over servanthood? [07:33]
4. How does the sermon contrast the attitudes of Jesus and Satan regarding authority and servanthood? [12:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the historical context of slavery in the Bible, and what deeper spiritual principle is emphasized? [02:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that embracing servanthood challenges societal norms and personal ambitions? [09:12]
3. How does the example of Jesus' humility and obedience in Philippians 2 serve as a model for believers, according to the sermon? [15:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of pride and the desire for control, and how does this relate to the fall of Satan? [12:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current work or relationships. How can you adopt a servant's heart in these areas, regardless of your position or status? [06:39]
2. Consider a situation where you have been tempted to seek control or power. How can you instead choose humility and servanthood, following Jesus' example? [18:43]
3. Identify an area in your life where pride might be influencing your actions. What steps can you take to cultivate a servant's heart in that area? [12:49]
4. How can you keep an eternal perspective in mind when facing challenges or injustices, knowing that your reward comes from the Lord? [29:16]
5. Think of a relationship where there is conflict due to a desire for control. How can you apply the principle of out-serving one another to improve that relationship? [11:53]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt taken advantage of. How can you maintain a servant's heart in such situations, trusting in God's justice and reward? [31:27]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to follow Jesus' example of servanthood in your community or church? [33:13]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Servanthood as a Heart Attitude
Embracing servanthood is about a transformation of the heart, where we willingly choose to serve others as an expression of our devotion to Christ. This mindset challenges societal norms and calls us to live counter-culturally, prioritizing humility over self-promotion. In a world that often values self-promotion and personal gain, adopting a heart of servanthood requires a radical shift in perspective. It means seeing every interaction as an opportunity to reflect Christ's love and humility, regardless of our position or status. By doing so, we align ourselves with the values of the Kingdom of God, where true greatness is found in serving others selflessly. [03:12]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you prioritized your own interests over others. How can you approach similar situations with a servant's heart in the future?
Day 2: The Example of Christ
Jesus exemplified servanthood by emptying Himself and submitting to the Father's will. His life teaches us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in seeking power or control. We are called to follow His example in our daily lives. Jesus' life was marked by a profound humility and a willingness to serve others, even to the point of death. This example challenges us to reconsider our own ambitions and motivations, urging us to align them with the values of the Kingdom. By following Christ's example, we learn that true greatness is not about elevating ourselves but about lifting others up through acts of love and service. [15:39]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week, following the example of Christ's humility and service.
Day 3: Authority and Submission
The passage in Ephesians addresses both servants and masters, urging them to recognize their ultimate Master in heaven. This perspective transforms our understanding of authority, emphasizing mutual respect and service rather than domination. In a world where authority is often equated with power and control, the biblical perspective calls for a different approach. It invites us to see authority as an opportunity to serve and uplift others, recognizing that we are all ultimately accountable to God. This understanding fosters an environment of mutual respect and cooperation, where authority is exercised with humility and a servant's heart. [05:40]
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where you hold authority. How can you exercise this authority with humility and a servant's heart?
Day 4: Living with Eternity in Mind
Our actions and attitudes should be guided by the eternal perspective that we will one day stand before God. This awareness encourages us to serve faithfully, knowing that our reward comes from the Lord, not from earthly recognition. Living with eternity in mind means prioritizing what truly matters in the grand scheme of God's Kingdom. It involves making choices that reflect our ultimate accountability to God, rather than seeking temporary approval or accolades from others. By focusing on eternal values, we find motivation to serve others selflessly, trusting that our efforts are seen and rewarded by God. [29:16]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you seek earthly recognition. How can you shift your focus to serve with eternity in mind?
Day 5: The Danger of Pride
Pride and the desire for control are rooted in demonic thinking, as exemplified by Satan's fall. In contrast, Jesus' humility and obedience led to His exaltation. We are reminded to guard against pride and to cultivate a servant's heart. Pride often tempts us to seek control and elevate ourselves above others, but this mindset is contrary to the example set by Christ. By recognizing the dangers of pride, we are encouraged to cultivate humility and a willingness to serve others. This involves a conscious effort to put aside our own desires for power and control, choosing instead to follow the path of humility and obedience that leads to true greatness in God's eyes. [12:49]
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where pride has influenced your actions. How can you choose humility and service in similar situations moving forward?
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Quotes
And every week I love it, but every once in a while I'm studying and I'm just, like, flooded with revelation, like, whoa, where I just feel like God is speaking to me through a passage. And that's what this week was like. And it's weird because it's not a passage I would have chosen to teach on, but we're going through Ephesians, so I don't want to skip a section. And as I'm reading this, I'm going, wow, this is profound. This is foundational. This will affect the whole future of the church. And then I just started getting so convicted about my own life. And again, it's a passage that some people just don't even like. They're offended by it. So that's why it's kind of amazing and wonderful that as I'm studying it, I'm going, wow, I love this God. Help me help our church. We need to understand the principles in this passage. Ephesians 6, starting in verse 5, says, As bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart as you would Christ. Not by the way of idolatry. Not by service as people pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Rendering service with a goodwill as to the Lord and not to man. Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them and stop your threatening. knowing that he who is both their master and yours is in heaven and that there is no partiality with him. [00:00:09] (117 seconds)
So he starts off, he's saying bonds serve. He starts off, he's saying bonds serve. So a bond servant was someone that chose, willingly chose to be someone else's servant. And you read about this in the Old Testament where sometimes, you know, someone's paid their dues or whatever, they're free to go and they go, no, actually, I want to be your servant. I love you as a master. And they would then, you know, stick something in their ear, poke a hole in it, whatever, to show that, hey, this guy chose to be my servant. And so he's talking to these people and he's saying, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ. So he says the whole principle here is, he says, because we are bond servants of Christ. So, and at the end of the passage, he tells the master, do the same, stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their master and yours is in heaven and there's no partiality with him. [00:03:49] (70 seconds)
Try to imagine if we really live this way. So you weren't a people pleaser, but you go to work tomorrow. You look at your boss, and whether he, or she, is watching or not, you're not even thinking about him or her. You're just thinking, okay, I've got a master in heaven, and he is watching me. And I'm really serving him, and so I'm going to produce excellence at work because he is watching. What if believers really thought that way and lived that way? And then he's talking to the bosses. I mean, the whole principle is that all of us should embrace the idea of servanthood. And this is so foreign. This is not the way we were raised. There's no movies about this. Everything is the opposite. Everything is about, let me get bigger and bigger until I'm in charge. Right? I mean, I remember my first job at Taco Bell. you know, I'm, you know, mopping the floors, cleaning the bathroom, getting the grease off the burger, you know, the hamburger meat, you know, just draining it and then scraping it, cleaning it. It's like, oh, I can't wait till I get to the register. You know, I want to work my way up. Then you get to the registers. Oh, I can't wait till I can just kind of stand back there and manage people. [00:06:31] (97 seconds)
And this idea of servanthood where God isn't telling these servants, like, hey, get out of this situation, work your way up. He's like, no, there's something bigger going on here. You need to embrace this idea of servanthood. And you need to realize who your master actually is. He gets to the core problem, which is everyone wants to be in charge. This is where our conflicts come in. from in the family in the church we all want to be in charge you want church your way kids want to rule the house you know it's just like everyone wants their way and so then there's there's this conflict rather than what Christ is teaching is he goes well you guys just hear everything that Adam spoke from here about the life of Christ what it was like emptying emptying emptying himself like that's Christianity that we are we are called to out serve one another in our marriages I mean you see that that's why his husband's love your wives as Christ loved the church well how did Christ love the church he gave everything up for her you and yet what are our conflicts about it's about well I want it my way I want it my way [00:09:07] (105 seconds)
And what he says in Matthew 23, verse 11, the greatest among you shall be your servant. So in the end, God's going to be looking, who really served? Who really became like my son? That's why I saw in my life, oh, shoot, I got caught up in some of these things. things, and I've lost some of that servant mentality. God, bring it back. Take me to another level. And if we could become a church, could you imagine if everyone in this church was trying to outdo each other in service? This would be an awesome place to be, right? And I know some of you are, so it's a pretty good place to be. But it's just, what if that's just what the church was? A bunch of people that were really being like Christ and saying, what do you need? I want to serve you. Think about this as we even leave tonight and have conversations afterwards. It's seeking to out -serve one another. [00:32:43] (81 seconds)
And I thought, I know it's kind of an old song melody, but I want it to stick in your head. And I want this to truly be your prayer to God tonight. I mean, hopefully as you've heard from the word of God, your response that God has shown you, like he showed me this week, you're not as much of a servant as you used to be. You kind of lost it here. You kind of got used to being privileged. You kind of got used to this, this is whatever it is. And I love the word of God and I don't want to end my life as a taker. I want to be a servant and I hope that's your heart. And I'm going to pray right now before we sing this. I'm going to pray that a miracle happens right now. Okay, this isn't one of those where it's like, hey, if you're, you know, you need healing, let me heal you, like, and I believe that can happen. But I'm, I'm praying about something deeper right now. And that's a heart attitude. Many of us do not embrace servanthood. We've given in to the lie that we've been fed our whole lives, that it's all about promoting yourself rather than becoming like Christ. [00:35:25] (91 seconds)
And I'm going to ask that God changes that tonight. So, Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters in this room and for me also, God. Make us like Jesus. Make us like Jesus. God, who didn't consider equality with you something to hold on to, but he emptied himself and he made himself nothing and he died on a cross for us. And God, many of us have been living like Satan. We keep trying to climb our way up there to be in charge, to answer to no one. God, and that's just sick. God, please tonight heal our hearts. Help us to look at the beauty of Jesus God, may this be our prayer to you tonight. May we mean this from our hearts as we sing this. [00:36:57] (85 seconds)
And that's what many of us have chosen to do here on this earth. We're not forced to call him Lord. We are bond servants. And we go, you know what? I will follow him. And following him means following his example. See, this is why we need to embrace servant, especially if you're in a place of authority. That's such a great opportunity to show the servanthood of Christ. I mean, that's what these, you know, this is what being spirit -filled is. That's why he says, husbands, yes, I put you in this position of leadership, but I'm telling you to serve your wife. Be like Christ. Christ was in that position of leadership, and he washed the disciples' feet. And now he's saying, hey, masters, don't you forget that there's a God in heaven. And he's watching all of this. [00:17:14] (65 seconds)
And Jesus answered him, it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. See, this was the temptation of Christ, where the enemy is like, come on, you can have all of this. You can be the authority. You can be over all. All of this. And Jesus goes, no. We're supposed to serve God. I'm going to serve the Father. I choose to be servant. I choose to do his will. The next verse, John 5, 19, Jesus said to them, truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only to serve you. what he sees the father doing for whatever the father does that the son does likewise next verse i can do nothing on my own as i hear i judge and my judgment is just because i seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me then in john 6 for i have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me then john 12 for i have not spoken on my own authority but the father who sent me has himself given me a commandment what to say what to speak and i know that his commandment is eternal life what i say therefore i say as the father has told me so what was jesus life all about he just submitted to the father he's like look i'm not down here doing whatever i just feel like doing i say what god tells me to say i do what he asks me to do i'm here to do his will remember when jesus says hey the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many this is our god so we live in a time of the Father where submission is a bad word. [00:18:43] (135 seconds)
And yet, our example is a Christ who humbled himself and says, I only do what God tells me to do. I only say what he tells me to say. And so, even as I teach, I wrestle, I go, God, I want to say whatever you tell me to say. Even if it's not popular. Even if it gets me rejected, canceled, crucified. This is what it means to follow Jesus. We should be the most humble, submissive people. And yet, what we're finding in church all over is people fighting for power. In 1 Corinthians 7, starting in verse 20, this is interesting. He says, So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. It's kind of interesting. He goes, hey, are you a servant right now? He goes, don't worry about it. He goes, if you can be free, be free. But that's not the issue. See, but we've been trained to go, well, no, if I'm a servant, I'm not going to stay. Hey, a servant my whole life? I'm going to work. I'm going to promote. Rather than go, God, what do you want me to be? Maybe you want me to keep washing dishes. Maybe you don't want me throwing the pizza yet. It's all right. Let me just be the greatest servant. Let me just show them and just make these dishes so clean. I'm just going to nail it because I'm doing this for you. And this is the position you've put. Put me in right now. So I'm going to go for it. [00:20:58] (150 seconds)
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