Models of Servanthood

Models of Servanthood

Philippians 2

IntroductionIntroduction• Paul exhorts the Philippians to be

unified and humble in verses 1-4• From that point he gives five

examples (models) of servanthood• First he appeals to their

experience in Christ as the basis for his exhortation (vs. 1)

Philippians 2:1Therefore if there is any consolation

in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy...

IntroductionIntroduction• Paul exhorts the Philippians to be

unified and humble in verses 1-4• From that point he gives five

examples (models) of servanthood• First he appeals to their

experience in Christ as the basis for his exhortation (vs. 1)

• If we follow the instructions of (2-4), we can be a faithful congregation as was the congregation in Philippi.

Philippians 2:2-4Fulfill my joy by being like-minded,

having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The Model of...The Model of...• Personal Humility – Jesus

(5-11); Hebrews 5:8-9; Luke 14:11

Hebrews 5:8-9Though He was a Son, yet He

learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.

His obedience leads to our hope of eternal salvation!

Luke 14:11For whoever exalts himself will be

humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

As His disciples, humility will lead to our exaltation, just as it did His own.

The Model of...The Model of...• Personal Humility – Jesus

(5-11); Hebrews 5:8-9; Luke 14:11• Personal Integrity – Philippians

(12-16); Matthew 5:16

Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

As His disciples, we have the responsibility of living lives of purity and fidelity to truth.

The Model of...The Model of...• Personal Humility – Jesus

(5-11); Hebrews 5:8-9; Luke 14:11• Personal Integrity – Philippians

(12-16); Matthew 5:16• Personal Involvement – Paul

(17-18); (4:14-19 READ); 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

2 Corinthians 8:1-4Moreover, brethren, we make known

to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

The Model of...The Model of...• Personal Humility – Jesus

(5-11); Hebrews 5:8-9; Luke 14:11• Personal Integrity – Philippians

(12-16); Matthew 5:16• Personal Involvement – Paul

(17-18); (4:14-19 READ); 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

• Personal Concern – Timothy (19-24); 1 Corinthians 4:15-17; 1 John 3:14

1 Corinthians 4:15-17For though you might have ten

thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from

death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

As His disciples, we must show personal care for our brethren by the expression of our love toward them.

The Model of...The Model of...• Personal Humility – Jesus

(5-11); Hebrews 5:8-9; Luke 14:11• Personal Integrity – Philippians

(12-16); Matthew 5:16• Personal Involvement – Paul

(17-18); (4:14-19 READ); 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

• Personal Concern – Timothy (19-24); 1 Corinthians 4:15-17; 1 John 3:14

• Personal Risk – Epaphroditus (25-30); Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

As Epaphroditus, we must put the kingdom before all things, even our very lives. If we do so, we will be rewarded.

Conclusion

Conclusion

These individuals are models of servanthood we should

emulate. Can we ourselves be models of personal humility,

integrity, involvement, concern and risk? This is the worthy calling from Christ to

us!