1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
This is exactly what Timothy was – AN EXAMPLE. In Philippians 2:20 Paul tells us that he has very few examples of a servant, yet Timothy is one that stands out. He says this in the same passage he gives us the all-time example of a servant, Jesus:
Philippians 2:5-8 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
A Disciple is a Minister, a Minister is a Servant
The Greek word used is Diakonos : one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master; a servant; a minister: a. the servant of a king, b. Church deacon, c. a waiter, one who serves food & drink
1. Servanthood is an Attitude vs 5
Its something you want to do. Its an attitude that shows respect to all people & all positions in life. People are trying to be ‘Top of the Ladder by any means’, yet humility is the attractive and successful quality.
2. Servanthood is a Big Spirit vs 6
Although Jesus did not grasp after equality with God He was confident of His association with God. A servant associates with the BIG thing – connecting outside of our own smaller world.
Big people serve – small-minded, small self-esteem, small inner world people don’t serve.
A servant has faith, they believe the best and flow with the faith of others. Even when they don’t believe for it themselves they don’t pull the other down to their level, holding back critical objection – “I’m getting on board”.
3. Servanthood is Not about position vs 7
Jesus emptied Himself of His status. He gave up what He had for the greater good. A servant is the most secure of all people.
If you were asked to do something different right now by your boss, your pastor or other would you fight your position?
If asked to do something or go somewhere you didn’t want to would you do it?
It’s not about “my ministry”, or “my life” – we give up rights when we come to Christ. There is no long term success in the ‘my’ or ‘I’:
4. Servanthood is about Others vs 8
If you cannot serve another you’ll never be able to serve God. Timothy was the senior pastor of a huge Church, yet Paul says he is one of very very few who carry this servant nature. He served Paul.
A servant lives for another’s agenda. For some people their whole world is about them. Our whole world should be about Jesus and others.
5. Servanthood is Obedience vs 8
“becoming obedient to the point of …”
When was the last time you asked God what He wants – and just did it ?
When did you last do what He said without seeking vast amounts of ‘reassuring’ confirmation.
A servant is obedient – whatever it is. A servant acts – he is swift, obliging, straightforward, non-assuming, …