Servanthood

What Is a Servant?

Derek begins this study with three words; minister, servant, and deacon. Each has taken on a meaning of its own in recent years, but they are the same, and carry an attitude of submissiveness. Today we see this in the relationship of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

The Bottom of the Ladder

What did Jesus teach concerning being great in the kingdom? Derek looks at the position of the Holy Spirit and then that of Jesus, both being that of serving. Jesus was very direct in his teaching; if you want to be great in the kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.

 

What a Servant Should Be

Derek looks at the role of Jesus to his disciples in caring for their physical welfare providing food. He then shows the role of the Holy Spirit as the servant of Abraham who goes to find a bride (the church) for Isaac. Next he highlights Paul’s introduction of himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle. Paul saw his calling was to serve no matter where he was or what he was doing.

 

Paul’s Humility

Today Derek continues looking at Paul and his attitude of being a servant. Paul experienced a huge change in how he saw himself, relating not just to Jews but Gentiles. He saw his calling as a servant or slave meant he had to exchange his social position from the privileged to seeing others as better than himself, and always thinking of what he could do to help lift them up.

 

The One Trait the Holy Spirit Looks for in all of Us

Derek finishes this study continuing his message of developing an attitude of submissiveness and serving. It is a decision we must make, not some emotion we wait for. We see Jesus coming to John the Baptist to be baptized, and John looking for one who has a dove lighting on him; a picture of the Holy Spirit coming to rest on one who has the nature of a lamb, purity and meekness.