INTRODUCTION: How many times in the church is our actions marked by wanting to serve, or by a desire to be served? I am afraid that we are motivated more by a desire to be served, to lead and get honor, or to receive
praise.

But the Bible calls on us to be servants.

BODY

I. ALL CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED ON TO BE SERVANTS.

A. Jesus calls on us to empty ourselves in order to be a child of God.

1. Matthew 18:3-4 "and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4- Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

2. It is obvious that while we continue with a carnal mind set we can never become servants of God.

a. Romans 8:5-8

B. What does it mean to be a servant?

1. It is to humble oneself and put the good of others before self.

2. It is to lose your life in service for God and others.

3. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance, or wanting to elevate self.

1. Jesus defined what it means to be a servant.

a. John 13:3-17

C. The Attitude of a servant...

1. ...is a mind set we adopt - I Corinthians 9:19

2. ...is without consideration of repayment - Luke 6:34-35

3. ...is unselfish - Philippians 2:3-8

4. ...is preferential to another, putting others first - Romans 12:10

A. We are to copy our Lord's attitude of service.

1. Philippians 2:3-8

2. Hebrews 5:8-9

B. The pathway to true greatness is found in service.

1. Matthew 23:8-12 "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9- Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10- And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11- But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12- And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

III. APPLYING THE SERVANTHOOD PRINCIPLE TO OUR RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CHURCH.

A. Toward one another.

1. Romans 12:10- Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

2. Ephesians 5:21- submitting to one another in the fear of God.

3. Philippians 2:3- Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

B. Toward brethren in need.

1. 1 John 3:17- But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

2. Acts 9:36-39

C. Toward brethren who are spiritually sick.

1. Galatians 6:1- Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

2. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20- let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

A. If we have the attitude of service we will have compassion on the lost and desire to take the gospel to them.

1. Jude 22-23 "And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23- but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh."

B. If we are applying the servant principle we will not be concerned about who "gets credit" for teaching others!

1. The important thing will be the soul.

C. If we are applying the servant principle we will not chaff at having to do work, no matter what it is, in the work of saving souls.

1. We will want to do whatever it takes to reach out to the Lost.

D. If we are applying the servant principle we will not seek converts to "our philosophy" or "our church" but to Christ.

CONCLUSION: The legend is told of a desert wanderer who found a crystal spring of unsurpassed freshness. The water was so pure he decided to bring some to his king. Barely satisfying his own thirst, he filled a leather bottle with the clear liquid and carried it many days beneath the desert sun before he reached the palace. When he finally laid his offering at the feet of his sovereign, the water had become stale and rank due to the old container in which it had been stored. But the king would not let his faithful subject even imagine that it was unfit for use. He tasted it with expressions of gratitude and delight, and sent away the loyal heart filled with gladness. After he had gone, others sampled it and expressed their surprise that the king had even pretended to enjoy it. "Ah!" said he, "it was not the water he tasted, but the love that prompted the offering." Many times our service is marked by multiplied imperfections, but the Master looks at our motives and says "It is good."