The Strength of a Servant

(1 Peter 5:5-7)

Introduction:

1. “No man ever steps in the same river twice. For it’s not the same river and

he’s not the same man.” -Heraclitus (Greek philosopher)

2. We as Christians should know this better than anyone since we are to

become new creations in Christ. (Galatians 2:20)

3. Jesus was known for His service for others yet how many of us are putting

on Christ to the point of being servants?

4. If we truly seek to be servants then there are some boulders on our

paths that we are going to have to move.

Body:

I. The servant must move the boulder of pride.

A. Pride is a high opinion of one’s own dignity and importance that manifests in outward actions. (1 Peter 5:5)

B. Did Jesus have the trait of pride? (Philippians 2:5-7)

C. We need to humble ourselves to serve others if we desire to be more Christ like. (Luke 22:24-26)

D. Illustration: It takes a humble servant to move the boulder called pride.

II. The servant must move the boulder of rebellion.

A. Rebellion is an act of open resistance to authority. (1 Peter 5:6)

B. Was Jesus rebellious to the will of the Father? (Philippians 5:8)

C. We need to make ourselves obedient not just to God but to others with authority as well. (Luke 20:20-26)

D. Illustration: It takes a obedient servant to move the boulder called rebellion.

III. The servant must move the boulder of selfishness

A. Selfishness is an act of excessive concern for one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being with no care for others. (1 Peter 5:7)

B. Was Jesus a selfish individual? (Philippians 2:8)

C. We need to become selfless if we are going to show love to others. (Luke 6:35-36)

D. Illustration: It takes a selfless servant to move the boulder called selfishness.

Conclusion:

1. Do our actions reflect the mindset of a servant?

2. Do our actions show pride, rebellion, and selfishness?

3. We are called to be lights of the world and we can only be that light if we

are also true servants.