Bearing Fruit

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Living the life of a servant is the Bibles way of bearing real fruit.

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What is Super Service Sunday?

What is Super Service Sunday?

What is Super Service Sunday?
Is when we talk about Biblical servanthood
Give you the opportunity to grow in serving
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

What is Biblical servanthood?

What comes to your mind when you think of serving / servanthood?

Servants of God in the OT

Servants of God in the OT

Abraham
Patriarch of the faith
Leaves everything to follow God
Prays for the lost /
Seeks to be hospitable
Refers to himself as God’s servant...
Genesis 18:5 ESV
5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
Gen 18.5
Moses
ESV5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
Moses
Deliver of his people
Spokesmen for God
Giver of Law
Leader of people / administrative / counselor
Israel says Moses is God’s servant…
Exodus 14:31 ESV
31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Joshua
Warrior of Israel
Military commander
Leader of God’s People
defender of the faith / administration / strategic planning
God says of Joshua...
Judges 2:8 ESV
8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years.
David
ESV8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years.
David
Shepherd
Least in fathers house
Great faith in God!
Song / dance / faith / writing / leadership
LORD pronounced David His servant...
2 Samuel 3:18 ESV
18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ”

Many Other OT Examples of Servanthood

ESV18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ”

Many Other OT Examples of Servanthood

Priest
Prophet
King
Laymen

Jesus Christ and Servanthood

The Primacy of This Role
Psa
Psalm 46:1 ESV
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 54:4 ESV
4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 121:1 ESV
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
ESV28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 ESV
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 22:26 ESV
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
ESV26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
Jesus Himself gave us this example to follow
John 13:13–17 ESV
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Luke 22:26 ESV
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
ESV13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
What does Jesus say?
Early Church / Paul?
A servant of God
ESV4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
2 Corinthians 6:4 ESV
4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
ESV3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
2 Timothy 1:3 ESV
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
A servant of Jesus Christ
ESV1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
Romans 1:1 ESV
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
ESV10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 ESV
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
ESV1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Philippians 1:1 ESV
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
A servant of the gospel
ESV7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:7 ESV
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
ESV23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:23 ESV
23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
A servant of the church
ESV5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Why Super Service Sunday?

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
partnering in preaching

Fellowship in mission

standing together in adversity
Effectiveness in Mission Together
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
spiritual gifts given to share

Fellowship in mission

Partnership in preaching the gospel
Galatians 2:9 ESV
9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Mark 10:7 ESV
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
Luke 10:1–2 ESV
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
Philippians 1:5 ESV
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Php
ESV9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
See also ; ;
in prayer

Supporting the work of others

in action
because the work is great
because the workers are few
; The Philippians share in Paul’s work through their giving.See also ; ; ;
Standing together in adversity
Hebrews 10:32–34 ESV
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
See also ; ; ;
to help us endure
2 Corinthians 1:7 ESV
7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
See also ; ; ;
to bring one another comfort

Fellowship between Paul and his co-workers

Philippians 1:27–30 ESV
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
to share in suffering
ESV3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:14 ESV
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Barnabas:

Hebrews 11:25 ESV
25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
; ; ; –29Ro 16:3 Priscilla and Aquila; Urbanus; Timothy; Titus; Epaphroditus; Philemon; Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke

Effectiveness in Mission Together

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
1 P
ESV12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
See also
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 ESV
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Spiritual gifts are given to all to share
ESV7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7 ESV
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
for common good
See also ; ;
Romans 12:4–8 ESV
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:14–20 ESV
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
because we are incomplete on our own

What does this have to do with you?

ESV21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Accepting one another’s ministries

ESV7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles),
See also ; ;

Examples of sharing in different roles

; –8See also ; ;

Examples of working together in fellowship

ESV9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
See also the Reubenites and the Gadites join with the rest of Israel to conquer Canaan; all Israel unites against Gibeah; Those returning from exile work together to rebuild the temple; The Israelites work together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; Peter and Andrew, James and John are business partners.

What does this have to do with you?

Talents Gifts Given By God
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
differ

Talents / Gifts are given and sustained by God

develop
devoted
Talents are to be Accounted For

Talents / Gifts are given and sustained by God

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Talents differ
Matthew 25:15 ESV
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 ESV
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Talents need to be developed
2 Timothy 1:6 ESV
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
Talents are to be devoted to God
For His glory
1 Peter 4:11 ESV
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
For the good of others
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Ephesians 4:12 ESV
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Gifts / Talents are to be accounted for

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Matthew 25:19 ESV
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Your servanthood?

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:21 ESV
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matt
James 2:18–26 ESV
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Matthew 7:16–20 ESV
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Mat 7.16-
Matthew 13:3–9 ESV
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”
John 15:1–17 ESV
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Your servanthood?

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Where are you serving?
Super Service Sunday
Job fair / fellowship Sunday

Servanthood / Service

When you think of serving in the local church what comes to mind?

Servants of God in the OT

Abraham

Patriarch of the faith
Leaves everything to follow God
Prays for the lost / Seeks to be hospitable
Refers to himself as God’s servant...
Genesis 18:5 ESV
5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
See also ; ; ;

Moses

Deliver of his people
Spokesmen for God
Giver of Law
Leader of people / administrative / counselor
Israel says Moses is God’s servant…
See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Exodus 14:31 ESV
31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Joshua

Warrior of Israel
Military commander
Leader of God’s People
defender of the faith / administration / strategic planning
God says of Joshua...
See also
Judges 2:8 ESV
8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years.

David

Shepherd
Least in fathers house
Great faith in God!
Song / dance / faith / writing / leadership
LORD pronounced David His servant...
See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
2 Samuel 3:18 ESV
18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ”

Many Other OT Examples of Servanthood

Preachers
Teachers
Evangelists
Works of Temple
etc.

Jesus Christ and Servanthood

Jesus Christ’s teaching on servanthood

The Primacy of This Role
Matthew 20:28 ESV
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 22:26 ESV
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
ESV24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Jesus Himself gave us this example to follow
John 13.13-
John 13:13–17 ESV
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Why is the role of being a servant so important …?

At some level we will be judged on our acts of service
Matthew 25:31–46 ESV
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Why is the Role of Servant so prominent…?

If we serve Jesus we serve God.
John 12:26 ESV
26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
It is through our service to Jesus that we are most closely united with Him
John 13:13–17 ESV
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
John 15:15 ESV
15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:20 ESV
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Parables on servanthood

; ; ; ;

Servants of God in the NT

ESV17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
See also ; ; ;

Paul as a servant

Romans 1:9 ESV
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
A servant of God
ESV17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
2 Corinthians 6:4 ESV
4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
See also ; ;
2 Timothy 1:3 ESV
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
A servant of Jesus Christ
Romans 1:1 ESV
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
See also ;
Galatians 1:10 ESV
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Philippians 1:1 ESV
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
A servant of the gospel
Ephesians 3:7 ESV
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
See also
Colossians 1:23 ESV
23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
A servant of the church
See also ;
2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Christian servanthood

Gifts of service

ESV10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
See also ; ; ;
Romans 12:7 ESV
7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
Romans 12:4–13 ESV
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Rom
1 Corinthians 12:5 ESV
5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
1 Corinthians 12:4–31 ESV
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
Ephesians 4:12 ESV
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Therefore

1 Peter 2:16 ESV
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Romans 12:1 ESV
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
James 2:14–26 ESV
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

How Then Should We Work?

1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Romans 12:11 ESV
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Colossians 3:23–24 ESV
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Col 3.

Examples of Outcome

ESV11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
See also ; ; ;
2 Corinthians 9:12–13 ESV
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
Ephesians 6:6–7 ESV
6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,
God will Reward us!
Colossians 3:22–24 ESV
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Revelation 2:19 ESV
19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

Christian leadership entails service

ESV2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
See also
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1 Peter 4:10 ESV
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Each has recieved a gift
what is your gift?
We are to use this gift (s) to serve one another
what are ways we can do this?
Inso-doing we are stewarding God’s grace
How is your stewardship going?

Fellowship in mission

Partnership in preaching the gospel

ESV9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
See also ; ;

Supporting the work of others

; The Philippians share in Paul’s work through their giving.See also ; ; ;

Standing together in adversity

ESV32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
See also ; ; ;

Fellowship between Paul and his co-workers

ESV3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Barnabas:

; ; ; –29Ro 16:3 Priscilla and Aquila; Urbanus; Timothy; Titus; Epaphroditus; Philemon; Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke

In fellowship different gifts are combined for effective service

ESV12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
See also

Spiritual gifts are given to all to share

ESV7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
See also ; ;

Recognising one another’s gifts

ESV21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Accepting one another’s ministries

ESV7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles),
See also ; ;

Examples of sharing in different roles

; –8See also ; ;

Examples of working together in fellowship

ESV9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
See also the Reubenites and the Gadites join with the rest of Israel to conquer Canaan; all Israel unites against Gibeah; Those returning from exile work together to rebuild the temple; The Israelites work together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; Peter and Andrew, James and John are business partners.

Servants of God in the OT

Abraham

ESV5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
See also ; ; ;

Moses

ESV31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Joshua

ESV8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years.
See also

David

ESV18 Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ”
See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Jesus Christ and servanthood

Jesus Christ’s teaching on servanthood

ESV24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
See also ; ; ; ;

Parables on servanthood

; ; ; ;

Servants of God in the NT

ESV17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
See also ; ; ;

Paul as a servant

A servant of God

ESV17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
See also ; ;

A servant of Jesus Christ

ESV1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
See also ;

A servant of the gospel

ESV7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
See also

A servant of the church

ESV5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
See also ;

Christian servanthood

Gifts of service

ESV10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
See also ; ; ;

Examples of service

ESV11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
See also ; ; ;

Christian leadership entails service

ESV2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
See also

The office of deacon was seen as a serving role:

;

Talents / Gifts are given and sustained by God

1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Why are you serving?

Skill, ability and knowledge given by God for the making of the Tent of Meeting:

How are you serving?
; ; ;
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Talents / Gifts are given and sustained by God

Talents differ
Matthew 25:15 ESV
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 ESV
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
1 Cor
See also ; ; ; ;
Talents need to be developed
ESV7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?Talents differ ESV15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.​ ESVNow there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.Talents need to be developed ESV6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,Talents are to be devoted to GodFor His glory​ ESV11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.For the good of others​ ESV10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:​ ESVto equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
2 Timothy 1:6 ESV
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
Talents are to be devoted to God

Talents are to be accounted for

For His glory
1 Peter 4:11 ESV
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
See also ; ; ; ; ; ;
For the good of others
ESV19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Ephesians 4:12 ESV
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Talents are to be accounted for

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:19 ESV
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:21 ESV
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
ESV21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matthew 7:16–20 ESV
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Matthew 13:3–9 ESV
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.”
John 15:1–17 ESV
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
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