Learning How to live as Servants

Good morning! I’m glad you are able to join us today.

Last week we began a New Series in the Book of Philippians on how to live as a community in times of trials. In chapter one we explored how to live as if God is in Control. We talked about how easy it is to use the phrase “God is in Control” but to actually say it-means that ‘We’ are ‘Not’ in ‘Control.’ To help us along the way we also talked about having the same priorities as that of Christ Jesus and how that leads to peace, giving us confidence that Indeed says, God is in Control.

Today we are going to talk about being united in service, serving as Jesus served.

There are literally Tens of thousands decisions made every day right now in regard to the Covid-19 virus. We have seen an increase in protests against some of the decisions that have been made, causing disunity; disharmony.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of opinions as to what could have been done and what should be done, and there is, “what you would have done.” Is anyone absolutely 100% correct, or have the best solutions? in My opinion, no, but then others may think differently. It all comes down to our own personal perspective and point of view. This can often bring disunity in community’s, churches, family, and the work force… even in our neighborhoods. This the world we live in.

On the other hand there is one area where there appears to be no disunity at this time - that is in the service of those in our medical field.

Why is their empathy by all in what they are doing? Why is there such praise for what they are doing? because their purpose is unified. They do what they do because they chose to serve others - to care for the well being of every person, regardless of race, culture, or age!

Unless you think I’m being bias or that our medical workers are perfect, let me define what I mean by unity… Unity comes as a result of one in purpose. The purpose is clear.

The purpose of a court of law is justice. It is not a perfect system, but it purpose is justice.

Many people think Unity is “Uniformity” In other words, it is people who think and act just like you do and if they don’t, we think, well when they come around, there will be unity. That’s not unity… that’s selfishness and wishful thinking. Uniformity does not mean that there cannot be unity. It means that people will have differences of opinions and how to do things, but in the end, the main purpose is what it is about.

The Church’s purpose is about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, who came to this earth in the form of a man, and lived a human life without sin; he paid the price for our sins, because we cannot live a perfect life; and he rose again, defeating the penalty of sin, which is death… separation from God.

For the three days that Jesus was in the Grave, he was separated from God. He was then and always will be the ONLY one who could defeat Satan and death, so that we could have a New and Healthy Relationship with God by Faith. This is all possible because of the way Jesus came to serve God’s purpose.

As we look at Jesus and those serving on the front lines in the medical field, they…

They set for us an example of unselfishness and a willingness to serve in such a way that it will benefit all those in need.

Today we want to talk about “How to live as Servants” by looking at the life of Jesus and how he served.

Paul is addressing the church at Philippi from his jail cell in Rome. You might say he was quarantined. The church had been kind to him and sent him some much needed provisions. He is writing back to them, giving them thanks, but also addressing some disunity that exists among them.

We know there is some disunity because of the statement made in Philippians 4:2

Philippians 4:2 NIV

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

There were some problems, and it appears it came about from pride and selfishness. What would unite them? Paul gives us the answer in Philippians 2:1-11 Let me read it for you...

Philippians 2:1–11 NIV

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What Unites us is focusing on the same purpose for the benefit of all people.

In these verse we see 4 things that will help us all be better servants

Be like-minded (2:2)

What does it mean to “Be like minded?”

It might be political

It might be Spiritual

If you look at it from these two points of view, it means is you have the similar principles and opinions.

What matters are not our difference, but the centrality of our purpose. In the case of the church in Philippi, Paul reminds them that the purpose of the church is to be a light for Jesus, making our love for Him and his love for us known to all people.

The problem in the church at Philippi was there were some who where proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with false motives. (1:15) - Some preach Christ from envy or rivalry, but others of good will…) They were not like minded.

Paul says in verse 18 “Whether in pretense or truth, Christ proclaimed, is what I rejoice in.”

We know that at times the church has had to face issues of what kind of music is play … what type of sermon is preached. We all have preferences.

But the purpose of being Disciples, who make disciples, - Going into the world to make Christ known is the role of he church.

This past week I met one of my neighbors from a few streets down for the first time. We were talking about churches and how they are communicating the gospel at this time and the topic of another church came up and he said, “I attended once, but it was too loud.” I can understand his concern… However, i have a former parishioner who is in their mid 80’s who attends there and he says the same thing, but he goes because fo the purpose of reaching people for Christ. The first thing he does when he enters the sanctuary is put in his ear plugs.

What matters to this person in his 80’s is that the Gospel is being proclaimed.

He also speaks highly of Trout Lake Camp because it was their that the man who became his Son-in-law accepted Jesus as his savior. He can even point to the bench they were sitting on when this took place. Much to his joy.

There are always different ways to do things, but in the case of the church, the primary purpose is that Jesus is the One and Only Divine Sone of God who gave his life so that our sins could be forgiven and we can have eternal life. That’s what being like minded is about. Having the same purpose.

What makes for a unified church or marriage or business practice? The centralized purpose.

Uniformity is not the goal, Unity is the goal and that comes about by having the same purpose in mind, being like minded, knowing that there will be different ways of doing the same thing, but it may not be liked by all.

To be a servant who is like minded means to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” (vs. 3)

The Key to being like minded is having the same love for others as God has for you. The Purpose of Jesus coming to this earth was to restore our sinful, broken relationship with a Holy and Righteous God. Jesus sacrificial service made that possible. He is Our Example and that’s what Paul is writing about. Look at how He served.

The second principle in learning how to serve is to do so with a humble spirit.

Be Humble (2:3)

(Verse 3) - In humility, value others above yourself, not looking to your own interest, but each of you to the interest of others.

If you are having problems with how others serve or do things… Or if you think you are above doing what some would call a menial task… then think again… Listen to what Paul says about Jesus in regard to humility...

Verse 6.... Who being the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.

This is an illustration of supreme condescension. Jesus was willing to be considered among the lowliest of the lowest in regard to all things. He did not look at his position as the Son of God, being one with God something to be grasped. He knew what it meant to be One with God because he was God (John 1:1-3)

The New Living Translation puts it this way. “He gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 says it well…

2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Imagine the most wealthy person of prominence you can…

It could be anyone in your own spear of thinking. Maybe an athlete, a politician, and business person… A Neighbor… Someone whom you respect and is wealthy…

Imagine that this person’s home is 8 bedrooms, with 10 bathroom, a 15 stall Garage, with the first ever Chevy Corvette made in one stahl and the latest model of the Corvette in another, with every other car you can imagine. Money is not issues, but he sees you without a job; without a home, no transportation, living on the street. To be humble is to give up everything for the sake of another.

This person responds by saying, I’ll take your place. You can have my mansion, my cars, everything that is in my bank account and i’ll take your place.

Humility isn’t saying you are unimportant, it is simply saying someone else is more important. That’s what matters. That’s what Jesus did.

Look at verse 3… “But in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Pause - Note Paul isn’t just addressing ‘One’ person. He is speaking to the entire body of believers) He continues, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others. Having this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

You matter more to Jesus than anything else. His humility, said, “I’m willing to serve, even if that means I will die.”

That’s what those serving in the hospital during this pandemic are doing… that’s what people who are making worship opportunities possible for you are doing; that what servanthood is all about… WE can be the best servants by asking God, what do i need to do; what can I do; what should I do so that others will know Jesus?

For Paul, even if that meant being in prison, he was willing. It doesn’t matter what others think or do, what matters is what you do and what God thinks of what you do.

You see, true humility doesn’t think less of yourself. True humility simply thinks of yourself ... less. You have less time for selfies, for personal updates in social media, for hair appointments or mirror glances, less time for plotting how to get your way. Why? Because you are busy serving others. It’s not that you become a doormat, to be used and abused, with no life of your own. It’s simply that you learn to value others before yourself. You live by the acronym JOY: Jesus, Others, and then You.

For Jesus, He ‘Humbled’ Himself. He is one with God; he is a Servant of everyone and he willing obeyed God for your sake and mine. Obedience is the third principle in learning how to serve

Be Obedient (2:8)

We don’t always like what we are directed to do; many times we may think it doesn’t really even apply to me. But when it comes to the Authority of God and what he asks us to do, what he has created us to do, obedience is essential!

I called to cancel a Chiropractor appointment last week because I thought it might not be essential, even though my back told me other wise. But I was informed they were considered an essential service. So I rescheduled it for this past Wednesday.

I had been hearing on the News that even though traffic is down, speed is up and the accidents are much more series right now.

Well when I went to merge on Hwy. 10 going to my appointment I found myself doing 80 MPH just to get in the flow of traffic!

What they said on the News was true. Just because there is less traffic people feel they can drive faster.

It’s not like there is anyone of us listening who hasn’t gone over the speed limit, but their are limits for a reason. It as to do with the quality of the roads; the amount of traffic, the area you are in, what is safe or isn’t safe.

Obedience is the principle of doing what is right, no matter what. Jesus was willing to do what was necessary, even though he was and is One with God. He was willing to be obedient to the point of death on the cross.

In learning how to serve, Jesus sets the best example and it applies to every person and ever aspect of our lives.

Jesus said, Mark 10:45

Mark 10:45 NIV

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Learning to serve like Jesus means I want to be like minded; I am willing to humble myself for others; I will obey God, for that is right. It all comes down to the final principle which summarizes what it means for us to be a servant… Phil 4:2

Philippians 4:2 NIV

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Be Christ Minded (4:2)

Remember the initials WWJD back in the mid 90’s?

In a former place of ministry there was a guest Missionary who came to visit. Every time I see or hear the initials WWJD … I think of him, because when he was speaking to the church he said,

“Growing up on the farm, everything was about John Deer farm equipment. So when I first saw the initials WWJD he said, I had to ask, why would people want to know What Would John Dear do. After all, nothing runs like a John Deer.”

Of course we have come to know it as the phrase What Would Jesus do...

What would Jesus do during this global pandemic?

Paul is clearly telling us… Serve in such a way that people see the blessing of God’s love through the church… we are the church. We are not a building… we are a people in neighborhoods, isolated, but not alone.

Here is what he is doing…

He is proclaiming His truth through mass media. In Matthew 24:14 we read this

Matthew 24:14 NIV

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Is your life reflecting the same Love that Jesus has for you? Are you willing to humble yourself in ways that may put you at risk, but you are doing it for the purpose of Proclaiming Jesus. Jesus calls us to care for the sick, for those who are hungry, and for those in prison. He commands us to make disciples, to proclaim the Good News.

In 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

This is a great time for us to practice patience and be careful… Careful in how we reflect the truth of God’s word in Love for all people; to help the best we can, under the guidelines we have been given.

What can you do?

Continue to send a letter or e-mail those who are in our nursing home.

Make a phone call when you think about others.

serve in areas where there are needs, where the guidelines of social distancing are being practice.

be creative in how you can connect with others while still following the social distancing guidelines. Here is just one idea… As a church we have ordered some yard signs which say “Braham area Churches are praying for you.” There will also be some for Cambridge. If you would like one, contact the church office by phone or e-mail. The cost is $3 a sign. You can find all our contact information on our webpage Stanchfieldbaptist.com

Here is one more. Since the weather is turning nicer, designate an evening between 6 pm and 7pm. sit in your driveway and greet others who walk or drive by. IF you chose to purchase a yard sign if may be a conversation starter for you.

I don’t know what your service looks like or will look like, but I want to encourage you to look at the lifestyle of Jesus the Apostle Paul talks about and ask the Lord to lead you in serving others to the best of your ability… knowing that God is in Control and he has called us to help others.

Conclusion …

Joy is the Theme of Philippians. Even when Paul was quarantined, he found reasons to rejoice. One of them was knowing his purpose while in prison. To serve making Jesus known by his lifestyle.

The end results will be that Jesus will be exalted.