Bondservants of Christ

Bondservants of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:1–11 NKJV

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Strengthen Christian Fellowship

Philippians 2:1 NKJV

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

Consolation in Christ: Encouragement to strengthen hope, faith, and peace.

Comfort of Love: Assurance of genuine love and support.

Fellowship of the Spirit: Active presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Cultivate Christian Joy

Philippians 2:2 NKJV

fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

The joy of the Christian worker is found in the joy of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. (John 3:29) The Christian worker’s joy is fulfilled through believers in the church:

Being like-minded: To think and feel alike due to common biblical views and values.

Having the same love: To share the same (agape) love, the love of Christ, for one another. (John 13:34-35)

Being of one-accord: United in spirit and harmony, in oneness of affection.

Being of one-mind: This is more than being like-minded. It means to be of “one” mind which is the ultimate display of unity.

Eliminate Carnal Pride

Philippians 2:3 NKJV

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

Carnal pride is the most corrosive attitude that undermines the joy of Christian fellowship. Carnal pride manifests through:

Selfish ambition: The electioneering for position. A strong drive for personal success without moral inhibitions.

Conceit: Vain glory, vanity, empty pride, carnal ego.

Embrace Genuine Humility

Philippians 2:3–4 NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Maintain a humble mindset. Humility is valuing or assessing yourself appropriately, especially in the light of your own sinfulness and human weaknesses.

Esteem others above yourself in honor: Honor others above yourself in preference.

Romans 12:10 (NKJV) “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;”

Look out for the needs of others: Do not to be self-consumed with your own desires, needs, struggles, and sufferings. Instead, look around and consider how to help others in their time of need, struggle, and suffering. Such care is the expression and cultivation of Christian love.

Develop the Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 NKJV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Know who you are in Christ (Identity)

Philippians 2:6 NKJV

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

Jesus did not struggle with His identity. He was equal with God. Nothing else could threaten who He was or His position with the Father.

Forget about your reputation (Reputation)

Philippians 2:7 NKJV

but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Reputation is who others think you are or judge you to be.

Forget about trying to build your name, fame, or brand. Lift up the name of Jesus!

If people go away talking about us, then we are building a reputation for ourselves. If people go away talking about the Master, then we are exalting His reputation.

Become a Bondservant

Deuteronomy 15:16–17 NKJV

And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you, then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.

Psalm 40:6–8 NKJV

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

The Hebrew word for “opened” is karah (Strong’s 3738) that means “to dig, excavate, dig through”, i.e., “pierce”. This is likely a reference to Jesus being a bondservant of the Father who came to do His will.

John 5:19 NKJV

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

John 12:49–50 NKJV

For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

The apostles regarded themselves as bondservants

Romans 1:1 NKJV

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

Philippians 1:1 NKJV

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

James 1:1 NKJV

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

2 Peter 1:1 NKJV

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Do Your Master’s Will

Galatians 1:10 NKJV

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Jesus was obedient to His Father to accomplish His will.

Jesus was on an assignment from His Father and He came to fulfill it until death, even death on the cross.

Embrace Kingdom Success

Matthew 20:25–28 NKJV

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John 13:3–5 NKJV

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

When you want to be great in the kingdom, be ready for Jesus to throw you a towel rather than a scepter and a crown!