Servant Leadership John 13:15(NKJV) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you
Old Testament Illustrations Lived by faith and believed in the promises of God Trusted in God without knowing that he would see the manifestation (example Abraham) Advanced to a prominent position because of their ability to serve (example Joseph) Relies on the divine resources of God (example Moses) Appreciates the sacrifices of others (example David) Personally involved and delegates responsibility for the good of the collective (example Nehemiah)
New Testament Illustrations Women with the alabaster box (Matthew 26:6-10) Willingness to pour out everything for the Kingdom of God Ananias (Acts 9:9-18) Willingness to serve God despite the prospect of suffering Willingness to trust God despite fear and doubt Willingness to serve others as they move into the destiny that God has for them no matter your personal perception of them Barbarous People of Melita (Malta) (Acts 28:1-2) Served others despite negative perceptions Received others with kindness no matter the differences (race, color, creed, sexuality etc.) In humility we must be willing through hospitality and service to make strangers acquaintances and enemies friends
Jesus Christ Humility in Servitude (John 13) Humility is the key to serving with the heart of God (In Context what concept is Jesus trying to get the apostles to understand in this text? What point is Jesus making in Mark 10:45 & John 13:5-17?) We are slaves to Christ. Servants of the most high. Jesus the (King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16) relinquished His privileges (Philippians 2:5-8) Man cannot reciprocate the extent of Jesus service toward us (Substitutionary Death Expiation and Propitiation) (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34; Matthew 27:48; John 19:39) The Minister of Life gave His life (substitutionary death) in place of those that deserved death. That unbelievers will not suffer the wrath of God Saints can experience and feel the love of God
Servant Leadership Serving in Humility (Philippians 2:1-5) Know ye what I have done to you? Christians serve with the heart of Christ to expose the works of the devil (John 13:2) What we learn from the Master is beneficial for our souls (Matthew 11:29; John 13:15) There is no tasks too small for leadership to perform in the Church for the body of the Church (John 13:4-5) Jesus actions epitomized Paul s epistle discourse. Jesus Servant Leadership brings clarity on how we can live out the Apostles message (Philippians 2:1-5) Knowing who you are in Christ removes the bondage and chains of the ego that prevents one from serving (John 13:3)
Servant Leadership Serving in Humility We must be willing to use all that God has blessed us with to serve others, no matter how exposed we become (John 13:5) Everyone will not understand your purpose in serving (John 13:8) Servant Leadership does not entitle one to be lifted up above those that one serves (John 13:16) Those who lack the heart to serve cannot claim sonship through Christ Jesus (John 13:18) We have no part in Christ If we understand we have been washed by Him (internally) than it must show in our outward affections one to another Preeminence in the body of Christ means that one has the willingness to serve as a slave (Matthew 20:26-27)
Servant Leadership Serving in Humility Showing humility and love for the brethren must be more than words (1 John 3:18) Jesus us wants us to serve in humility by Behaving in the manner in which He behaved Foot washing was not done by Jesus to institute a Church ritual but as an example of the willingness to perform the lowliest task to serve the brethren
Walking as a Servant Leader Servant Leaders are willing to be a slave for God A Good Servant Leader creates an atmosphere of devotion to the Lord and not man (Deuteronomy 15:15-17) Lifestyle: Servant must first serve Serves in a manner that pleases God, not a man pleaser Biblical Servanthood incorporates a deep-rooted and passionate feeling for serving God (Ephesians 3:17) Intercessor in prayer Authentic servant attitude toward serving God and His people Biblical Servanthood has its foundation in service to God and stands ready to serve God s people and lead others Attitude: Humility Bridges the generational, racial, economic, and other demonic divides that plague the Church
Summary Servant Leaders have Christ-centric approach to all aspects of their lives Servant Leaders serve with a Christ-centric love (Philippians 2:1) Servant Leaders look out for the best interest of others above their own (Philippians 2:4) Servant Leaders do everything in lowliness of mind (Humility) (Philippians 2:3) Servant Leaders develops others to serve the Lord (Discipleship) (John 13:15) Servant Leaders must ask themselves this question (Would I have been willing to carry the Cross of Jesus?) Mark 15:21