A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 5: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Charac ter : The Outward Di sc i p l i nes 211

3. The discipline of service is directly related to Jesus’ own identity as one who exercised his authority on behalf of the world through selfless service instead of rank, privilege, and pecking order, Matt. 20.25-28 – But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [26] It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, [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.”

4. Key texts

a. Service to others involves genuine humility, that like a child, Matt. 18.4 – Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

b. The greatest of all must become the one who is least of all.

(1) Mark 9.33-35 – And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” [34] But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. [35] And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (2) Luke 22.26 – But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

c. Giving is to be preferred over acquiring and receiving, Acts 20.35 – In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and