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

214

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

likeness of men. And being found in human form, [8] he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

d. Service as a discipline can be costly, even involving sacrifice, suffering, and loss.

Two metaphors frequently used of

leaders in both Testaments and embodied in Christ do have a prescriptive value for all Christian ministry. The first is the metaphor of a servant or slave (Luke 22.26). Samuel is instructed to use the term of himself (1 Sam. 3.9–10). Jesus is depicted as a servant in some of the messianic songs of Isaiah (Isa. 42; 49; 50; 53), and he came to earth in order to serve (Mark 10.45). Jesus’ servanthood is dramatically seen in his act of washing the feet of his disciples (John 13.1–15), and is eloquently expressed in Paul’s hymn of Christ (Phil. 2.6–11). One of Paul’s favored self-descriptions is that of the slave (Rom. 1.1). The primary direction of this relationship, in both Testaments, is towards God, but the relationship is expressed also in terms of the leader serving those who are led. ~ T. D. Alexander. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

(1) John 13.16-17 – 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. (2) Mark 10.45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (3) John 12.25-26 – Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [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. (4) John 15.20 – 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.

e. Servanthood is motivated by pleasing the Lord, and not for the sake of money, external reward, recognition, or by moods, whims, or accolades.

f. Leaders are especially challenged by the apostles to follow Jesus’ example of lowly service in their ministries on behalf of the members of the Church.