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 215

B. The Personal Dimensions: we are to deliberately make ourselves available to meet the needs and care for others in a spirit of love and humility.

1. We are called not to be concerned about our own interests, but to deliberately care for the needs and interests of others.

a. We must look to the interests of others, Phil. 2.3-4 – Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

b. We must seek not merely our own good, but that of our brothers and neighbors, 1 Cor. 10.24 – Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

2. Our servanthood is to include a sense of empathy, the ability to “put ourselves in the shoes of another,” Rom. 12.15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

3. We ought to do those things in service for others that edify them, that is, that encourages them in their spiritual lives in Christ, Rom. 14.19 – So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

4. Small, random acts of kindness and care can have dramatic impact on the lives of others

a. Matt. 10.42 – And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.