February 17, 2008 Summit PM

Living As Servants For Christ?

Introduction

A Focus - a statement made by Paul in introduction of Romans.

            1. Rom.1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus".

                        a. Term often used to describe a Christian.

                                    Gal.1:10 - one who pleases God

                                    Col.4:12 - Epaphras a fellow worker with Paul.

                        b. Though a common term - do we understand its implications?

            2. Answer question - Am I walking as a servant of Christ?

B. Pray

 

I. Many Great Men Of God Are referred To As His Servants - Slaves

            A. Moses - Deut.34:5 - Moses the servant of the Lord died

                               Mal.4:4 - remember the Law of my servant Moses

            B. Joshua - Joshua 24:29 - after these things Joshua the servant of the Lord died

            C. David - 2 Sam.3:18 - God says of David - by my servant David I will rescue

            D. The prophets - Amos 3:7 - God does nothing without 1st telling His servants

                                                                        the prophets

                                         Jer.7:25 - I sent you my servants the prophets

            E. NT uses - Peter - 2 Peter 1:1 - Peter a servant of Christ

                                 James - James 1:1 - James a servant of God

                                 All Christian believers - Acts 2:18 - upon whom Spirit comes.

 

II. What Does It Mean To Be A Slave (Servant) Of Christ?

            A. Use of the word in their culture.

                        1. Term - "dulos" - a bond servant; one devoted to another to the

disregard of one's own interests.

                        2. A bond servant was- The total possession of his master.

                                    a. Existed for no other reason than for his master

                                    b. At his disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

                                    c. Everything - even his own will belonged to his master

                                                (no personal ambitions, rights - totally subservient )

            B. Make application to our relationship with Jesus.

                        1. Do we see ourselves as being totally owned by Jesus?

                                    a. 1 Cor.6:19,20 - body His temple - not our own - bought

                                                   1) Bought - redeem, buy back, ransom, take out of pawn

                                                2) Rev.5:9 - with His blood He purchased all men

                                    b. Point - Outside of Christ - owned by Satan - are his slaves

                                    c. Question - Does our life reveal that Jesus owns us?

                                                1) Our focus in life, where use time, talents?

                                                2) 2 Tim.2:3,4 - serve as a soldier - totally focused

                        2. Do we see ourselves as existing solely for purpose of serving Jesus?

                                    a. Jn.12:23-26 - servant must follow me

1) Will be where I am – in the will of God

2) Will do what I am doing! Lose life to be fruitful

                                    b. Do we serve Him wholeheartedly?

                                                1) Eph.6:6-8 = as servants of Christ serve wholeheartedly!

                                                2) Col.3:22-24 - work with all your heart - as for the Lord

                                    c. Do we see ourselves as having no personal rights?

                                                1) Only what Jesus wants matters!

                                                2) Scriptures

                                                            a) Gal.2:20 - crucified - I no longer live!

                                                            b) 2 Cor.5:14,15 - all died so no longer live for self!

                                                3) Are we totally seeking God's will in our lives?

                                                            a) Decisions make based upon His principles?

                                                            b) Continually searching the word for right path?

                                                            c) Even in hard times - not quit?

                        3. Are we striving to bring our will (thinking) into total submission?

                                    a. 2 Cor.10:3-5 - Paul's goal - every thought into obedience

                                    b. Always remember - our thoughts are not His!

                                                1) Isa.55:8 - my thought are not your thoughts

                                                2) We don't naturally do God's will

                                                            Col.1:21 - enemies in our minds - self serving!

                                                            Eph.2:1-3 - followed flesh's desires & thoughts

                                    c. Are we truly seeking God's wisdom?

1) Praying for it - James 1:5

2) Following the Spirit - Rom.8:12-14 - true sons follow

 

Conclusion

A. Remember - unless a slave of Jesus - we have no hope.

            1. Either be a slave to flesh & ultimately Satan - or of Christ

            2. Choice is ours - will be made by all

B. Pray