Servant Leadership Week 4

INTRODUCTION : 

We are in the last week of Servant Leadership, from a teaching aspect anyway, but the challenge is to continue to put the last few weeks into daily practice. 

Last week we talked a lot about getting to know people at a spiritual level and how that works in the community as God designed it.  Specifically, we used the 3 Step Philosophy of Ministry and Tom as my example (Thanks Tom!)

1.  Who are you?

2.  Where are spiritually?

3.  How can I help you take your next step?

The takeaway was to continue to focus on developing a servant’s heart in our own lives, as well as reproducing this same spirit in the lives of those we influence. Remembering that actions speak louder than words, that we are not setting an example so that others can be like us- we are setting an example so that others look like HIM. 

If we are truly to be like Jesus, we will be servants. Nevertheless, taking the initiative and implementing servanthood will be one of the most challenging disciplines we will experience as a disciple…challenging yet critical, since we can never expect to build a servant’s spirit into others unless we possess it and experience it ourselves.

This week we look at servanthood by identifying central areas in our lives in which we must actively cultivate a servant’s spirit and by taking specific steps that will demonstrate the reality of servanthood in our lives.

Let’s start with our main scripture today. 1 Peter 4:7-11

1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Truths can we learn from this passage

• Be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. There are things that can hinder your prayers that scripture speaks of. Here we see two things to keep in check.

• Of utmost importance, we are to persevere to love one another since love covers a multitude of sins. Love conquers sin. Thank goodness God covered our sin through His son because of His love for us.

• Show hospitality. Make people feel welcomed and cared for.

• Every believer receives gifts. Our gifts from God are not for us to use selfishly but to serve others.

• Using our gifts to serve others is good stewardship in God’s economy and reveals God’s varied grace in our lives. In an excerpt on manifold grace from Bob Hoekstra, he describes it this way:  “But the many-faceted aspects of the grace of God, the manifold grace of God just goes on and on: Grace for forgiveness; grace to grow up; grace for service; grace for fruit; grace for obedience; grace for victory; grace for wisdom and insight; grace in relating to people; grace for ministering to the family; grace on the job; grace at church; grace applied to new problems we never ran into before. This is the manifold grace of God.”

• The passage wraps with a reminder that in everything, God gets the glory not us. 

So how does this tie into servant leadership and ministry?

• How about this…a character list for being a servant leader… self-controlled, a sound mind, one who seeks the best for others, provides for, encourages and loves above all else and generously shares their gifts.

• Consider not only what are you good at, but what are you capable or willing to do/learn/offer to help others.  

• It is more than just finding out what your spiritual gift is, but being willing to obey and serve whenever and wherever needed.  Even if you don’t feel qualified, equipped or ready.  

• Don’t do anything to elevate your status with man- but everything should be done with humility, and all for the glory of God. 

• Seek areas that make you uncomfortable- push outside your comfort levels to meet someone's needs, to encourage someone, to just show someone the love of Jesus.

Sounds challenging doesn't it…then again it's been a while since I threw a “personal challenge” out there!

Now lets chat about a few potential obstacles to servant leadership.

This is not an exhaustive list but I bet you can relate to a few of these…

• Time and/or focus

• Self-centeredness- focusing on yourself instead of others. Sometimes we have our own agendas that we are not willing to sacrifice. 

• Fear or timidity

• Passivity - someone else will do it

• Prideful thinking- believing certain things are “below” you or that someone else is of lower value

CONCLUSION:

Be humble. Easier said than done sometimes. 

Look for opportunities to serve. Cultivate the characteristics of a Godly attitude as we serve others.

We have been called to follow Jesus, his example and to be all-in,  holding nothing back from him.  This includes obedience in serving others through sacrifice- some really big, some really small. Just as God cares more about our hearts/character, we too do the same and through love, mercy, forgiveness, service, etc… We can teach and lead others to follow the same path.

Next week we will move into 4 weeks of study on Modeling Christ. Each of us models character to others, so we will look at what we are modeling and ask the question: what am I modeling to others?

Thoughts/Questions To Consider:

How have you personally experienced God’s varied grace?

What does it mean to be a good steward of God’s grace from this passage and others you may recall?