How can we be "a servant and witness" in our daily lives? The Call Defined “‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me.’ ” (Acts 26:16) Identity: Servant First, Witness Always • Servant—διάκονος, one who waits on another’s wishes. • Witness—μάρτυς, one who testifies to facts personally known. • Both roles flow from Christ’s direct appointment, not personal ambition (John 15:16). Heart Posture That Mirrors Christ Philippians 2:5-7: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… taking the nature of a servant.” • Humility replaces entitlement. • Obedience replaces selective compliance (John 14:15). • Compassion replaces indifference (Colossians 3:12-14). Daily Practices of a Servant • Prefer others in the small choices—choosing the less convenient task, listening before speaking (Romans 12:10). • Steward resources—time, skills, finances—to lift burdens (1 Peter 4:10). • Serve without spotlight: “Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Daily Practices of a Witness • Speak of personal encounters with Christ: what He has “done for you” (Mark 5:19). • Keep the gospel clear: Christ died, was buried, rose, and appeared (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Live visibly distinct: “Let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). • Be ready with gentle answers: “Always be prepared to give a defense… with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). • Relate the Word, not opinion: Scripture is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Power Source: The Spirit Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • Pray for filling before tasks begin (Ephesians 5:18). • Rely on divine boldness, not personality (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). • Expect fruit—conversion, conviction, comfort—because the Spirit honors the Word. Battling Common Roadblocks • Fear of rejection—remember 2 Timothy 1:7. • Busyness—redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Inconsistency—daily repentance keeps the testimony credible (1 John 1:9). Living It Out Today 1. Begin each morning by surrendering your agenda to Jesus. 2. Intentionally look for one person to serve and one moment to testify. 3. Record answered prayers and gospel conversations; review them to fuel gratitude. 4. Stay anchored in Scripture to refresh both message and motivation (Psalm 119:11). Encouragement to Persevere Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The Lord who called you “a servant and witness” stands with you as you walk it out each ordinary, gospel-charged day. |
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