Topical Bible: Servants: should Follow Christ's Example

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In the Christian faith, the concept of servanthood is deeply rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. Servants are called to emulate the example set by Christ, who is the ultimate model of humility, obedience, and selfless service. The Bible provides numerous passages that highlight the importance of following Christ's example in servanthood.

Christ as the Model Servant

Jesus Christ is portrayed as the quintessential servant throughout the New Testament. In Philippians 2:5-7 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to adopt the mindset of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage underscores the humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to take on the role of a servant for the sake of humanity.

The Call to Imitate Christ

Believers are called to imitate Christ's servanthood in their daily lives. In John 13:14-15 , after washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus instructs them: "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of washing feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest of servants, serves as a powerful illustration of the humility and service that Christ expects from His followers.

Servanthood in Action

The life of a servant, as modeled by Christ, is characterized by selflessness and a willingness to serve others. In Mark 10:43-45 , Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness: "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This passage highlights the countercultural nature of Christian servanthood, where greatness is measured by one's capacity to serve others.

The Role of Obedience

Obedience is a key aspect of following Christ's example as a servant. In Hebrews 5:8 , it is written, "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered." Christ's obedience, even unto death, serves as a profound example for believers. Servants of Christ are called to obey God's will, even when it involves personal sacrifice or suffering.

Servants and Love

Love is the driving force behind true servanthood. In John 15:12-13 , Jesus commands His followers: "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The love that Christ demonstrated through His sacrificial service is the standard for all believers. Servants are to love others selflessly, putting the needs of others before their own.

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit

Following Christ's example as a servant is not a task that believers undertake in their own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live out this calling. In Galatians 5:13 , Paul writes, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." The Holy Spirit enables believers to serve one another in love, fulfilling the law of Christ.

In summary, the call to servanthood is a central tenet of the Christian life, rooted in the example of Jesus Christ. Through humility, obedience, love, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to follow Christ's example and serve others selflessly.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... 3505] Is ill-will always stirred up against the servants of God ... 35. What could show
greater obedience than that we should follow Christ's example, "Who, being ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

A Servant of Servants
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 71 A Servant of Servants. ... the joy of seeing souls redeemed,
must follow His example ... I have given you an example, that ye should do as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
... What is all Christian living but following Christ afar off ... Leaving us an example,
that ye should follow His steps ... he was bidden to leave other servants' tasks to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the captive christ and the.htm

Christ's Transfiguration
... thy Lord, as well as of the glory that should follow? ... They should therefore beware,
and know when to speak ... hence to take your children, your servants, and those ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christs transfiguration.htm

The Equipment of the Servants
... Why should there not be the very same law in ... So as soldiers, pilgrims, servants,
the condition of doing our work ... If we follow the analogy of Scripture symbolism ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the equipment of the servants.htm

The Sin-Bearer.
... Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject ... hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered ... us an example, that ye should follow His steps ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the sin-bearer.htm

Preaching among the Heathen
... closed, and often, as God's servants have returned ... and preach unto you that ye should
turn from ... Paul and Barnabas sought to follow Christ's example of willing ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 18 preaching among the.htm

John Chapter xii. 26-Dec
... And those, therefore, are the servants of Jesus Christ, who seek not ... 1044] For "let
him follow me" is ... words, that all thought of self-seeking should be utterly ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate li john chapter xii.htm

The Manner in which Christ Served.
... is evident from the words which immediately follow, "And the ... young children to Him,
that He should touch them ... What a warning is this for all of God's servants. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/iii the manner in which.htm

V. ...
... but that they are to be only servants, and say ... But if it should be required of them,
they would soon ... shall receive an eternal crown, which shall follow it, if ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter v v .htm