Servants - 6/15/08pm

II Timothy 2:24-25 -Instructions for a servant of the Lord
Romans 1:1 -Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ
James 1:1 -James refers to himself as a servant of Christ
II Peter 1:1 -Peter refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Jude 1:1 -Jude refers to himself as a servant of Christ
Revelation 1:1 -John refers to himself as a servant of Christ

We spend a fair amount of times talking about kings and rulers in the Bible. But it behooves us to take a look at their servants, and look to their examples.

Genesis 24:1-27 -Abraham’s servant: concern was for his master
-Journeyed from Canaan back towards northwest Mesopotamia
-Prayed for success on Abraham’s behalf, not for self
-Took care to be sure that he was doing what was right
-Worship God for His kindness to his master
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph as a servant to Potiphar
-Served faithfully, even though he was a slave: not bitter
-Was unwilling to sin against God and Potiphar, even to “get back”
-Fled the situation, but remained as a servant
-Other men punished him unjustly, but found favor with God
Job 1:1-22 -Job’s servant had opportunity to escape, but didn’t
-If 1st servant fled, assumption would be that Sabateans killed/took him
-If 2nd servant fled, assumption would be that the Chaldeans killed him
-If 3rd servant fled, assumption would be that died in the wind storm
II Kings 5:2-3 -Naaman’s wife’s servant girl: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:11-14 -Naaman’s servants: concern for master
-Would have been easy to not say anything
II Kings 5:15-22 -Gehazi’s concern was for himself
-Disregarded what Elisha said, and put own will first

Matthew 25:14-30 -Parable of the talents
Matthew 25:31-46 -Be a servant to God by serving others
Matthew 24:45-51 -Faithful and wicked servants, waiting for the master