Servant Leadership

The Example.

Jesus’ humble act of foot washing served as an example to the disciples.

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Philippians 2:7-8

At the point of salvation, Christian identity is as a servant of the Lord.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.John 12:26

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.Luke 9:23

An obedient follower makes an effective leader.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Matthew 20:26-28

The Attributes.

A servant leader loves those being led.

Genuine love leads to genuine service.

And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.2 Samuel 23:14-17

Serving someone you love brings joy.

A servant leader is grounded in humility.

We must not forget our beginning.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.Philippians 2:3

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.Mark 9:35

Leadership is not about the position, but about the person.

Don’t take credit for God’s work.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:1 Peter 5:6

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.2 Corinthians 10:17-18

A servant leader’s character is bound by integrity.

Followers must deem their leader as trustworthy.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.Hebrews 13:8

Integrity stems from obedience to God’s will.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1

A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.Psalm 26:1-2

The Call.

Don’t rely on your own ability and don’t resist God’s willingness to use you.

And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.Exodus 3:11-12

Finish strong that God may be glorified.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.Joshua 24:15

The Challenge.

Who are you leading?

Does your leadership sanctify and grow faith?