The Servant of the Lord

Romans 1:1-3 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the
gospel of God.
Paul, much like Jesus who came not to be served but rather to serve others, knew that
every Christian must serve God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. This left
little time for anything else. Even in like manner, a soldier must not entangle himself in
the affairs and events in this life in order to please him who he serves. To be a constant
warrior there is little time for anything but practice, followed by more practice. The
Roman soldier warred in a unit. He also was trained to use a sword, shield, and march
countless miles. Of course this required much discipline on his part.
2 Peter 1:1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who have
obtained a faith that is as valuable as ours, a faith based on the approval that comes from
our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Peter, though he had the keys of the kingdom given to him directly from Jesus himself,
knew what it was to have a servant's heart. He never demanded respect or for others to
fall down to worship him. In fact, when Cornelius did so he told that man plainly that he
also was of flesh and blood, nothing special above any other man. Peter, who was the
spokesperson for the other apostles, was the first to oversee 3,000 converts baptized in
the name of Jesus, for the remission of their sins. He in no way ever described himself in
a lofty light, rather he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God; to be exalted only
in (God's) due time.
SERVANT
sur'-vant ('ebhedh; doulos): A very common word with a variety of meanings, all
implying a greater or less degree of inferiority and want of freedom: (1) The most
frequent usage is as the equivalent of "slave" (which see), with its various shades in
position (Gen 9:25; 24:9; Ex 21:5; Mt 10:24; Lk 17:7, and often); but also a hired
workman where "hired servant" translates Hebrew and Greek expressions which differ
from the above. (2) An attendant in the service of someone, as Joshua was the "servant"
the Revised Version (British and American) "minister" of Moses (Nu 11:28). (3) As a
'term of respectful self-depreciation referring to one's self, "thy servant." or "your
servant" is used in place of the personal pronoun of the first person: (a) in the presence of
superiors (Gen 19:2; 32:18, and often); (b) in addressing the Supreme Being (1 Sam 3:9;
Ps 19:11; 27:9; Lk 2:29, and often). (4) Officials of every grade are called the "servants"
of kings, princes, etc. (1 Sam 29:3; 2 Sam 16:1; 1 Ki 11:26; Prov 14:35, and often). (5)
The position of a king in relation to his people (1 Ki 12:7). (6) One who is distinguished
as obedient and faithful to God or Christ (Josh 1:2; 2 Ki 8:19; Dan 6:20; Col 4:12; 2 Tim
2:24). (7) One who is enslaved by sin (Jn 8:34).
2 Timothy 2:23-26 - But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,
knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must
not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that
they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are
taken captive by him at his will.
STRIFE, n. See Strive.
1. Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or
physical efforts. Strife may be carried on between students or between mechanics.
Thus Gods contended, noble strife, who most should ease the wants of life.
2. Contention in anger or enmity; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war.
I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon. Judges 12.
These vows thus granted, raised a strife above betwixt the god of war and queen of love.
3. Opposition; contrariety; contrast.
Artificial strife lives in these touches livelier than life.
The servant of the Most High God must not cause any contention, avoiding it whenever
possible by the grace of God. (Romans 16:17-18) "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark
them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
The word "mark" is from (skopeo) which means "to look at, behold, watch, contemplate;"
which is used metaphorically of "looking to." It is used (Romans 16:17) of a warning
against those who cause divisions, and in (Philippians 3:17) of observing those who walk
uprightly that Christians might choose to walk after the example of the apostle and his
fellow workers. In (Luke 11:35) (skopeo) is translated "take heed."
The word "avoid" is from (ekklino) which means, "to turn away from, to turn aside,
turning away from those who cause offences and occasions of stumbling, turning away
from division makers and errorists." It seems that we are enjoined to keep out of their
way and not fall in with them. Shun them, having nothing to do with them. It appears to
me that this would pretty much demand absolute avoidance. The reason is obvious. If a
quarrelsome person is left to himself he will soon have nobody with which to quarrel.
The people who oppose the truth of God's word are not opposing Christians, but in fact
themselves. This is all due in large part because they do not want to change. It's in the
hardness of their unrepentant hearts that they oppose the truth. Because of the hardness of
their hearts, they become an instrument in the hands of the evil one to cause strife.
There are many people who give God some of their service as a servant of His. These are
called thirty-fold Christians. While there are others who are a little more hotter, they try
to give God a large portion of their lives. This self-less sacrifice is known as sixty-fold
Christians. Lastly, there are those who are consecrated (To make Holy; die to self, or to
be sacrificed wholly unto the Lord God. To surrender or completely yield yourself). As
the hymn says, "All to thee my blessed saviour, I surrender all." These are the hundred-
fold Christians. Not better than the others, but simply blood bought and totally sold out to
Christ. Men like Daniel, King David and others come to mind when speaking of this
group. Are you one of these blessed ones? I sure hope so.