THE INFLUENCE OF A SERVANT

Introduction:

If there is no salt and light, a society characterized by savage violence and the darkness of depravity and deception will deteriorate and ultimately self-destruct. Following the teaching on the beatitudes, Christ gives his disciples a sobering admonition about their influence on the world, society, and culture. Christ says that servants are to be salt and light; notice there is no like or as found in these verses. Christ says that we are salt and we are light. As this lesson looks at salt and light, notice how they are parallel in their construction:

“You are the salt of the earth” the salt must retain its saltiness

“You are the light of the world” the light must be allowed to shine

Immediately following the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus describes 2 unique ways the life of a servant affects the world for good:

I.“Salt of the Earth”

A.Previously, in the Beatitudes,the emphasis of Christ’s teaching was on the plural, or the “they.” Now, beginning in verse 13, there is a shift to the usage of a much more pointed and singular “you.”

B.What did the term “salt” mean to these disciples?

Stuart Briscoe, A Study of the Sermon on the Mount, says, “For them, salt was not something in a shiny silver shaker on the dinner table. It was a preservative, vital to their way of life. Once they caught a fish, they had to get it to market. The only way to get it there in marketable condition was to salt it down…Salt arrested corruption; it keep fish fresh and edible.”

C.What does “salt” do in the life of a believer:

1.Salt acts as a preservative - the presence of true servants in this dying world acts as a preserving agent to arrest or curb corruption.

2.Salt creates thirst - a servant’s unselfish lifestyle can cause others who are perishing to thirst for Christ’s living water.

3.Salt adds flavor

a.William Barclay says,

“Food without salt is a sadly insipid and even a sickening thing.Christianity is to life what salt is to food.Christianity lends flavor to life. The tragedy is that so often people have connected Christianity with precisely the opposite.They have connected Christianity with that which takes the flavor out of life…There should be a sheer sparkle about the Christian but too often he dresses like a mourner at a funeral, and talks like a spectre at a feast.Wherever he is, if he is to be the salt of the earth, the Christian must be the diffuser of joy.”

b.Salt does add flavor, but its also obscure. No one ever says, “Wow, this is good salt!” No, instead they might say, “Wow, this food is tasty.” There is a nugget of truth here: salt is not meant to be seen, as a servant is not serving to be recognized.

D. The more pure in character we become, the stronger our influence. The more we contaminate ourselves with the impurities of worldly attitudes and actions, the less influence and use we will have as salt.

E. Always remember that salt is shaken, not poured. In other words, spread yourself out so that you’re touching the lives of non-Christians; don’t simply pour yourself into the church and other church-related activities. Christians who clump together with other Christians, never reaching out into society, tend to become petty and distasteful.

II.“Light of the World”

A.Does it seem important to you that Christ calls us what He called Himself?

B.What does “light” do in the life of a believer?

1.Light dispels darkness - our Christlike character can’t be hidden or limited; Christianity is something which is meant to be visible.

2.Light is silent - the brightness with which we shine as light, depends on the quality of our good works; no words here

3.Light gives direction - others are to see the way to Christ through the light that is reflected in the life of the believer. Jesus said that others are to “see” our actions but nothing is said of their hearing.

4.Light attracts attention - Christlikeness will attract attention whether you like it or not; unbelievers are drawn to that light in such an irresistible fashion.

One of the 20th century’s most gifted expositors (at least I think so) emphasizes the truth of light in the Christian life:

“As we produce and reveal it in our daily lives, we must remember that the Christian does not call attention to himself. Self has been forgotten in this poverty of spirit, in the meekness and all the other things. In other words, we are to do everything for God’s sake, and for His glory. Self is to be absent, and must be utterly crushed in all its subtlety, for His sake, for His glory…It follows from this that we are to do these things in such a way as to lead other men to glorify Him, and glory in Him, and give themselves to Him.‘Let you light so shine before me, that they may see your good works.’ Yes; and so see them that they will themselves glorify your Father; you are to do so in order that these other people may glorify Him also.”

III.ACTION THAT WE NEED TO TAKE

A.Since God has called us to be His salt-and-light servants in a bland, dark society, it will be necessary for us to commit ourselves to the task that is before us.

B.Salt must not lose it taste, light must not be hidden – in order for us to keep these truths in focus we must remember:

1.“I am different”

2.“I am responsible”

3.“I am influential”

PORTRAIT OF A SERVANT

E. A servant is…merciful (5:7)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

1. This term conveys an offering of help for those who hurt and those who suffer under the distressing blows of adversity and hardship. Literally, it means to get right inside the other person’s skin…it is sympathy that comes from a deliberate identification with the other person, until we see things as they see things.

2. Listen to the words of the Apostle whom Jesus loved. Truly he knew what love was about. 1 John 3:17 says, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

3. Promise: Those who reach out and demonstrate mercy will, in turn, receive it. Those who remain detached, distant, and disinterested in others will receive the same treatment. Remember that Christ did this very thing; he got inside our skin to make it possible for Him to see life through our eyes with all the pain and anguish we suffer under the curse of sin.

F. A servant is…pure in heart (5:8)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

1. This character quality emphasizes the inner man. It implies not simply doing things right, but doing things right for the right reasons. The term “pure” literally means “clean.” It carries the idea of being uncontaminated, without corruption or without alloy.

2. The hypocrites and religious leaders of Jesus’ day may have portrayed a “pure in heart” look on the outside, but on the inside they were not so pure. In Matthew 23 we find one of the most severe rebukes ever directed towards the Pharisees. In contrast with the eight beatitudes, Christ delineates eight woes against the Pharisees which prove to be an antithesis of true servanthood (this would be a good later study to dive into).

3. The one thing that Christ despised the most among those who claim to be servants of God was hypocrisy. Here are four characteristics of the phony Pharisees:

a. They were big on rules and little on godliness.

b. They were big on externals and little on internals.

c. They were big on public commands and little on personal obedience.

d. They were big on appearance and little on reality.

4. Promise: the pure in heart will see God for who he really is. The Pharisees and other religious leaders could not see who Jesus really was because they were wearing the mask of hypocrisy. Servants who are “pure in heart” have pulled off their masks.

G. A servant is…a peacemaker (5:9)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

1. This is the only time in the entire NT that this word peacemaker appears In order to better understand the meaning of this term, its best to described what it is not:

a. It does not mean to avoid all conflicts and confrontations.

b. It does not mean to be laid back, easy going, and relaxed.

c. It does not mean to be passive, compromising convictions when surrounded by other who don’t agree.

d. It does not mean a ‘peace at any price’ philosophy.

2. First, a peacemaker is a servant who is at peace with himself, internally at ease, not agitated, ill-tempered, and in turmoil. Second, a peacemaker finds no pleasure in being negative, is accepting and tolerant, and works hard to settle arguments, not start them.

3. Solomon gives some advice on peacemakers:

a. They build up (Prov.14:1)

b. They watch their tongues and heal rather than hurt (Prov.16:24)

c. They are slow to anger (Prov.16:32)

d. They are humble and trusting (Prov.28:25)

4. Promise: they will be called sons (children) of God. Few things are more godlike than peace. When we promote it, pursue it, model it, we are linked directly with Him.

H. A servant is…persecuted for righteousness (5:10)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

1. Wrong treatment inevitable comes upon those who do right. Notice how the text implies that they will be persecuted, not “if” they are persecuted. Look at the couple of verses that follow on the heels of Matthew 5:10.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mt.5:11-12; ESV)

2. There are times when the only way for servants to make it through such severe times without becoming bitter is by focusing on the ultimate rewards.

3. Promise: the Christian will be “blessed” when he endures with patience through such difficult times.



Concluding Thoughts:

We’ve studied in close detail each of the eight Beatitudes presented in Matthew 5. Combined, they form a grand portrait of servanthood, of what Jesus wants us to be when we grow up. Step up close and look one last time at each of the qualities: poor in spirit, mourner, gentle, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaker, persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Memorize their individual nuances and shapes. Imitate their emphases. Internalize their truths until your servanthood becomes as authentic as the Master’s, whose signature is on this portrait.

The Portrait of a Servant, Part I by Jeremy Shaffer

Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We have all been asked this question as children.Many of the answers are occupations like: a policeman, fireman, movie star, singer, a doctor, or maybe a professional ball player. Let’s take this same question and ask it in a different manner.“What does Jesus want you to be when you grow up?” Jesus would give the same answer to all of us: “I want you to be different.” Can you ever recall anyone saying that when they grow up they want to be a servant? Unfortunately the world looks at the word “servant” in a completely different way than Christ does. Who would not want to be a servant of the King? Christ set the supreme example for us in Matthew 20:28 saying, “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)

Today’s lesson,The Portrait of a Servant is a primer on what Christ expects of a servant.In fact, Christ Himself, in the Beatitudes, gave eight character qualities that ought to be evident in the life of every true servant. Before analyzing the Beatitudes,we must first recognize that Jesus commands all servants to be different, and second, we will make some general observations about the Beatitudes that will help us to better understand them.


I. JESUS’ COMMAND FOR ALL SERVANTS: BE DIFFERENT!

A. The grand theme for the Sermon on the Mount is to be different!

B. Notice that pattern of the Sermon on the Mount. Christ states the religious practices of the day, and then He instructs his servants to be different.

1. Matthew 5:21-22, “you have heard...but I say to you…”

2. Matthew 5:27-28, “you have heard…but I say to you…”

3. Matthew 5:33-34, “Again, you have heard…but I say to you…”

4. Matthew 5:38-39, “You have heard…but I say to you…”

5. Matthew 5:43-44, “You have heard…but I say to you…”

C. In Matthew 6, Christ further explains how his servants (disciples) were to be different. They were to be different when…

1. They gave to the needy (6:2)

2. When they prayed (6:5)

3. When they fasted (6:16)

D. The key verse in the entire Sermon: Matthew 6:8, “Do not be like them...”

E. This lesson of being different plays on the last lesson entitled, Thinking Like a Servant Thinks. How are we to de different? By implementing the principle of Romans 12:2, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” If we are going to be different it must first start with a “mind remolding,” we must change our thinking.


II. 3 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE BEATITUDES:

A. These are 8 character traits that identify true servanthood.

1. We are not free to pick and choose which traits we like and then implement them into our servant mold; it’s not multiple choices.

2. It’s about balance.Having all of these character traits interwoven in our servant mold is what Christ wants from his servants.

B. These traits open the door to inner happiness.

1. These traits are considered more of an “attitude.”

2. Jesus offers fulfillment like nothing else on earth. Study how each begins with the word “blessed” (literally = “happy”).This is the only time that Christ used this word eight consecutive times. Do you think he was trying to emphasize something? Those who enter into these attitudes will find lasting happiness.

C. Attached to each character trait is a corresponding promise.

III. PORTRAIT OF A SERVANT

A servant is…

A. A servant is…poor in spirit (5:3)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

1. We are not talking about poor in a financial sense or even according to the world’s standards.

2. This is an attitude of complete humility; seeing oneself as spiritually bankrupt, deserving nothing and turning to Almighty God in total trust.

3.Promise: the person with a servant’s heart is promised a place in Christ’s kingdom.

The first and foremost attitude that a servant needs to manifest is humility. If he does not have humility, then he will find it very difficult to follow the other attitudes.

B. A servant is…one who mourns (5:4)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”

1. This word “mourn” is the strongest Greek term that Matthew used in this entire book. It is a heavy word that conveys the sorrow of a broken heart, the ache of the soul, and the anguished mind. This word also carried the idea of compassion, a sincere care for others.

2.If there was any person who was considered the model of compassion,it was Christ. Remember what (Paul?) said in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

3. Promise: comfort will be theirs to claim. It’s interesting that nothing is said about how it will come, just that it will come. Maybe it will come back from the one they cared for? Its cause and effect – there can be little comfort where there has been no grief.


C. A servant is…gentle (5:5)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

1. In our culture today, gentle or meek, is considered weakness. We think, “Blessed are the weak, for they will become a doormat!”

2. In actuality, this Greek term is very colorful in its language. Some examples from extra-biblical literature may prove helpful:

a. A wild stallion that has been tamed, brought under control, is described as being “gentle.”

b.Carefully chosen words to soothe strong emotions are referred to as “gentle words.”

c.Ointment that takes the fever and sting out of a wound is called “gentle.”

d.In one of Plato’s works, a child asks the physician to be tender as he treats him. The child uses the term “gentle.”

e. Those who are polite, who have tact and are courteous, and who treat others with dignity and respect are called, “gentle.”

3. Gentleness (or meekness) is best described as Christlikeness, since the same word was used to describe His own makeup. Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take me yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

4. Promise: It can be taken in two ways: (1) it is understood that they will ultimately win out in this life or (2) they will be given the reward of ruling over vast territories in the kingdom (Millennium)

D. A servant…hungers and thirsts for righteousness (5:6)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

1.Spiritually speaking this attitude depicts a person who is engaged in a pursuit of God. An eager and relentless pursuit to walk with Him and to please Him with his/her life.

2. However, this attitude is not just a vertical relationship; there is a horizontal relationship as well. The servant “hungers and thirsts” for right on the earth. Most Christians shrug this attitude off by saying that things will only get worse on the earth, but a true servant presses on for righteousness. Some may call them a dreamer or an idealist, but nonetheless, they are true servants.

3. As with all these attitudes, and this one in particular, we need to remember that portrayal of these attitudes does not happen once in a lifetime. The true servant longs to be filled and refilled each day with a hunger and thirstfor righteousness.

4.Promise: It’s really very simple – they will be satisfied. This Greek term is used commonly to describe well-fed, hefty livestock. What more could be ask than to be well fed by Christ? So well fed that we are not just satisfied by his promises, but we can also “rest” in his promises (a spirit that conveys quiet contentment).

Thinking Like a Servant Thinks

Introduction

First of all, we are not talking about mind control or brainwashing as used by Jim Jones and The People’s Temple. Jones was a master manipulator! He preached a radical social gospel and promoted communal living in the San Francisco area. He eventually misled over one thousand people to move to the tiny nation of Guyana, South America which later became known as Jonestown. Who can forget the infamous story of California Congressman Leo Ryan and his group of investigators who flew to Jonestown and were murdered with machine guns? In the aftermath Jones persuaded his followers to commit mass suicide by drinking a concoction of Kool Aid and cyanide?

Today’s lesson, Thinking Like a Servant is a message on how the believer can have the mind of Christ.In other words,how can the believer (servant) think scripturally, biblically and spiritually? Notice two thoughts:

1ST OF ALL THE MIND OF A SERVANT:
I. MUST BE RENEWED.

See Romans 12:1-2

1. Renewing my mind includes presentation.
“present”- paristemi- is translated yield 5x and means to place a person or thing at one’s disposal. The mind will guide my bodily members.

A. I must present my mind a “living sacrifice”- meaning not a dead sacrifice.
B. I must present my mind to be “holy” (hagios).
C. I must present my mind so that it will be “acceptable” to God. “acceptable”-is translated well pleasing 4x.
D. It is only “reasonable”-logikos this is where we get our English word logic.

2. Renewing my mind includes transformation.

1. Notice the negative “And be not conformed to this world:” (v. 2).
“conformed”- suschematizo means to shape like or to be squeezed into the mold. Our minds must not be shaped like this world. Our thought process must be different! We cannot be squeezed into the mold of this world. Our thought development must be different than the world.

2. Notice the positive “but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”(v. 2).
“transformed”- metamorphoo means to change into another form. How does this happen? By the anakainosis (renewing) or renovation of our minds. Our minds must be remodeled! Replace the old thought pattern with the new thought pattern! Remove and replace the old thought process by renewing your mind with the Word of God.

2NDLY THE MIND OF SERVANT:
II. MUST BE RECEPTIVE.

BECAUSE OUR MINDS HAVE BEEN PROGRAMED TO PICK UP SECULAR HUMANISTIC SIGNALS, GOD’S VOICE MAY BE MUFFLED WHEN HE SPEAKS, PROMPTS OR ENDEAVORS TO INTRODUCE BIBLICAL TRUTH.

2 CORINTHAINS 10:1-7 WE SEE FOUR BARRIERS TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE:

1. Human resistance is a barrier to hearing God’s voice.
v.4 “strong holds”- literally a fortress.

 AS THE HOLY SPIRIT ATTEMPTS TO COMMUNICATE GOD’S TRUTH TO US, HE RUNS UP AGAINST OUR “WALL” OR “STRONG HOLD” WHICH IS OUR NATURAL, CARNAL MIND SET!
 Such as prejudice (hating certain races).
 Such as doubt.
 Such as a negative mentality instead of a faith mentality.

2. Human reasoning is a barrier to hearing God’s voice.
v.5 “casting down”-kathaireo is translated take down 4x and is translated destroy 2x!

 THIS MENTAL BARRIER TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE,THIS WALL MUST BE TAKEN DOWN OR DESTORYED! v.5 “imaginations”- logismos meaning reasoning or computation.

 AS CHRIST PRESENTS HIS TRUTH TO OUR MINDS, THE WALL OF HUMAN REASONING GOES UP AGAINST THE ENTRANCE OF SUCH ALIEN THOUGHTS! THUS A WAR BEGINS IN OUR MINDS BETWEEN THE FLESH AND SPIRIT!

3. Human regard is a barrier to hearing God’s voice.
v.5 “exalteth”-epairo is translated lift up 15x and means to be lifted up with pride.

PRIDE PROMPTS: Arguments, Stubornness, Unteachable spirit, a refusal to Change. THE UNRENEWED MIND WILL ALWAYS RESIST AND DISREGARD GOD’S WORD!!!

4. Human reactions are a barrier to hearing God’s Word.
v.5 “thought”-noema meaning mental perception.

THE SERVANT AS A FORGETTER

The Servant As a Forgetter

Introduction

Last week we studied the servant and forgiveness. This week we want to go a step further. We not only want to teach on forgiveness, but how do I forget the evil done against me? Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ll forgive him, but I want forget.”

NOTICE THREE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SERVANT AS A FORGETTER:

FIRST OF ALL,
I. HOW CAN THE MIND EVER FORGET?

1. First of all, love does not keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The NewLivingTranslations says 1 Corinthians 13:5“Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.”

 What about spite?
 Revenge?
 Rehashing the evil in my mind?
 What about malice?

2. Secondly, learn to love the Bible (Psalm 119:165).

Do you ever stay up at night re-living the hurt someone has inflicted on you? You can’t sleep, rest, or relax. The psalmist declares that those who possess a deep love for God’s Word will have a great measure shalom (peace).

3. Thirdly, yield your mind to Christ (Philippians 4:8).

You can control your thoughts! Don’t let you mind go there!The disciplined mind must concentrate on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Paul says, “if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.”

SECONDLY,
II. LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT FORGETTING.
See Philippians 3:4-14

1. Notice Paul’s vulnerability (vv. 12-13). In essence, Paul said, “I have not arrived.” How refreshing! Here is this brilliant, competent, gifted, strong leader who freely declares, “I don’t have everything wired, I don’t have it all together.”

a. v. 12 “Not as though I had already attained”
b. v. 12 “either were already perfect:”
c. v. 13 “I count not myself to have apprehended:”

2. Notice Paul’s humility (v. 13).

“Forgetting those things which are behind” is a phrase that reveals Paul was not the kind of man to live in the past! Think of all the people that could have been on Paul’s hate list (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He intentionally disregarded all those wrongs against him.

3. Notice Paul’s determination (v. 14).

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul did not get bogged down and anchored in the past. He pursued the purpose of His future, “the prize of the high calling.”Some translate klesis(calling) as purpose. Meaning Paul had a higher purpose in life! He was so occupied with his lofty ambition he did not have time to be preoccupied with yesterday’s pain, hurt and concerns.

THIRDLY,
III. A CHALLENGE: TWO QUESTIONS.

1. Is there someone or something I have refused to forget, which keeps me from being happy and productive?If your answer is yes, stop and declare it openly to your Lord, asking Him to take away the pain and the bitterness.

2. Am I a victim of self pity, living out my days emotionally paralyzed in anguish and despair?

Perhaps you have made the following statements:

 It’s too late to change.
 I’ve been so greatly hurt and wronged I will never forget it.
 I’m just too old to change now.
 This is just too much to overcome.

Chuck Swindoll said, “It is never too late to start doing what is right. Never.”