MARKS OF A TRUE SERVANT

Philippians 2:19

Part One

When we look for the marks of a true servant of God we go instinctively to Jesus Christ the great Servant of Jehovah (Isaiah 42:1-4). We see these marks exhibited in Him: submissive disposition (vs. 1,2); a gentleness and concern for others (v. 3); dependable and loyal (v. 4) and having the disposition to do the will of God (Hebrews 10:9). We have seen these traits exhibited in Philippians 2:6-8. We can expect to see these marks of the Great Servant of Jehovah reproduced in His servants and one great example is Timothy.

A Submissive Spirit

This is seen in the fact that Timothy was willing to go wherever he was sent…or willing to stay. He never once questioned the authority of God in his life. This trait is seen from the beginning of his ministry.

1. Timothy joined Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-5).

2. He was left in Philippi to care for the new work there (Acts 16).

3. He rejoined Paul at Berea (Acts 17:14).

4. He was commanded to join Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16).

5. Was sent from Athens to Thessalonica to represent Paul (I Thessalonians 3:2).

6. Rejoined Paul in Athens and was with Paul in his first Roman imprisonment (I Thessalonians 1:1.

7. Now Timothy was soon to be sent back to Philippi (Philippians 2:19).

8. Later on would be sent to Ephesus following Paul’s release from prison (I Timothy 1:3).

9. Urged to come to Paul in Rome during the great apostle’s last days (II Timothy 4:9,13,21).

A true servant is committed to doing the will of the one he serves. The fact Timothy was literally all over the Roman empire representing Paul shows something of the submissive spirit of this man. There is no record of one word of dissention.

Beloved, are we willing to do what God wants us to do for His glory? It’s very easy to say that we want God’s will in our lives – but when He asks us to do something by way of serving Him that interferes with our plans, how do we react? This is the true test of submission. I’m sure that Timothy could have had plans of his own, but because he was sold out to his Lord, he laid his plans aside and embraced God’s plans for him.

If we have reservations in our lives concerning following the Lord’s leading, there is a crucial element lacking in our true servant hood (Ephesians 3:17). My prayer is that will never be! God bless.

Love in Jesus,