Servant Training

God wants his children to serve Him by serving others as He calls and enables us.

“for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ³⁶ naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ³⁷ Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? ³⁸ When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? ³⁹ Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? ⁴⁰ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:35–40)

 

In this lesson, we will examine key aspects of servanthood.

10 Key Aspects of Christian Servant Training

 

1. Understanding Servanthood

A Christian servant is someone who prioritizes the will of God, seeks to serve others with a humble heart, and reflects Christ’s love to the world.

• Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Jesus modeled a life of servanthood by coming to serve others, not to be exalted or served. His ultimate act of service was laying down His life for humanity.

Application/Example:

• Christians are called to mirror Christ, who exemplified humility by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17). Servant training teaches believers to adopt this spirit of humility.

2. Humility as a Core Virtue

Humility is foundational to servanthood and is central to Christian character development.

• Philippians 2:3–4: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Christians are instructed to put others before themselves, which is only possible with a heart shaped by humility.

Application/Example:

• In servant training, practical exercises such as volunteering for tasks considered lowly or unglamorous (cleaning, caregiving, etc.) are meant to cultivate humility and align attitudes with the servant mindset of Christ.

 

3. Following the Example of Christ

Jesus is the ultimate servant leader. Training for servanthood begins with studying and following His example.

• John 13:15: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Jesus directly instructs His disciples to follow His example of servanthood.

Application/Example:

• Servant training includes studying Scripture to learn how Jesus served others—such as His interactions with marginalized groups (Mark 2:15–17) and His compassionate miracles (Matthew 14:14).

4. Active Service to Others

A significant part of servant training involves practicing acts of service. Service is seen as an outflow of love for God and others.

• Galatians 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Serving others is a way to use God-given freedom in Christ to honor and glorify Him.

Application/Example:

• Participating in outreach programs, helping vulnerable communities, or ministering within the church are common areas where servanthood is practiced.
• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) exemplifies serving with no expectation of return, emphasizing unconditional service to others.

5. Sacrificial Love

Servanthood often involves sacrifice and placing others’ needs before your own, reflecting deep Christlike love.

• John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus presents the ultimate model of sacrificial love in His death on the cross.

Application/Example:

• Servant training challenges individuals to adopt a sacrificial mindset by committing their time, energy, and resources to help others, doing so without complaining or expecting recognition.

6. Stewardship and Accountability

Christian servants are not only called to serve but also to take responsibility for the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to them.

• 1 Peter 4:10: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Faithful stewardship is an essential aspect of servanthood; believers are accountable to God for how they serve others.

Application/Example:

• Servant training might include identifying spiritual gifts (e.g., teaching, hospitality, encouragement) and using them in ways that glorify God, such as mentoring or supporting the ministry.

7. Obedience to God

True servanthood stems from obedience to God’s Word, even when it means serving in difficult or uncomfortable ways.

• Colossians 3:23–24: “and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Christian service is ultimately directed toward God, not people.

Application/Example:

• Servant training may include fostering a heart of submission to God’s will, even in difficult tasks or amidst opposition, by meditating on Scripture and developing prayerful dependence on God.

8. Servant Leadership

Servant leadership emphasizes leading by example and empowering others.

• Matthew 23:11–12: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Jesus redefines greatness as a function of service rather than power or authority.

Application/Example:

• Christian ministry leaders are trained to serve their congregations selflessly, focusing more on meeting the needs of their flock than on seeking recognition.

9. Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Effective servanthood walks with others to help bear their burdens and support them in their trials.

• Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Sharing in others’ struggles is an act of Christlike compassion and love.

Application/Example:

• Training includes practical exercises like counseling, supporting others in times of grief or hardship, and providing resources such as food, shelter, or guidance.

10. Faithfulness

Servant training emphasizes faithfulness in small tasks, aligning with Jesus’s teaching on stewardship and reward.

• Matthew 25:21: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Faithfulness in the little things prepares a servant for greater responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.

Application/Example:

Training might include serving in small roles within the church (e.g., setting up chairs, cleaning) to build faithfulness, diligence, and integrity.

Final Thought

Christian servant training is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It requires intentional effort to develop humility, faithfulness, and sacrificial love. By immersing oneself in the Word of God and engaging in practical acts of service, believers can become faithful and effective servants in fulfilling God’s purposes. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”