Woodland Hills Church of Christ

Sunday, June 18, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 23

THE GOOD SERVANT

The idea of being a "servant" is looked down upon in our society. Some would even view a servant as a second class citizen. However, like it or not, all people are servants. Paul tells us, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Rom. 6:16) Since all must be servants, we need to make sure that we are serving Christ. Following are some requirements for being a good servant.

First, a good servant is obedient. Paul rejoiced; "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Rom. 6:17) Christ, the perfect servant, lived this example: "though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." (Heb. 5:8) One can never be a good servant if he does not display obedience. 

Second, a good servant is diligent. The Bible teaches that we need to be hard-working servants; "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Rom. 12:11) For the servant to rest in the here-after, he must be diligent in the here-and-now; "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest." (Heb. 4:11)

Third, a good servant is humble. When Jesus dropped to his knees to wash the disciple’s feet, he did so to remind them that the only way to greatness is through humble service. Again Jesus said, "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." (Matt. 20:26, 27) Truly, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (Jas. 4:10)

Fourth, a good servant is persevering. The story of Jacob serving fourteen years to win the hand of Rachel is a great example of a good servant persevering (Gen. 29). The good servant of Jesus Christ must also possess this characteristic: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)

      Fifth, a good servant is faithful to his master. Ultimately, the good servant will seek to please only one master: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10) The good servant will stand by his master until the day he dies: "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)

"Give me the heart of a servant,
tender and faithful and true.
Fill me with love then use me oh Lord,
so that the world can see you."

See you in Bible Class,
Bobby O’Dell

JOIN US FOR A

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUMMER SERIES

THE PARABLES OF JESUS

Week #2 - June 21st

"The Pearl of Great Price/Hidden Treasure"

(See The Bulletin Board For More Details)

ROSS RHAPSODY
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET KATIE HILLIS
      Many have seen this young lady grow up before your very eyes and there might even be a couple of you out there who know her by a name other than Neil’s little sister, but probably not many. So here I am to introduce Katie Hillis and her perfect teeth. Katie is an extremely enthusiastic member of the W.H.Y.G. and multiple people know here because she is often one of the first to introduce her self and the church to strangers on different youth events. She also has many extra-curricular activities and is an incredible soccer player, exceptionally intelligent, and a faithful member of the Lord’s church. She is stepping up to become a dominant female leader of the youth group. Katie will be entering the ninth grade at Collierville High School but most would never guess this because she has the maturity of a college student.

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Vego’s Verse

      Jude 1:22-23 ~ "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear — hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."