The Qualities of a Servant

• The Servant of the Lord Must Not Strive but be Gentle unto All Men - Today we will consider “The Qualities of a Servant” as set forth in 2 Tim 2:24-25: “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;”. The Greek word for “strive” in 2 Tim 2:24 is used in three other places where contention and fighting are in view. 2 Tim 3 highlights the truth of words that are not profitable – that is, they are the exact opposite of the purpose God intended for the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17). The end result of such senseless bickering regarding that which is not truth results in “… the subverting of the hearers”. The Greek word for “subverting” (G2692) is a strong word that not only underscores the futility of such discussions, but leads to eternal damnation. 2 Timothy verse 16 teaches: “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness”. The phrase “profane and vain babblings” is also found in 1 Tim 6:20, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:”. Similarly, 1 Tim 4:7 states, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness”. Verse 18 furnishes more information about these two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus: “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some”. 1 Tim 1:19-20 gives further information concerning Hymenaeus: “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme”. Consider also the caution offered in 1 Tim 1:4, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do”. And verse 23 affirms: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes”. Now let's consider second part of verse “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men”. Jam 3:17 reveals, “But the wisdom that is from above [anothen] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”. After salvation, following the pattern of their Master, those who are part of the eternal church are equipped with the fruit of “gentleness” along with the other eight fruit (or “products”) of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives, according to Gal 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”. 

1 Tim 1:5-7 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling [that is “empty talking”]; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm”

Tit 3:8-11 “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

1 The 2:7:4-11 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children.”

• Apt to Teach, Patient, In Meekness Instructing Those That Oppose Themselves - Today we are looking at “The Qualities of a Servant” as set forth in 2 Tim 2:24-25: “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;”. 2 Tim 3:16-17 announces: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ....”. Verse 14 states: “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers”. This verse precedes 2 Tim 2:15 that, as we shall see in our future lessons, focuses our attention on accurately interpreting and teaching the Word of God after someone has become a child of God – the result of God’s unfathomable grace. Although not all believers are qualified to be Bible teachers, all believers should “… be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”, according to 1 Pet 3:15b. In order to give a correct answer we must glean truth from the Word of God by “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” – that is, comparing Scripture with Scripture by using the whole Bible: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor 2:13). Incidentally, God commended the Bereans in Acts 17:11 for examining the Scriptures in this manner: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so”. We now want to consider the trait of patience. Notice how the word “meekness” in 2 Tim 2:25 can result from God’s granting repentance (or a change of mind) as a result of salvation, “… if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”. The child of God is to exhibit the attitude described in Eph 4:2, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”. Col 3:12 further maintains: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” As we ponder this word “meekness”,we are reminded of the Lord Jesus, the Ultimate Servant, who uttered these words in Mat 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”. May it be that God will use us as His humble servants to proclaim His glorious Gospel that others might indeed find Eternal Rest in Him.

1 Cor 2:1 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

• Study to Shew Thyself Approved unto God - 2 Tim 2:15 states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. The Greek word for “study” (spoudazo:G4704) is used 11 times in the New Testament, and is translated into English as “endeavour”, “do diligence”, “be diligent”, “give diligence”, “be forward”, “labour” , and “study”. But in what way are we to be diligent? Consider how the passage reads literally in Greek: “Be eager to present yourself approved to show to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. This verse speaks of the Christian’s duty of “presenting” both his members as well as his “body” (his whole life that is) for the service of God: Rom 6:19 affirms, “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded [G3936] your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield [G3936] your members servants to righteousness unto holiness”. And Rom 12:1 declares, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present [G3936] your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. However, the object of a person’s “diligence”, or “eagerness”, is to be “approved”, or “saved”, as we will discover shortly. Three other passages which utilize the same word “spoudazo” G4704 (that is, “study” or “be diligent”) help us to see this truth: Heb 4:11 teaches, “Let us labour [G4704] therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief”. 2 Pet 1:10 states “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence [G4704] to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” And 2 Pet 3:14 reveals, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent [G4704] that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless”. These and other similar verses in the Bible highlight the enormous importance of honestly assessing the spiritual condition of our souls, as we learn from 2 Cor 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” As I mentioned earlier, to be “approved” by God is to be saved. We do not have the time to investigate the passage, 2 Cor 10:12-18 in great detail, but we can touch on a few relevant ideas. For example, verse 12 indicates that one is to measure himself against the “rule”, or kanon (G2583) in Greek from which our English word “canon” (as the canon of Scripture) is derived. In other words, the “ruler” or “yardstick” is the Bible itself.  Verse 18 also proclaims: “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth”. Pro 21:2 declares, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts”. Furthermore, Luke 16:15 adds, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God”. And whom does the Lord commend? Rom 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth [G4921] his love toward us [believers], in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. The only ones whom God approves, or commends, are the true believers. “Salvation is of the Lord”, as Jon 2:9 insists.

2 Cor 10:12-18 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure [G3358] of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure [G3358] to reach even unto you. 14For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18For not he that commendeth himself is approved [G1384], but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Jam 1:22-25 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, [or the Bible] and continueth [or obeys] therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

• A Workman That Needeth Not to be Ashamed - Who is this “workman” or “laborer” (ergates:G2040) this verse speaks about? Luke 10:2 asserts, “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest”. In actuality, the “laborers” are the ones whom God has redeemed and set apart to be His ambassadors, according to 2 Cor 5:17-20. Sadly, there have always been those who masquerade as God’s servants. This phenomenon is even more pernicious in our day, as we find ourselves in “Great Tribulation”. They are now under His divine wrath, as the following verses testify: 2 Cor 11:13-15 warns, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works”. With respect to genuine believers 2 Cor 4:2 maintains, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”. We must bear in mind that both the motivation as well as the performance can only be attributed to the marvelous intervention of God Himself, as 1 Cor 15:10 reveals: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”. Php 2:13 also verifies this, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”. There is another kind of “work” – namely to “labor” in the Scriptures, as 1 Tim 5:17 relates, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour [G2872] in the word and doctrine”. We now must turn our attention to the phrase in the second half of 2 Tim 2:15, which states, “… that needeth not to be ashamed [G153], rightly dividing the word of truth”. To be “ashamed” ultimately is to be unsaved as Jer 17:13 instructs: “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters”. Joel 2:27 adds, “And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed”. The same truth is expressed in 1 John 2:28: “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming”. Php 1:20 also affirms: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death”. 1 Pet 4:16 also asserts, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf”. The result of a true child of God needing “not to be ashamed” is that he will, among many qualities, be “rightly dividing the word of truth”. This involves the overwhelmingly important task of correctly interpreting the Bible by comparing “spiritual things with spiritual”(or “Scripture with Scripture”), as defined in 2 Cor 2:10-13.

2 Cor 5:17-20 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

1 Cor 2:10-13 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”