Call to be a Servant

Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.

Introduction

A very good morning to everyone. Thank you for being here again—it’s always a privilege to remember the Lord Jesus Christ together.

This morning, we have been reflecting much on His redemptive work: how we have been quickened, redeemed from the bondage of sin, and brought into newness of life.

Last week, we began our series on Servanthood. Today we continue with The Call of a Servant.

There will be a lot of turning to Scripture today, so please have your Bibles ready. Let’s commit our time to the Lord in prayer.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this new morning, for the privilege of gathering as Your people, and for the opportunity to remember our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You for redemption through His precious blood, for the new life we now have, and for the hope of heaven before us.

As we consider today the call of a servant—how each one of us has a part to play—remind us that salvation brings with it responsibility. Prepare our hearts to receive from Your Word and by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Section 1 – The Position and Context of Our Calling

Last week, we ended with the Old Testament picture of a willing servant—one who, though free to leave, chose to stay with his master out of love. We challenged ourselves to remember that the call of servanthood extends to every believer and to every aspect of our lives.

Today, we will think about the call itself:

• What does it mean to be called?
• How should we respond?

We’ll consider this in two main parts:

1. The context of our calling – our position as servants.
2. The practical nature of our calling – how we respond in daily life.

The Meaning of “Call”

In Scripture, the word “call” has rich meaning:

• Old Testament (Hebrew “qara” – Strong’s 7121) – to call, proclaim, or summon.
• New Testament (Greek “klesis” – Strong’s 2821) – a divine calling or invitation, especially God’s call to individuals to enter a relationship with Him through Christ.

It encompasses:

• The initial call to salvation.
• The ongoing call to live a life worthy of that calling.

In the Old Testament, God called individuals like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets for specific purposes. In the New Testament, the call is expanded to include all believers—emphasizing the universal call to salvation, holiness, and service.

Why Talk About Slavery and Servanthood?

Last week’s passage spoke of “bondservants” and “slaves.” Some may ask: Why does Christ call us to be servants? Aren’t we free people?

Scripture is clear: by nature, we are not free. Let’s see this from two key passages.

Romans 6:15–23

Before salvation:

• We were slaves to sin (v. 17).
• The result was impurity, lawlessness, and death (vv. 19, 21, 23).

After salvation:

• We have been set free from sin (v. 18).
• We have become slaves of righteousness (v. 18) and of God (v. 22).
• The result is sanctification and eternal life (v. 22).

John 8:31–36

Jesus told the Jews who claimed to be free:

“Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin… If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

By nature, we are slaves—to sin, self, and the devil. But in Christ, we are set free to serve a new Master—one who is loving, gracious, and just.

 

The Privilege of Our Position

Serving Christ is not a burden—it’s a privilege:

• Jesus Himself took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5–7).
• The apostles described themselves as servants of Christ (2 Peter 1:1, James 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Romans 1:1).
• Our service will continue in eternity:

“His servants will worship Him” (Revelation 22:3).

Servanthood is not demeaning; it is a high calling, tied to our salvation, and something we will enjoy forever.

 

Section 2 – The Practical Nature of Our Calling

We’ve established that all believers are called to serve. The question now is: How do we respond?

Three guiding principles:

1. Serve with urgency and immediacy.
2. Serve as you are called.
3. Serve without reservation.

 

1. Serve with Urgency and Immediacy

Look at how the first disciples responded:

• Matthew 4:18–22 – Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their nets immediately and followed Jesus.
• Mark 1 – Mark repeatedly uses “immediately” to describe Jesus’ ministry and the disciples’ response.

When it comes to salvation, we preach urgency—“Don’t delay.” But do we apply the same urgency to service?

Often, our response to opportunities to serve is: “I’ll pray about it” or “I’ll think about it.” Prayer and wise planning are right, but sometimes these become excuses for procrastination.

If God puts a need before you—a person to encourage, a newcomer to welcome, a ministry gap to fill—perhaps He has placed you there for that very moment. A servant doesn’t choose which orders to obey; he obeys his master’s will.

2. Serve as You Are Called

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 – Whatever situation you were in when called, serve God there.

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – God calls the foolish, weak, and lowly to show that the power is His, not ours.

The apostles served immediately with what they had:

• Fishermen fished for men.
• A tax collector reached others for Christ.
• Paul used his Pharisee training to proclaim the gospel.

Don’t wait until you think you’re “ready.” Trust the One who calls you to also equip you (Philippians 1:6). Prepare yourself continually, but don’t let preparation become a reason for inaction.

3. Serve Without Reservation

John 12:24–26 – Jesus likened His own sacrifice to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit.

To “hate your life” here means to love it less than Christ—to put His priorities above your own. Service without reservation means there is no part of life we withhold from Him.

Christ gave His all for us; we should give our best for Him—without setting limits on how, when, or where we serve.

Conclusion and Challenge

The call to servanthood is:

• Positional – it flows from our salvation; we serve because we belong to Christ.
• Practical – it demands a response in daily life.
• Perpetual – it will continue for eternity.

Three questions to reflect on this week:

1. Do I respond to opportunities to serve with urgency or with delay?
2. Am I serving where I am, with what I have, right now?
3. Have I placed any limits on my willingness to serve Christ?

Like Isaiah, may we be able to say:

“Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Closing Prayer

Our Father, we thank You for the privilege of being called Your servants. Thank You for freeing us from slavery to sin and making us servants of righteousness. Help us to respond with urgency, to serve where You’ve placed us, and to hold nothing back. May we put You first in 2025, with open ears, ready hands, and willing hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.