Synopsis:
Qualities of a Servant of God
Text: Acts 6:3–5, 8, 10; Acts 7:55; Genesis 24; John 13:4
Speaker: Jimmy Choo
This message examines the biblical qualities of a true servant of God, drawing from the life of Stephen, the example of Abraham’s unnamed servant, and the supreme model of Jesus Christ. The sermon highlights a life marked by faith, fullness of the Holy Spirit, humility, dependability, and wholehearted devotion to the Master. Believers are encouraged to pursue faithful, Spirit-controlled service that seeks God’s glory rather than personal recognition.
Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
Title: Qualities of a Servant of God
Text: Acts 6:3–5, 8, 10; Acts 7:55; Genesis 24; John 13:4
Speaker: Jimmy Choo
Introduction
Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
Before we begin, I want to thank you for your prayers. Some of you even sent messages to say you were praying for me — that is truly encouraging. It reminds me that Christian ministry is never a solo effort. The strength of God’s servant often comes through the prayers of God’s people.
This morning, we continue our series on Servanthood. My task is to speak on the qualities of a servant of God. The passage assigned to me was from Acts 6, a few short verses describing the choosing of the first deacons. I thank God that the brief was short — no micromanaging of the message — but wide enough to let the Lord guide what I should share.
Let’s commit our time to Him in prayer.
Prayer
Our gracious God and heavenly Father, we thank You for this morning’s worship and the privilege of remembering our Lord Jesus Christ. As we open Your Word, may Your Spirit guide us into truth. Show us great and mighty things from Your law. Make us not only hearers but doers of the Word. We ask this in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please turn with me to Acts 6:3–5, 8, 10 and then to Acts 7:55.
The church in Jerusalem was growing. The apostles, needing help with the practical ministry of distributing food, instructed the congregation:
“Look among you for seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).
Verse 5 tells us that one of those chosen was Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”
Verse 8 adds that he was also “full of power” and did “great wonders and signs among the people.”
In verse 10, when opposed, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
And in Acts 7:55, as Stephen was being stoned, he was still “full of the Holy Spirit” and saw the glory of God.
Two phrases stand out repeatedly:
We are all indwelt by the Spirit from the moment of salvation (1 Cor. 12:13), but fullness comes as we yield every part of our lives to His control. Spiritual maturity is measured by how much of us the Holy Spirit governs.
From this fullness flow the qualities of a servant: submissiveness, good reputation, wisdom, vision, humility, and genuine service.
To see these qualities in action, I want us to look at a living example from the Old Testament — a servant who displayed them beautifully.
Genesis 24 is the longest chapter in Genesis, describing how Abraham’s chief servant was tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. Interestingly, the servant’s name is never given. Some speculate it could be Eliezer (Gen. 15:2), but 40 years have passed, and Scripture remains silent. Perhaps God left his name out to teach us that the servant’s role is not about self, but about service.
Let’s draw out his qualities.
a. Dependable (Gen. 24:1–10)
This servant was the eldest in Abraham’s house — the chief steward, trusted with all his master’s goods. Abraham could send him on a delicate, lengthy mission knowing he would be faithful and accountable.
b. Directed and Designated
He went because his master sent him. He didn’t run ahead of orders or create his own mission. Servants of God work under God’s direction, not self-initiative. He was designated — the chosen man for the task — and directed, following instructions precisely.
c. Devoted
He was loyal to Abraham, but ultimately he gave all glory to God (Gen. 24:48). Like the Holy Spirit, who does not speak of Himself but glorifies the Son (John 16:13–14), this servant spoke only of his master.
d. Disciplinable (Teachable)
Though senior in rank, he was humble enough to learn. Abraham taught him the principles and process for finding a bride, and he received them with submission.
e. Diligent
The journey from Hebron to Haran was about 800 km — perhaps three to four weeks of desert travel with ten camels. The terrain was rocky, the climate harsh, and dangers constant. Yet he persevered.
f. Dependent on God (Gen. 24:12–14)
On arrival, the first thing he did was pray for success. His prayer was specific: that the chosen woman would offer him water and then, without prompting, also water his camels. God answered immediately in Rebecca.
g. Dedicated (Gen. 24:33)
When invited to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told of my errand.” Duty came before comfort.
h. Definitive, Detailed, and Decisive (Gen. 24:49)
He clearly explained his mission, sought a definite answer, and was ready to act either way.
i. Different Demeanor
He was polite and respectful, never demanding. Humility marked his interactions.
j. Disciplined
When Rebecca’s family asked for a delay, he refused: “Do not hinder me.” He didn’t mix purpose with pleasure or procrastinate.
k. Delight in Service
He rejoiced in God’s guidance and took joy in fulfilling his master’s will.
l. Discreet
His name is never mentioned. He was content to be known only as “Abraham’s servant.” True servants of God are willing to be inconspicuous if it means the Master is glorified.
No servant portrait is complete without looking to our Lord. In John 13, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus did what no one expected:
“He rose from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, and girded Himself.”
Three movements:
Paul describes it in Philippians 2:6–7:
“Who, being in the form of God… made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant.”
The towel marked Him as the lowest household slave — the one who cleans, even the dirtiest feet.
Here is the heart of servanthood: relinquishing status, rendering oneself a nobody, and reducing oneself to a slave for the sake of love.
From Stephen to Abraham’s servant to Jesus Himself, the pattern is clear:
The more we are full of faith and full of the Spirit, the less we care about being significant in the eyes of men. As John the Baptist said:
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Spiritual greatness is found in humble service. In the kingdom of God, the way up is down.
Conclusion
The qualities of a servant of God are not built in a day. They are cultivated over a lifetime of faith, Spirit-control, and surrender.
Above all, like our Lord, we must be willing to descend into insignificance so that Christ may be all in all.
Closing Prayer
Our gracious God and heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Stephen, for the faithfulness of Abraham’s servant, and most of all for the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach us to serve with devotion, diligence, and delight. Make us servants who seek not our own recognition but Your glory. May Christ increase, and may we decrease. We ask this in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Messages: 10
