7 Marks of A Servant - 2 Cor. 6.1-18

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about servant hood and what it really means. ‘Diakonos” is the Greek word for servant and it means servant, minister, a person who renders service and help to others, in some contexts with an implication of lower status; also translated as “deacon,” a trusted officer of helps and service in a local church. When I was reading this definition I was reminded that Jesus washed his disciples feet! (John 13) Taking on the role of a servant, he displayed his love in a tangible and moving way. How many of us serve in a manner like that?

1. *URGENCY*

2 Corinthians 6.1-2 “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

In order to fully understand these verses, one must read them with the passage before (in chapter 5) ---It’s talking about being a new creation in Christ and how we are to share the news of salvation with those around us.
Paul is saying that he doesn’t want the people to become complacent and inactive. We are to devote our very selves to the work of serving God; and not tomorrow or next week but today. Now is the day of God’s grace-we only have today!

2. *CONSISTENCY*

2 Corinthians 6.3-4 “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path…”

How important this is: that our behavior and attitudes are consistent with the word of God. That we should touch people with the love of God through our lives.

3. *ENDURANCE*

2 Corinthians 6.4-5 “…troubles, hardships, and distresses…”

We as Christians cannot expect to go through life without these things. Jesus himself said it, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16.33)
Trouble comes to both the believer and the non-believer, yet there should be a difference: the ability to endure! And this can only come through the grace of God.

4. *GOODNESS*

2 Corinthians 6.6-7 “in purity, understanding, patience, and kindness…

These qualities of goodness, Paul says can be produced only by the Spirit of God within us. If the Holy Spirit is filling us daily, then we will be good servants of our Lord, because we will be led by the Spirit.

5. *REALISM*

2 Corinthians 6.8-10 “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, yet possessing everything.”

It’s a tough road to follow!! Any faithful servant of Jesus will have difficulties. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “Few will find the narrow path that leads to life.” (Matthew 7.14)
We must be realistic about the path we have chosen to take because if we think that following Christ means ‘all roses and pansies’ then the disappointment may cause us to quit. To follow Jesus means we will suffer.

6. *AFFECTION*

2 Corinthians 6.11-13 “open wide your hearts also.”

Paul told the Corinthians that effective ministry is not just about the open word, but an open heart too. It’s about building relationships with people and truly caring about their needs.

7. *HOLINESS*

2 Corinthians 6.14-18 “Do not be yoked together with nonbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?”

Paul is saying that in order to serve Christ one must be holy. We are called to be separate from the world. How effective can I be, in any ministry, if I act just as the world acts!?! If there is no difference in my life then what is the point?
We should not try to be partly committed to Christ while at the same time trying to remain partly committed to the world.