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[Virtual Presenter] LEADING LIKE A SERVANT Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7) INTRODUCTION Leadership in the world is often measured by power, money, education, and abilities. There are many styles of leadership in the world. By "style" we mean the way in which a person leads. For example, there are dictators who control people. There are also democratic leaders who are controlled by the vote of the people. When Jesus came into the world, He reversed the world's concept of successful leadership when He became a servant. This chapter concerns the New Testament principle of leading like a servant. A CONTRASTING EXAMPLE Jesus contrasted spiritual leadership with worldly leadership. He said: ...Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10:42-44) Leading like a servant is what sets Christian leadership apart from worldly leadership. It is the one leadership style that is uniquely Christian. THE GREATEST EXAMPLE The greatest example of leading like a servant was the Lord Jesus Christ. A servant is one who serves others in humbleness, dedication, and love. Jesus both taught and modeled servanthood. Jesus rejected all the ideas of power held in the world and proposed something new. "Servant" is a strange word for a leader, but Jesus made it clear He had come to serve: ...But I am among you as he that serveth. (Luke 22:26) Mark relates that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve: For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Paul said that Jesus... ...made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7).