Servants and Saints

Topics: God's servants and saints

I. God directs His servants and saints?

* God's "no" is as important as God's "go"!

1. They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas (Acts 16:6-8).
2. They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed (Acts 16:40).

II. God's servants feel joy in ministering

* God welcomes bond-servants who willingly serve Him!

1. Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1a).
2. But if the slave plainly says, "I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out as a free man," then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently (Exodus 21:5, 6).
3. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:20).

III. God's saints have dual citizenship

* God has a biblical Newsflash: You are a saint!

1. Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons (Philippians 1:1).
2. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth? (John 17:13?17).
3. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:2).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 27th, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Question

Servants and Saints

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Do you embrace your role as God's bond-servant? Life Groups are intended to promote serving one another. Discuss specific practical ways your group can be bond-servants for the Lord.

Getting Started:

1. How has God directed your life with open and closed doors, like Paul (Acts 16:6-10)?
2. What does it mean to you to be Christ's bond-servant (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)? Have you willingly pierced your ear in loving submission to our Master and Lord (Exodus 21:5, 6)?

Discussing Truths:

1. What is your favorite verse in the book of Philippians?
2. Philippians is often called "The Epistle of Joy". How has sentimentalized happiness become a replacement for the depth of true joy in our world? What is the difference?
3. If someone were to read your biography, would it be a life of rejoicing (Phil. 4:4)?
4. Joy and rejoicing are major themes, but Christ is the center of the letter. Christ occurs 37 times in Philippians, while Jesus occurs 22 times. How does putting Jesus Christ at the center of your life promote joy (John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13)?
5. What has been your understanding of the title "Saint" when given to someone?
6. How does living with two realms of citizenship, in Christ Jesus, and in Philippi? (or in Lake Arrowhead) impact how you live in this world (John 17:13-17)?
7. Why is grace and peace always expressed in that order in Paul's salutations?

Now What? Application:

1. Are there changes you need to make to be in the world, but not of the world?
2. Take the initiative to serve the Lord at Church of the Woods in new ways as Jesus? bond-servant.