Warrior or Humble Servant? [podcast]

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 

Today we see SO much pride-filled witchcraft going on in the name of “prayer warriors” and special “intercessors”. Personally I am learning to stay clear of the “prayer warrior” terminology and those who claim they are such, etc. Seems to lift up us, the mere pray-ers, and not Him and leads to pride in people as they boast of themselves, that they get prayers answered or that their prayers and calling is more important than others. Nonsense! Prayers are answered on one basis – the blood, the cross, the name of Jesus Christ. Any and every child of God can pray in the name of Jesus and God will answer it based on the righteousness of His only begotten Son, not some “powerful prayer warrior” or self-appointed  “intercessor” witch (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) | Why Does God Answer Prayer? On What Basis?

Beware that in any “prayer group” all it takes is for just one of those members to introduce a sugar-coated stealth request or attitude and the whole group is influenced. The course and direction of that group will be off target from that time forward. This is why many a disciple has and is learning to keep things down to a simple minimum void of the “need” or false obligation to join in with any and every “prayer group” that comes along.

The key is joining with one or two or so believers who are truly Christ-centered, biblical, crucified with Christ, teachable, humble, broken, and sincerely seeking the face of the LORD.

ON social media and the subjects of many messages preached and books written, emphasizes being a “warrior for Jesus,” right? Have you noticed all the warrior type art work and emphasis? Is this emphasis consistent, in agreement with Jesus’ teachings?

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12 

God’s Word speaks a whole lot more about humility, being the greatest servant of all. Biblical balance. Did Jesus come boasting, and putting Himself off as some warrior or a humble servant? God puts the emphasis on humble servanthood, not asserting ourselves like some warrior, as if we are the deal. No, Jesus is the Deal – KING of kings and LORD of all lords.

“Emulations” is a soul damning sin (Galatians 5:19-21) and defined as striving to excel at the expense of others.

One of the ways we see people today exalting themselves over others, emulating, is by using titles instead of simply serving. A man who is a prophet is first a servant by the mercy of God and does not have to say it and should not be dwelling on a title but the serving function of the gift of God in him. Prophet is not a title and anyone touting it as a title is automatically to be considered false. Read what Jesus taught: Matt 20:24-28; 23:8-12. If God has placed a certain gifting in a man it’s only for the LORD’s glory and for the man it’s to be tools to humbly serve – Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Perhaps we should considering casting down this warrior imagery, image-ination we’ve been exposed to.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“Jesus’ weapon is the cross. He conquers by dying and so we do too (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 8:36-37). God and His Son are never warriors with carnal weapons.”  T.

Being a warrior for Jesus means laying down our lives, not pumping ourselves up.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The “mind of Christ” is all about serving God and others, not ourselves.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

If we don’t have the “mind of Christ,” we are not following Jesus. As your brother in Christ, I want to encourage you to pour prayerfully over the above passage every morning this week.

More on Humility here.

Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant [podcast]

The Greatest Servant [podcast]

The Day of the Lord so Cometh as a Thief in the Night [podcast]