When it comes to end times studies and discussions, most Christians presume without question that the Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John to inform them of the times ahead. An examination of Revelation 1:1 revealed that the letter or book of Revelation was actually written to the servants of Jesus Christ. We did a modest examination of what it Biblically means to be a servant and asked some very pertinent questions; most important question asked was, are today’s so-called Christians one and the same the servants that John was addressing in his letter. All indications from our examination were that there are some glaring differences between the definition of a servant in the Bible and what defines a Christian in the 21st century. Tonight we dig a little deeper into the subject of servitude and what it means to be a servant of Jesus Christ and then compare and contrast the two terms for a definitive determination of what a Christian should be as it relates to being a servant of the Most High. This is It’s Not As You Perceive–Episode 43–The Rapture–The Christian versus Servant Perception–Part 2 in a Series.
  • Servants possess a specific mind and attitude to serve (required)

Gen. 18:3-5 (Abraham entertains the angels prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

1 Sam. 17:32; 25:41 (David pledges to Saul to fight Goliath)

1 Kin. 12:7

1 Chr. 17:25

Neh. 2:5

Joh. 12:26  26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (Joh 12:26 KJV)

Phi. 2:7  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phi 2:7-11 KJV)

2 Tim. 2:24- 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2Ti 2:24-26 KJV)

  • Servants constantly seek their masters’ approval, grace and mercy (required)

Gen. 18:3; 19:19

     2 Sam. 7:29; 14:22
     1 Kin. 8:30
     2 Kin. 5:18
     1 Chr. 21:8
     2 Chr. 6:19, 21, 42
     Neh. 1:6
     Psm. 27:9; 31:16; 119:135, 140
     Mal. 1:6–6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour?      and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? (Mal 1:6 KJV)
     Mat. 10:24– 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. (Mat 10:24-25 KJV)
  • Servants are given tasks according to the trust in them that builds over time by their masters (required)
     Gen. 24:2
     Zec. 3:8
     Mat. 24:45; 25:21– 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give themm meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (Mat 24:45-47 KJV)
  • Servants are obedient (required)
     Gen. 24:9, 10
     1 Sam 3:9, 10
     1 Kin. 2:38; 1 Kin. 11:38; 14:8; 18:36, 43; 20:9
     2 Kin. 18:12
     Psm. 119:17; 119:124–Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. (Psa 119:17 KJV)
     Mal. 4:4
     Mat. 24:45
     Luk 12:43; 14:22, 23– 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luk 12:42-48 KJV)
 
     Rev 14:12–12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12 KJV)

  • Servants are proud to affiliate themselves (especially in name) with their master (required)

Gen. 24:34-34 And he said, I am Abraham’s servant. (Gen 24:34 KJV)

Psm. 116:16–16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. (Psa 116:16 KJV)

  • Servants earn a special place in their master’s heart (earned)

Gen. 26:24– 24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. 
1 Kin. 3:6– 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 
Psm. 105:42– 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.
Isa. 48:20
Mat. 18:27

Act 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 
Jas 2:23– 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
  • Servants are poor in spirit and seeks the master’s forgiveness, direction, mercy and knows from where he/she comes (required)

Gen. 32:10; 33:14: 43:28
Exo. 4:10
1 Sam. 27:5
2 Sam. 19:20; 24:10
1 Kin. 3:7-14– 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 

Psm. 119:176
Dan. 9:17–face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. 18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. 
Mat. 18:26– 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Mar. 9:35; 10:44

Joh. 13:16; 15:20– 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

  • Servants are typically chosen to assume key roles in the master’s mansion based upon the trust that is earned by the candidate servant (earned)

Gen. 44:10, 17;
Num. 12:7, 8
Ruth 2:5
Isa. 49:5, 6–5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. 
Isa. 53:11-12 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Mat. 25:23– 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Mat 25:23 KJV)

  • Servants fear their master and avoid causing their masters upset  (required)

Gen. 44:18–18 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. (Gen 44:18 KJV)
Psm. 19:13–13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psa 19:13-20:1 KJV)

  • Servants are bound to the same laws and practices as his/her master (inputted)

Exo. 12:44-49–44 But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. 45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is home born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Exo 12:44-49 KJV)
Lev. 25:6– 6 And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, (Lev 25:6 KJV)

  • Servants are purchased–specially chosen by their master (inputted)

Exo. 21:2;
Lev. 25:50, 53
Isa. 41:9; 44:21– 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. 13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isa 41:9-13 KJV)  21 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. 22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. (Isa 44:21-22 KJV)

23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (1Co 7:23-24 KJV)
  • Masters reveal secrets and truths to their faithful servants unbeknownst to others who are not that master’s servants (earned)

Deu. 3:24–24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? (Deu 3:24 KJV)
2 Sam. 7:27–Servants27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. (2Sa 7:27 KJV) of

  • THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A SERVANT WHO CHOOSES TO STAY WITH HIS MASTER (required)

Deu. 15:16, 17–16 And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; 17 Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise. (Deu 15:16-17 KJV)
Exo. 21:6–6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever. (Exo 21:6 KJV)

  • Good servants earn their master’s trust in all kinds of matters (earned)

Mat. 12:18; 25:21, 23– 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. (Mat 12:18 KJV) 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Mat 25:21 KJV)

  • Servants of Yehovah have supernatural abilities or supernatural signs happen around them (earned and inputted)
1 Sam. 17:34, 36– 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
2 Kin. 6:1515 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 
  • Servants often intercede on behalf of others (required)

1 Kin. 8:52
Neh. 1:7, 11–7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer. 

  • A servants worships his master (earned)

Psm. 86:2, 4; 109:28– 2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

 3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. (Psa 86:2-4 KJV)28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice. 
  • Servants seek to immitate their master (required)

Mat. 10:25– 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Joh. 12:26– 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 

  • True servants are loyal to their master (required)

Mat. 24:45-47; 25:21, 23– 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 
Joh. 12:26– 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 
1 Cor. 7:21

  • The great apostles considered themselves loyal servants of the Lord (earned/required)

Rom. 1:1; 16:1, 27
Col. 4:12
Jas. 1:1
2 Pet. 1:1
Jud. 1:1
Rev. 1:1

Prevailing Perceptions of a Christian
  • Saved by grace and therefore there is nothing to do but await for Jesus’ return
  • Once saved–always saved
  • God/Jesus knows my heart
  • The law was nailed to the cross and thus I have freedom in Christ
  • I only have to love God and my neighbor
  • According to a 2013 Barna Group Study, Christians (specifically born again and evangelicals) define themselves as:
    • having made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their lives
    • they’ve confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and will go to heaven
    • they have a personal responsibility to share their lives with non-believers or non-christians
    • believing that satan exists–that’s nice. I also believe in angels and talking donkeys
    • believing that eternal salvation is achieved only through grace, not work
    • believing that Jesus lived a sinless life–why then shouldn’t we strive to live sinless lives? Did not Jesus suggest to the inquiring rich man that adhering to the ways of the Father brings us to perfection or a life devoid of sin?  16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Mat 19:16-22 KJV) 13 Thou shalt be perfect (i.e., blameless) with the LORD thy God. (Deu 18:13 KJV) And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect (blameless). (Gen 17:1 KJV)
    • believing that the Bible is accurate in all that it teachesbelieving that God is the omniscient and omnipotent perfect being who created all that exists in the universe
  • When did being a servant change to being a christian–from being a very active and engaged person tied to their Master through actions to being a disengaged individual who choses to engage in a cognitive exercise of trusting?
  • Jude provides a clue– Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jud 1:1-4 KJV)
  • Christianity has become a grace-dependent religion that is relying upon inputted righteousness and the promise of eternal life. No such promise was ever made. Most of our translations of John 3:16 implies a insurance policy of eternal life to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. But many translations don’t make such a leap or assurance. Instead, there is through Jesus’ redemptive work, the opportunity and chance that men through a trusting and believing relationship with God, might have eternal life. See Young’s Literal Translation-YLT  John 3:16 for God did so love the world, that His Son — the only begotten — He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during. (Joh 3:16 YLT)
  • The concept of servant as used in Revelation 1:1 is different than any conception of “Christianity” in the Bible. There is no match based upon today’s perceptions of Christianity. There can be no match. No one can honestly say that the Book of Revelation was written to Western Christians of the 21st centuries simply because Christians and servants are two entirely different types of people. For one to realize the truth of the end times then, he or she must first become a servant of Jesus Christ. Certainly there is a cognitive element of believing that Jesus died for our sins and that god created the heavens and the earth. But there is also other factors involved in being servants and many of these factors were discussed above
  • There is a grass-roots movement taking place outside the parameters of traditional Christianity that is drawing select individuals in to its fold. This grass-roots movement is devoid of man made traditions and denominational influences and assertiveness. This grass-roots movement contends for the true faith once delivered to the Saints. Concepts and perceptions of what defines a true believer are not dictated by a denomination’s leaders and teachers and preachers: but defined by the Word of God. This movement will always be dwarfed in number and size by traditional Christianity because Christianity has created for itself a system like Judaism of Jesus’ day, that seems to have entrapped and bound its members in religion. Religion is, contrary to conventional wisdom, NOT what pleases the Father. Why did Jesus rail against the Jewish establishment? He railed against the Jewish establishment because Judaism utterly failed to follow His Father’s directions to the people. Judaism taught a way of life that was fashioned by the desires and imaginations of men. Christianity is no different my friends. Vast concepts that are labeled as Christian beliefs and doctrines are nothing more than man made beliefs and doctrines such as:
    • belief that believers in Jesus Christ are destined for heaven. Nowhere in the Bible is this taught
    • that Jesus Christ died on Good Friday and rose a day and a half later on Sunday morning
    • that Jesus was born on December the 25th, the birthday of a pagan Babylonian god
    • that Jesus was crucified on Easter, a pagan goddess celebratory holiday
    • that Jesus nailed the Law of God to the cross–a grossly misinterpretation of one of Paul’s writings
  • What will you do with this information? Many of you will write me and this content off as heretical and you will do so in the name of your denomination. Some of you will tacitly agree with some of the content or all of the content, but will not take any action to correct your perceptions of the Faith out of fear, uncertainty, or just laziness. Then there are the precious few of you who might just think there is something to this content and it is you who will take the bull by the horns and do your own research as if you were a Berean, and search out the truths for yourselves from the pages of your Bible. These individuals are crossing over from traditional Christianity to the Hebraic Roots of the Faith and realizing a change to their spiritual lives that will forever change their perceptions of religion and what it means to be a Christian
  • We invite you to take that plunge. Please contact us for information and resources if you are interested in going deeper and further in your walk with Christ than you’ve ever imagined. 
  • Otherwise, we will continue on with our study of the Rapture and the end times next week in Part 3 of the Series–Reading, Hearing and Keeping the Truth

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