Scripture Reading: Matt. 20:25-28; Phil. 2:5-8; Gal. 5:13; Exo. 21:1-6

Ⅰ　

The elders are not higher than the brothers and sisters in the church; rather, according to the Lord's teaching, the elders are lower because they are the slaves—Matt. 20:25-28.

Ⅱ　

In Philippians 2:5-8 Christ is presented to us as our pattern, as a model of a proper human life:

A　

This pattern is not of one who occupies a high position but of one who is a slave.

B　

Those who would follow this pattern need to empty themselves and humble themselves to be slaves.

Ⅲ　

To be a slave is to have the spirit of sacrifice—Exo. 21:1-6:

A　

A slave does not stand on his own rights.

B　

A slave is always willing to serve others and to sacrifice himself for others.

C　

According to the type in Exodus 21:1-6, where the slave is a type of Christ, if we would take Christ as our pattern, we must learn to be slaves, those who sacrifice everything for others.

Ⅳ　

Love is the motive and prerequisite of being a slave—vv. 4-5:

A　

Continuing as a slave is not a legal requirement—it is a matter motivated by voluntary love.

B　

Love requires sacrifice; without sacrifice there can be no love—Eph. 5:2.

Ⅴ　

Our position as slaves of Christ should be at the doorpost, with an ear opened to listen to the Master—Exo. 21:6.

Ⅵ　

Every elder must be a slave—Matt. 20:25-28:

A　

God's people need the spirit of a slave.

B　

The elders in the churches need to realize that if they are not willing to be slaves, they cannot be proper elders.

C　

In the church life there is no rank; we are all brothers, and we all must serve as slaves.