Living in this present age, we have access to a whole world of information, much of it delivered right to our homes or smartphones in living color. The challenge is to be able to discern truth from falsehood, to not be blinded by the marvel of the presentation, but to focus instead on the content of the message. Since all truth comes from God, and since God has used the words of humble men to communicate His word to us, we have to learn how to identify what a humble servant of the gospel looks like. Let’s look at what scripture has to say about those whom God has chosen to be his messengers.

1. Consider the life of Moses. He was adopted into the royal family of Egypt The first 40 years of his life were spent with the most powerful family in the nation. He was well-educated; surrounded by the most intelligent people. He was without want; his clothing and food were of the finest quality.

Then, he committed murder and had to flee for his life. Even though his victim was in the wrong, the killing was unjustified and had he stayed, a penalty would have been imposed. He fled to Midian and started a family, becoming a sheep-herder, working with, and for, his father-in-law for the next forty years.

Eventually, God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. He stood up to Pharaoh. He performed miracles. He led the people out in victory, and for the final forty years of his life, he courageously and persistently did what God commanded to bring His stubborn, sinful people home to the promised land.

After all that, here’s what scripture says about Moses: Numbers 12:3 (CSB) Moses was a very humble man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.

It would have been understandable if Moses had taken pride in his accomplishments. But he knew that God was the reason for the success of his mission. Listen to how he approached God in a time of crisis:

Exodus 33:12-16 (CSB) Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”

And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”

Moses knew that if God was not with him and the Israelites, then there was no reason for them to continue the journey. They’d be better off perishing in the wilderness. It would only be by the power of God that they would eventually arrive at the promised land.

2. Contrast with Jesus words about the Pharisees.

Matt. 23:1-7 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples: “The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. They do everything to be seen by others: They enlarge their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by people.

The Pharisees were shepherds of the people, just as Moses had been. When they taught the word of God, they were to be heeded. However, their lives did not exemplify the truth of God’s word. They added to the law hundreds of rules and rituals, then prided themselves in keeping these rather than living in a right relationship with God and with people. They loved their position and high standing, but they had no love for the people and no sense of humility before the God, without whom they would be powerless.

3. Review what Paul says, and apply this to our leaders and ourselves. Remember, Paul was once a Pharisee.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (CSB) For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

The humble servant speaks the gospel with boldness no matter what may come even to the point of suffering.

For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 

The motives of the Humble servant are pure. His purpose is to preach the gospel, not to deceive. He is no spiritual huckster selling a false religion, proclaiming prosperity, freedom from sickness, a victorious life right now. Jesus said we would suffer in this life, and experience victory, wholeness and abundance in the life to come.

Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 

The humble servant is not a people pleaser but a truth teller. His message is a trust from God.

For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives — God is our witness 

The humble servant will not sooth you, he will convict you.The gospel will often be uncomfortable, even for believers. If you’re never uncomfortable, you’re not listening.

 — and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 

The humble servant seeks to please God, earthly glory is not his objective. God will be the judge of the preacher, not men.

Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

The humble servant is motivated by love for the lost. The humble servant loves God’s own people; he leads them like sheep to safety in the truth of the gospel.

As God’s people in God’s church, we are called to follow and obey our appointed leaders, the shepherds called by God, and we are called to be humble servants in whatever God has called us as individuals to do for the sake of the Kingdom.

We recently marked a year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, that time when a humble monk named Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to a door at Wittenburg, challenging the church to return to its roots in the Christian faith and to put off man-made errors. 

Oddly enough, I had never actually read the 95 theses until we engaged in that remembrance. They are a remarkable and courageous call to true faith in the church. The one that stood out to me, and the one I want to leave you with is this one, #62:

“The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.”

That gospel is this: that we were all dead in our sins and trespasses, bound for eternal suffering under the justifiable wrath of a righteous God, but God, in His profound love for His creatures, graciously provided the ultimate sacrifice to propitiate HIs wrath by sending Jesus, His only Son, to die in our place. By this great mercy, he covered our sins, and clothed us in the righteousness of Christ, adopting us as beloved children. As such, we have the sure promise of our salvation and eternal life in the new heaven and earth, to live forever in the very presence of our God and Savior.

If you’re looking for a shepherd, look for one who unashamedly preaches this gospel, without alteration, over and over again, teaching you from scripture the whole counsel of God, and His glorious plan of salvation for his chosen people.

And as a believer, whatever your gifts, whatever your calling, always and only rely on the truth of the gospel to motivate your life and to be the content of your witness.