Agape Christian Center
Sons and Servants
Locations & Times
Agape Christian Center
321 N Penelope St, Belton, TX 76513, USA
Wednesday 7:40 PM
S O N S A N D S E R V A N T S
3 John 1:2 (KJV)
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
prosper - to have a good journey
1. Notice that the Apostle John is talking about ‘soul prosperity’.
2. This is one of the many reasons Jesus came to us:
a. to heal the broken hearted \
Luke 4:18
b. to set free those who have been bruised /
3. Within most people, there is an inner struggle when it comes to their relationship with God.
a. and it is a blessing blocker to most people
Romans 8:15 (KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
4. Two types of attitudes towards God can be seen in this verse:
a. spirit of bondage that makes you afraid of God
b. Spirit of adoption that makes you ask “Hey Dad! What’s next?’
John 1:12 (KJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
5. Biblically, we are all called ‘sons’ because it was the first born son that received a double portion of the blessings and the inheritance.
John 1:12 (NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
6. The spirit of bondage can be seen as having a servant or orphan mentality.
7. The spirit of adoption is commonly referred to as ‘sonship’.
John 1:13 (NLT)
They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
8. How you see yourself can either attract or repel blessings.
a. a servant / orphan expects nothing
b. a son (or daughter) expects everything
9. You may believe that you are ‘IN the Body of Christ but believe that you are not a PART of the Body of Christ.
Psalms 68:6 (NLT)
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
10. God places those with a spirit of bondage , orphans, into church families.
11. But, having an servant / orphan mentality can affect relationships in the church.
a. especially when it comes to working with a team
b. and how we respond to church leaders
12. Servants / orphans do not want relationships in churches unless:
a. there is something to gain from it
b. they can control it
13. Sons desire relationships so they can have fellowship.
14. But, having an orphan perspective can affect our relationships in the church.
a. especially when it comes to working with a team
b. and how we respond to church leaders
T H E C O N T R A S T B E T W E E N S O N S A N D S E R V A N T S
Spirit of bondage = servants/orphans Spirit of adoption = sons
1 John 4:18 (NLT)
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
#1.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit operates out of insecurity and jealousy.
a. they struggle when a biological/spiritual father compliments others
John 14:15 (MSG)
"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.
#2.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship functions out of love and acceptance.
15. They’re content to serve whether or not they are in charge or celebrated in the process.
#3.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit is jealous of the success of his brothers.
Galatians 6:4 (NLT)
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
16. Servants/orphans are happy when others fail.
a. it makes them feel good about themselves.
b. they have difficulty cooperating because they see others as competition
#4.Spirit of adoption - The mature son is committed to the success of his brothers.
17. Sons help others succeed and do not work for recognition.
a. but out of a deep sense of the love
#5.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit serves God to earn the Father’s love.
Matthew 10:8 (KJV)
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
18. Servants/orphans are constantly striving and trying to earn God’s love through accomplishment in ministry or career.
#6.Spirit of adoption - The mature son serves God out of a sense of divine acceptance and favor.
a. they already know they are accepted
b. they serve others out of the abundance of this acceptance
#7.Spirit of bondage - Tries to medicate its deep internal alienation through physical stimulation.
19. Those with an orphan spirit are constantly trying to:
a. push down their sense of alienation, loneliness and lack of self-worth
Galatians 5:19-20 (MSG)
19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; 20 trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits;
20. This is evidenced by:
a. constantly working, cleaning
b. going from one relationship to the next
c. seeking physical gratification
d. and a life of narcissism and self-indulgence
Galatians 5:21 (MSG)
the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.
21. But, the more they indulge, the more addicted they become.
a. which makes the hole in their heart bigger
Galatians 5:22 (MSG)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
#8.Spirit of adoption - Sons walks in the joy and presence of the Lord for comfort.
Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
22. Sons practice the joy of the Lord continually as their source of strength.
#9.Spirit of bondage - The orphan spirit is driven by the need for success.
Romans 8:14 (KJV)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
23. Servants / orphans try to accomplish great things to satisfy the deep desire in their hearts to earn God’s approval.
a. this results in performance instead of being led by the Spirit
24. Orphan/servants believe they can feel good about themselves with great accomplishments.
#10.Spirit of adoption - The Spirit leads the mature son into his calling and mission.
Psalms 127:1 (NLT)
Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
25. Sonship allows the Lord to direct them without trying to drum up their own success.
#11.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit uses people as objects to fulfill goals.
Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
26. Orphans manipulate with words, threats, and anything necessary to have their own way and to control others.
#12.Spirit of adoption - Mature sons serve people to bless the kingdom.
Matthew 23:11 (KJV)
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
27. Sons serve and release people to fulfill their destiny in Christ.
Matthew 23:11 (MSG)
"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.
#13.Spirit of bondage - The orphan spirit repels children, can’t connect intimately.
Matthew 19:14-15 (NLT)
14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
28. Servants and biological parents with an orphan spirit are constantly in turmoil.
a. fighting and striving for their own way
b. they see their leaders as competition instead of loving them
29. This results in repelling spiritual and biological children:
a. which can forfeit influence over the next generation
b. meaning you can’t control your kids
#14.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship attracts children.
Romans 8:16 (NLT)
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
30. Sonship walk in the Father’s anointing and draw children toward them because their children hear the voice of a shepherd who cares for them.
Romans 8:17 (NLT)
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
#15.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit has anger and fits of rage.
31. Orphans have issues with:
a. uncontrollable anger and fits of rage
b. they feel they must control others and their circumstances
Proverbs 15:18 (NLT)
A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
32. Orphans lack the trust in God to guide and control their future.
#16.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship rests in the Father’s ability to control and guide the future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
33. Sons walk in the Father’s rest:
a. and have ceased from their own works
b. they allow God to have His way in their lives
Hebrews 4:3 (MSG)
If we believe, though, we'll experience that state of resting. But not if we don't have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, "They'll never get where they're going, never be able to sit down and rest." God made that vow, even though he'd finished his part before the foundation of the world.
34. They make their life about Him, not them.
#17.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit is always in competition with others.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (MSG)
We're not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they're our superiors. We wouldn't dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.
35. Servants/orphans are always trying to outdo others.
a. because they receive their identity through being better than others
Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship is always blessing others.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
36. Sons are constantly seeing how they can bless others.
a. because they want to freely share His love with others
#18.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit lacks self-esteem.
Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
37. Your self esteem comes from the way you were treated as a child.
a. it’s difficult to love if you felt unloved
Matthew 22:39-40 (NLT)
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
38. Servants/orphans have a hard time loving and accepting themselves.
#19.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship walks in the love and acceptance of God.
Romans 15:7 (NLT)
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
39. Sons are filled with a sense of divine love and acceptance:
a. it allows them to walk confidently in the joy of the Lord
#20.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit receives its primary identity through:
a. material possessions
b. physical appearance
c. and activities
James 4:4 (MSG)
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way.
40. Orphans never have enough:
a. career successb. material possessions
c. pleasure d. illicit relationships
d. to satisfy the hole in their heart related to their identity
James 4:5-6 (MSG)
5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." 6 And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
41. They are constantly striving to gain satisfaction.
Are all ways of trying to stand out due to a lack of self esteem and a sense of value.
I personally have
nothing against that.42. It is well known that psychologically:
a. dressing provocatively
b. excessive tattooing
c. numerous skin piercings
d. wild hairdos
#21.Spirit of adoption - Sons are grounded in the Father’s love.
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
43. Why? Because they are satisfied In:
a. serving in the background
b. and celebrate the success and attention others receive
44. The void in their soul has already been filled with the love of God.
1 John 3:2-3 (NLT)
2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
45. Just try to do your best to enjoy the God-in-you kind of life.
E N D
3 John 1:2 (KJV)
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
prosper - to have a good journey
1. Notice that the Apostle John is talking about ‘soul prosperity’.
2. This is one of the many reasons Jesus came to us:
a. to heal the broken hearted \
Luke 4:18
b. to set free those who have been bruised /
3. Within most people, there is an inner struggle when it comes to their relationship with God.
a. and it is a blessing blocker to most people
Romans 8:15 (KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
4. Two types of attitudes towards God can be seen in this verse:
a. spirit of bondage that makes you afraid of God
b. Spirit of adoption that makes you ask “Hey Dad! What’s next?’
John 1:12 (KJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
5. Biblically, we are all called ‘sons’ because it was the first born son that received a double portion of the blessings and the inheritance.
John 1:12 (NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
6. The spirit of bondage can be seen as having a servant or orphan mentality.
7. The spirit of adoption is commonly referred to as ‘sonship’.
John 1:13 (NLT)
They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
8. How you see yourself can either attract or repel blessings.
a. a servant / orphan expects nothing
b. a son (or daughter) expects everything
9. You may believe that you are ‘IN the Body of Christ but believe that you are not a PART of the Body of Christ.
Psalms 68:6 (NLT)
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
10. God places those with a spirit of bondage , orphans, into church families.
11. But, having an servant / orphan mentality can affect relationships in the church.
a. especially when it comes to working with a team
b. and how we respond to church leaders
12. Servants / orphans do not want relationships in churches unless:
a. there is something to gain from it
b. they can control it
13. Sons desire relationships so they can have fellowship.
14. But, having an orphan perspective can affect our relationships in the church.
a. especially when it comes to working with a team
b. and how we respond to church leaders
T H E C O N T R A S T B E T W E E N S O N S A N D S E R V A N T S
Spirit of bondage = servants/orphans Spirit of adoption = sons
1 John 4:18 (NLT)
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
#1.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit operates out of insecurity and jealousy.
a. they struggle when a biological/spiritual father compliments others
John 14:15 (MSG)
"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.
#2.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship functions out of love and acceptance.
15. They’re content to serve whether or not they are in charge or celebrated in the process.
#3.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit is jealous of the success of his brothers.
Galatians 6:4 (NLT)
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
16. Servants/orphans are happy when others fail.
a. it makes them feel good about themselves.
b. they have difficulty cooperating because they see others as competition
#4.Spirit of adoption - The mature son is committed to the success of his brothers.
17. Sons help others succeed and do not work for recognition.
a. but out of a deep sense of the love
#5.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit serves God to earn the Father’s love.
Matthew 10:8 (KJV)
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
18. Servants/orphans are constantly striving and trying to earn God’s love through accomplishment in ministry or career.
#6.Spirit of adoption - The mature son serves God out of a sense of divine acceptance and favor.
a. they already know they are accepted
b. they serve others out of the abundance of this acceptance
#7.Spirit of bondage - Tries to medicate its deep internal alienation through physical stimulation.
19. Those with an orphan spirit are constantly trying to:
a. push down their sense of alienation, loneliness and lack of self-worth
Galatians 5:19-20 (MSG)
19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; 20 trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits;
20. This is evidenced by:
a. constantly working, cleaning
b. going from one relationship to the next
c. seeking physical gratification
d. and a life of narcissism and self-indulgence
Galatians 5:21 (MSG)
the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.
21. But, the more they indulge, the more addicted they become.
a. which makes the hole in their heart bigger
Galatians 5:22 (MSG)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
#8.Spirit of adoption - Sons walks in the joy and presence of the Lord for comfort.
Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
22. Sons practice the joy of the Lord continually as their source of strength.
#9.Spirit of bondage - The orphan spirit is driven by the need for success.
Romans 8:14 (KJV)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
23. Servants / orphans try to accomplish great things to satisfy the deep desire in their hearts to earn God’s approval.
a. this results in performance instead of being led by the Spirit
24. Orphan/servants believe they can feel good about themselves with great accomplishments.
#10.Spirit of adoption - The Spirit leads the mature son into his calling and mission.
Psalms 127:1 (NLT)
Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
25. Sonship allows the Lord to direct them without trying to drum up their own success.
#11.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit uses people as objects to fulfill goals.
Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
26. Orphans manipulate with words, threats, and anything necessary to have their own way and to control others.
#12.Spirit of adoption - Mature sons serve people to bless the kingdom.
Matthew 23:11 (KJV)
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
27. Sons serve and release people to fulfill their destiny in Christ.
Matthew 23:11 (MSG)
"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.
#13.Spirit of bondage - The orphan spirit repels children, can’t connect intimately.
Matthew 19:14-15 (NLT)
14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
28. Servants and biological parents with an orphan spirit are constantly in turmoil.
a. fighting and striving for their own way
b. they see their leaders as competition instead of loving them
29. This results in repelling spiritual and biological children:
a. which can forfeit influence over the next generation
b. meaning you can’t control your kids
#14.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship attracts children.
Romans 8:16 (NLT)
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
30. Sonship walk in the Father’s anointing and draw children toward them because their children hear the voice of a shepherd who cares for them.
Romans 8:17 (NLT)
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
#15.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit has anger and fits of rage.
31. Orphans have issues with:
a. uncontrollable anger and fits of rage
b. they feel they must control others and their circumstances
Proverbs 15:18 (NLT)
A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
32. Orphans lack the trust in God to guide and control their future.
#16.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship rests in the Father’s ability to control and guide the future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
33. Sons walk in the Father’s rest:
a. and have ceased from their own works
b. they allow God to have His way in their lives
Hebrews 4:3 (MSG)
If we believe, though, we'll experience that state of resting. But not if we don't have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, "They'll never get where they're going, never be able to sit down and rest." God made that vow, even though he'd finished his part before the foundation of the world.
34. They make their life about Him, not them.
#17.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit is always in competition with others.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (MSG)
We're not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they're our superiors. We wouldn't dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.
35. Servants/orphans are always trying to outdo others.
a. because they receive their identity through being better than others
Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship is always blessing others.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
36. Sons are constantly seeing how they can bless others.
a. because they want to freely share His love with others
#18.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit lacks self-esteem.
Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
37. Your self esteem comes from the way you were treated as a child.
a. it’s difficult to love if you felt unloved
Matthew 22:39-40 (NLT)
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
38. Servants/orphans have a hard time loving and accepting themselves.
#19.Spirit of adoption - The spirit of sonship walks in the love and acceptance of God.
Romans 15:7 (NLT)
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
39. Sons are filled with a sense of divine love and acceptance:
a. it allows them to walk confidently in the joy of the Lord
#20.Spirit of bondage -The orphan spirit receives its primary identity through:
a. material possessions
b. physical appearance
c. and activities
James 4:4 (MSG)
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way.
40. Orphans never have enough:
a. career successb. material possessions
c. pleasure d. illicit relationships
d. to satisfy the hole in their heart related to their identity
James 4:5-6 (MSG)
5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." 6 And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
41. They are constantly striving to gain satisfaction.
Are all ways of trying to stand out due to a lack of self esteem and a sense of value.
I personally have
nothing against that.42. It is well known that psychologically:
a. dressing provocatively
b. excessive tattooing
c. numerous skin piercings
d. wild hairdos
#21.Spirit of adoption - Sons are grounded in the Father’s love.
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
43. Why? Because they are satisfied In:
a. serving in the background
b. and celebrate the success and attention others receive
44. The void in their soul has already been filled with the love of God.
1 John 3:2-3 (NLT)
2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
45. Just try to do your best to enjoy the God-in-you kind of life.
E N D