Right, I have my big bible back! And today's Serving Suggestions isn't to do with food, but deacons!
Remember yesterday the church leaders had a long list of requirements? yep well similarly, so do deacons. They are like 2nd in command. (i made notes on most of these yesterday, so you can just look at that.)
Remember yesterday the church leaders had a long list of requirements? yep well similarly, so do deacons. They are like 2nd in command. (i made notes on most of these yesterday, so you can just look at that.)
- Respected by others (v8)
- Must not say what they do not mean (v8)
- Not drink too much wine (v8)
- Not get rich by cheating others (v8)
- Follow the secret faith that God has made known (v9)
- Only have one wife (v12)
- Good leaders of their family (v12)
v10
It then says that deacons should be tested, evaluated, observed and approved before being appointed. This is to see if they are blameless.
v11
then it goes onto women. Now, people do not know if it's women doing similar roles to the deacons, or the wives of the deacons. or just Christian women in general. But these women also have a specification
- Respected by others (v11)
- Must not speak evil by others (v11)
- Self controlled (v11)
- Trustworthy (v11)
So, women have to behave in a certain way as well, they have to be respected, sober, not talk about people behind their back, and trustworthy. I think these are good ones for us women to be living like now, because although its a small spec than the guys, many of us fall down and fail at these.
v13
Deacons who serve well, are making an honour able place for themselves, (this is talking about like respect within the congregation but also in heaven) and they will be bold in their faith in JC. So this is like a huge benefit for serving and working within the church!
v14 - 15
Paul then says that he is writing this to Timmy now, but he hopes to come and see him soon. So, if Paul can't come, at least Timmy's got these instructions and knows what to do re the local assembly and leadership. The church universal is manifested in local assemblies all around the world, and if the local church is weak, then others will suffer and it will weaken God's truth in the world.
v16
"Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:
He was shown to us in a human body,
proved right in spirit, and seen by angels.
He was proclaimed to the nations,
believed in by the world
Apparently this was an early Christian Hymn! So it talks of when Jesus came down to earth as a baby (John 1 v 14), the spirit worked in Jesus ministry and his resurrection (Matthew 3 v16), the angelic witness of his ministry and resurrection(Mark 1 v 13, Luke 22 v 39-44). He was proclaimed everywhere (Matthew 28 v 19-20), people believed in him and received salvation (Acts 2 v 38 - 41) and when he was taken to heaven in glory and seated in God's presence in heaven (Mark 16 v 19).How amazing?!and taken up in glory."
Application
Okay, so we're all not deacons, or wives of deacons, but in similar ways we serve the church and we should be acting similarly, right? Paul shows the amazing benefits within the serving the church (v13) and WHY we serve within the church, the amazing truth behind everything (v16). Pray that you can help more within the church, or outside the church and that things that are stopping you serving him that you get rid of.
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