Daily Devotions
1 Timothy
"Those who have served well as deacons..."
Text: 1 Timothy 3:13
SERVING THE LORD WELL
Serving the Lord is certainly no easy task. Is it even possible to serve the Lord well? The apostle Paul wrote to commend those who serve well. This confirms the fact that it is possible to serve faithfully and effectively.
“For those who have served well as deacons obtain
for themselves a good standing and great boldness
in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 3:13
1. “Those who have served well as deacons”
a) It certainly is possible to serve well as deacons.
b) Paul commended Phoebe as one who served the Lord well as a female deacon (Romans 16:1).
c) Serving well
i) By their life as examples.
ii) By their knowledge of the faith.
iii) By the actual service consistent with their position as deacons in the church.
2. “Obtain for themselves a good standing”
a) They have obtained a good status.
b) This is hard-earned.
c) It does not come from the office of a deacon in itself.
d) It comes as a result of having served well as faithful deacons.
e) This status is non-material but it is nevertheless a special blessing of approval from the Lord.
3. “And great boldness in the faith”
a) The phrase “great boldness” suggests “assurance” or “confidence”.
b) The faith that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ is not nebulous.
i) It is proven to be real and concrete.
ii) It is publicly acclaimed by all who see the reality of the practice of faith in life and ministry.
iii) Faith is now a proven fact.
THE CHALLENGE TO SERVE FAITHFULLY AND WELL
With these words Paul concluded his instructions concerning the appointment of prospective leaders in the Church. Serving the Lord in public office is not for everybody. The would-be elder or deacon/ deaconess must have a proven faith and life. Only then can they hope to serve the Lord faithfully and fruitfully.
Should they possess the right credentials to serve the Lord, they can be assured that the Lord would bless their ministries for Him. Our challenge must always be to prepare ourselves well for potential ministry!