DEACON QUALIFICATION

FAT DEACON

G.I.J.N. - I AM HAPPY TO BE HERE WITH MY FAMILY - MY WIFE LORI AND OUR 6 CHILDREN - COLE, KATRIEL, CAMERON, KENZIE, KRISTINE AND THE BABY CORDELLE.

BRO DARYL ASKED IF I WOULD BE WILLING TO HAVE A DEACON QUALIFICATION MESSAGE - AND AS I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS ASSIGNMENT - I HAD TO THINK BACK TO A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS ATTENDING A LEADERSHIP MEETING WITH A FEW OUR LOCAL CHURCH TEAMS - AND THE RETIRING ELDER WAS HAVING DEVOTIONS AND HIS CHALLENGE WAS THAT WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAT LEADERS - AND IF YOU A LIKE ME - IN MY MIND I HAD SOME QUESTIONS -

1ST - HOW DO YOU SPELL FAT - AND HE WENT ON AND SAID F.A.T.

2ND I WAS LIKE THE BIBLE TELLS US TO EXERCISE TEMPERANCE -

3RD - OUR BODIES ARE TO BE TEMPLES FOR THE LORD TO DWELL IN -

WHY WOULD OUR DEAR BROTHER BE CALLING US TO BE FAT LEADERS -

LIKE MOST TIMES IF YOU WAIT FOR THE WHOLE STORY - THEN TRUTH CAN REVEALED AND THE MESSAGE BROUGHT FORTH AS IT IS INTENDED -

BEFORE WE GET EVERYONE NERVOUS THAT I AM GOING TO BRING OUT A SCALES AND HAVE A WEIGH IN TO DETERMINE WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE ROLE OF DEACON - LET ME EXPLAIN WHAT HIS MEANING FOR F.A.T. WAS.

HIS ACROSTIC FOR FAT LEADERS WAS THIS - F - FAITHFULL, A- AVAILABLE, T- TEACHABLE. - SO THIS MORNING THINKING ABOUT A DEACON QUALIFICATION MESSAGE - I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PATTERN FROM MY FATHERS BOOK AND PRESENT SOME QUALIFICATIONS FOR A FAT DEACON.

HIS TEXT VERSE WAS 1 Peter 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

THIS SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF EVERY LEADER - DO IT DO THE WORK OF THE LORD AS OF THE ABILITY WHICH GOD GIVE AND THE FOR WHAT REASON? TO BRING HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST - WHO DESERVES TO BE PRAISED FOR HIS - VIGOR - GREAT POWER AND STRENGTH - THE GREEK WORD FOR DOMINION MEANS HERE.

I ALSO FOUND IT INTERESTING THAT THE GREEK WORD diakoneo, dee-ak-on-eh’-o

from THE WORD DIAKONOS WHICH IS TRANSLATED TO DEACON

DEE-AK-ON-EH’O MEANS ; to be an attendant, wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon:—(ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon.

SO WHAT IS A DEACON - WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE OFFICE OF DEACON IS SO WE KNOW WHAT ROLE THEY ARE CALLED TO FULFILL - AND WE FIND THIS IN Acts 6:1–7 THIS IS ALSO WHERE WE ARE GIVEN AN EXAMPLE ON HOW TO GO ABOUT ADDING “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, LIST OF THE OTHER SIX and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: verse 7 - Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priest were obedient to the faith

THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR THE EARLY CHURCH - THE CHURCH WAS GROWING AND MORE PEOPLE WERE NEEDED FOR ADMINISTRATION SO THE DISCIPLES COULD CONTINUE PREACHING THE WORD . SO LIKE BACK THEN THIS IS ALSO AN EXCITING TIME FOR YOU AS A CONGREGATION - AS THE CHURCH GROWS SO DOES THE AMOUT OF SERVANT LEADERS TO ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD TO INCREASE SO THAT A GREAT COMPANY MAY BE TOUCHED AND BE OBEDIENT TO THE FAITH AS IT SAYS HERE IN VERSE 7.

JUST LIKE THE GOAL IN 1 PETER 4:11 WE AGAIN SEE THE FOCUS OF THE CHURCH - THAT THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY GO FORTH TO DRAW MAN TO GOD SO HE CAN BE HONORED AND GLORIFIED - AMEN.

SO LETS GET STARTED ON OUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR A FAT DEACON -

F. IS FOR FAITHFUL - TURN TO 1 TIMOTHY 3 WHERE WE FIND THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACON THAT PAUL GAVE TO TIMOTHY -

FAITHFUL OR FAITH FULL - FULL OF FAITH - HOW DO WE KNOW IF ONE IS FAITHFUL - WHAT DOES JESUS SAY MATTHEW 7:16 YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS - WHAT FRUITS ARE WE DISPLAYING - WE HAVE A SOME LISTED HERE.

Acts 6:3 “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” HONEST REPORT - ONE WHOM YOU KNOW AND CAN GIVE A TESTIMONY OR WITNESS GREEK DEFINITION - to be a witness, testify , give (evidence), bear record, have or obtain,) good (honest) report, be well reported of. THEN FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND WISDOM -HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THEY ARE FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST - BY WHAT ACTIONS COME OUT OF THEIR LIVES - THEIR FRUIT - ONE WHO IS FAITHFUL IS GOVERNED BY THE HOLY GHOST- HE LIVES LIFE ACCORDING TO A HIGHER POWER. ALONG WITH THAT- HE HAS WISDOM - WHAT IS WISDOM - ONE SIMPLE DEFINITION COULD BE - WISDOM IS THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATIONS OF THE KNOWLEDGE - YET AS WE KNOW SPIRITUAL WISDOM IS SO MUCH MORE - Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” BY THIS VERSE A WISE MAN WILL RESPECT THE LORD AND FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN WILL BE FULL OF FAITH, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND WISDOM TO APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD TO FOLLOW HIS COMMANDMENTS.

IN 1 TIMOTHY 3 WE HAVE A FEW MORE FAITHFUL QUALIFICATIONS - VERSE 9 - I WILL READ IN THE NIV FOR A LITTLE MORE CLARITY - NIV - VERSE 9 “ THEY MUST KEEP HOLD OF THE DEEP TRUTHS OF THE FAITH WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. FAITHFUL IN KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.

V12 1 Timothy 3:12 “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” FAITHFUL IN MARRIAGE TO ONE WIFE - A FAITHFUL LEADER IN HIS HOME MANAGING HIS FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD WELL-

V13 1 Timothy 3:13 “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” NIV SAYS IT THIS WAY - THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED WELL GAIN AN EXCELLENT STANDING AND GREAT ASSURANCE IN THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.

SO FAITHFULNESS AND BEING FULL OF FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS IS A REQUIREMENT AS A CHRISTIAN LEADER.

ALSO NEED TO HAVE A FOCUS ON JESUS AND FOLLOW AFTER JESUS AND BE A FRIEND OF JESUS.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” SEE THE REQUIREMENT TO BE FAITHFUL.

A. AVAILABLE - SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO DO THE WORK OF THE LORD AT HAND - SOMEONE WHO IS USEFUL.

SOMEONE WHO IS AVAILABLE WILL DO THEIR BEST - THERE MAY BE OTHERS WHO THEY FEEL COULD DO BETTER BUT THEY DO THE BEST POSSIBLE JOB THEY CAN BECAUSE IT IS FOR THE WORK OF THE KINGDOM.

I WAS CHALLENGED BY THIS JUST YESTERDAY - I HAD TO STOP BY THE SHOP TO DROP OFF SOME PARTS AND I GOT THE QUESTION - DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE TO LOOK AT SOMETHING - I NEEDED TO STUDY - I THINK ABOUT MY ASSIGNMENTS AND WRITE NOTES BUT SATURDAY I SIT DOWN AND PUT IT ALL TOGETHER - AND HERE IS A DRIVER - DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE - YES - I HAVE A MINUTE - BUT ITS THE MINUTES THAT TURN TO HOURS AND HOURS TO DAYS AND DAYS TO YEARS AS WE THINK OF BEING AVAILABLE TO HELP OTHERS. AND YES I LOOKED AT HIS ISSUE AND AS YOU KNOW - SINCE HE ASKED - THERE WAS A PROBLEM -SO YOU ARE NOW OBLIGATED TO RESOLVE THAT ISSUE FOR HIM. ARE WE AVAILABLE.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

DOING OUR BEST WHILE WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY - AVAILABLE WHEN THE WORK NEEDS DONE AND DOING OUR BEST.

1 Timothy 3:8 “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;”

NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE - ONE WHO IS AVAILABLE HAS CONTROL OF HIMSELF AT ALL TIMES -

NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE - NIV - SAYS PURSUING DISHONEST GAIN - NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY - WE HAVE THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS - ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT THE MONEY - NOT AS USEFUL OF A DISCIPLE I BELIEVE BECAUSE OF HIS OUTLOOK - HE MISSED THE LOVE OF GOD THAT JESUS WAS TEACHING AND BEING AN EXAMPLE OF.

1 Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

WHATEVER GOD HAVE GIFTED YOU WITH - BE AVAILABLE TO SERVE OTHERS WITH IT - AGAIN THAT WORD MINISTER - GREEK WORD DEE-AK-ON-EH’O MEANS ; to be an attendant, wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon:—(ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon.

WE NEED THE ATTITUDE OF AVAILABILITY TO SERVE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

T - TEACHABLE - WILLING TO CONTINUE LEARNING SO THEY CAN SHEW AND LEAD OTHERS.

Psalm 25:4–5 “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; On thee do I wait all the day.”

IF YOUR ARE NOT TEACHABLE THEN THEY ARE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO BE TAUGHT - WHICH WILL KEEP US FROM DRAWING CLOSER TO THE FATHER - WE NEED TO SEE HIS WAYS AND LEARN HIS PATHS TO WE CAN LEAD OTHERS TO SALVATION WHICH WE RECEIVE THROUGH THE LORD.

WILLING TO MAKE DISCOVERIES IN THE WORD OF GOD - INTERESTED AND DESIRING TO SEE WHAT CAN I GET OUT OF THE BIBLE.

TEACHABLE BUT NOT GULLIBLE - NOT EASILY PERSUADED - GETTING KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION FROM THE RIGHT SOURCE - John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

TEACHABLE SO YOU KNOW THE TRUTH - 1 Timothy 3:8 “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;” N

NOT DOUBLE TONGUED GREEK WORD MEANS - telling a different story:—double-tongued.

TEACHABLE TAKES TIME - ALSO REQUIRES US TO BE TENDER AS WE TEACH - LEAD OTHERS TO SALVATION.

SO THAT IS WHAT FAT STANDS FOR - FAITHFUL - AVAILABLE , TEACHABLE.

MY DAUGHTER THOUGHT THAT A FAT DEACON SHOULD BE FRIENDLY - APPRECIATIVE - TRUSTWORTHY.

FOR THE WORD DEACON - I WOULD LIKE TO SHIFT FOCUS A LITTLE FROM QUALIFICATIONS TO MORE OF WHAT IS A DEACON AND WHO AND WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES THIS ROLE REQUIRES.

D - DISCIPLE - LAST POINT WAS TEACHABLE - IF WE WE ARE GOING TO LEARN HOW TO SERVE IN THE KINGDOM THEN WE NEED TO BE TAUGHT BY THE GREAT TEACHER JESUS. AS YOU LOOK AT JESUS MINISTRY HERE ON EARTH - WAS HE NOT PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A DEACON - AS WE THINK OF A DEACON WHO MUST BE A FAITHFUL SERVANT AND STRIVE TO BE BLAMELESS EXAMPLE TO THE CHURCH HE IS APPOINTED TO SERVE.

AS WE THINK OF THE DISCIPLES WHO WERE A LEARNER OR STUDENT OF JESUS AND WERE WITH HIM NIGHT AND DAY - WHO WALKED WITH HIM, ATE WITH HIM AND HAD CONVERSATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH JESUS - THIS SPEAKS OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS - THIS SHOULD BE EACH ONE OF OUR DESIRES - TO BE A STUDENT OF JESUS SO WE KNOW HOW TO LIVE OUT INTENTIONAL CHRISTIAN LIVING - WHICH IS : DOING ON PURPOSE WHAT CHRIST TAUGHT US - EVERYDAY ALL DAY. HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT JESUS TAUGHT ? BY BEING IN THE WORD.

John 8:31 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”

DEACON NEEDS TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST - NEEDS TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND BE STUDYING THE WORD TO KNOW WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS.

E - ENTHUSIASTIC - I LIKE THIS WORD: ENTHUSIASM - IS DERIVED FROM TWO GREEK WORDS - EN - THEOS AND THEOS IS THE WORD FOR GOD - SO IN ITS ROOT CONCEPT ENTHUSIASM MEANS TO BE IN GOD.

AS I THOUGHT OF THE WORK INVOLVED WITH BEING IN THE WORK OF GODS KINGDOM AND THE CALL TO SERVANT LEADERSHIP - I WAS CHALLENGED AND ENCOURAGED BY THE 5 VERSES WE FIND IN Ephesians 6:5–9

WE OFTEN QUOTE THE VERSES 1-4 TO OUR CHILDREN AND WE SKIM OVER TO VERSE 10 AND LOOK INTO THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD. BUT VERSES 5-9 ARE TITLED SERVANTS AND MASTERS.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service ( THE NIV SAYS -SERVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY) , as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”

THE CALL TO SERVE OUR EARTHLY MASTERS - WHICH WOULD INCLUDE OUR EMPLOYERS AND THOSE WE DO WORK FOR - BUT I BELIEVE IT IS ANY PERSON ON THIS EARTH WE ARE CALLED TO BE A SERVANT AS UNTO CHRIST IN V5. - DO WE FULLY UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGE PAUL IS LAYING OUT FOR THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS - WE ARE TO LOOK AT THE WORK WE DO AS UNTO CHRIST AND CONSIDER IT THE WILL OF GOD IN V6 AND IT GETS BETTER - NOT BEGRUDINGLY OR AS IF FORCED - BUT - V7 WHOLEHEARTEDLY OR ENTHUSIASTICALLY. AND IF YOU ARE THINKING WILL ITS A GOOD THING I AM SELF EMPLOYED! WE HAVE A VERSE FOR YOU - V9 IN THE NIV SAYS - AND MASTERS - TREAT YOUR SLAVES IN THE SAME WAY. DO NOT THREATEN THEM, SINCE YOU KNOW THAT HE WHO IS BOTH THEIR MASTER AND YOURS IS IN HEAVEN, AND THERE IS NO FAVORITISM WITH HIM.

DEACON WORK IS SERVANT WORK - BESIDES SERVING OUR FAMILY + OUR OCCUPATION WE HAVE THE ADDED RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE THE CHURCH - AND AS WE SEE HERE - WITH ENTHUSIASM - WITH GOD - BECAUSE I PROMISE YOU - IF YOU TRY TO DO IT WITHOUT GOD - YOU WILL FAIL.

IN GOD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE STRENGTH TO SERVE WITH : ENTHUSIASM - EAGERNESS - ENERGY AND ZEAL.

A - ADMINISTRATION. A DEACON IS A MANAGEMENT POSITION - MANAGE THE FINANCES - THE SCHEDULE - MAINTENANCE ALONG WITH TRUSTEES AND THE GOAL IS UNITY. WHICH IS DIFFERENT THAN AN ELDER - WHAT DOES AND ELDER DO : IN Acts 6:4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” THERE JOB IS TO MAINTAIN THE PURITY OF THE WORD - Titus 1:9 IS GIVING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BISHOP/ELDER AND IT SAYS “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

ELDER IS AN OVERSEER OF THE WORD - CHARGED WITH MAINTAINING ITS PURITY. AND ARE GIVEN AUTHORITY.

SEE THIS IN 1Pe 5:1 ¶ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not

DEACONS ARE ADMINISTRATORS OF UNITY IN ALL THE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS OF THE CHURCH.

AN IDEA I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT - GOD USES EXAMPLES TO MIRROR HIMSELF AND ONE OF THOSE BY HOW HEADHSHIP ORDER IN MARRIAGE IS AND EXAMPLE OF GODS HEADSHIP ORDER - MAY I MAKE A SUGGESTION THAT THE ORDER OF ELDER AND DEACON IS AN EXAMPLE OF GODS DIVINE HEADSHIP ORDER - AND JUST LIKE IN MARRIAGE IF THE ORDER OR ROLES GET OUT OF LINE - THEN THEIR IS TROUBLE - HOWEVER LIKE WITH HUSBAND AND WIVES THERE ARE NOT LEVELS BUT RATHER ONE IS CHARGED WITH AUTHORITY AND THE OTHER IS A HELP MEET TO SUPPORT THE OTHER? THE MORE I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF THIS I BELIEVE LIKE A BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE WITH GOD’S LOVE AND HEADSHIP ORDER IT CAN BE AN TESTIMONY OF GODS DESIGN OF ORDER IN A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING CHURCH.

THE ELDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIRECTION AND THE DEACON SUPPORTS AND IS THE ONE WHO MANAGES THE FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH - LIKE THE WIFE CARING AND NURTURING THE FAMILY ALONGSIDE HER HUSBAND. I FOUND IT INTERESTING THAT IN QUALIFICATIONS FOR EITHER OFFICE IN1 TIMOTHY 3 IT MENTIONS - HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE AND RULING THEIR OWN HOUSES WELL - COULD IT BE - AS A QUALIFICATION THAT HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE WORKINGS AND FUNCTIONS OF CHURCH OFFICE LIKE A FAMILY UNIT. WHEN THAT GETS OUT OF THE BALANCE AS GOD DESIGNED IT - THEN THEIR IS TROUBLE.

C. CLEAN CONSCIENCE - AND WE SEE THIS SPELLED OUT IN 1 Timothy 3:9–10 “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.”

SO DOES THIS MEAN ONLY PERFECT ARE QUALIFIED? NO - WE KNOW THAT ALL HAVE SINNED - BUT REMEMBER THE FAT - IF WE HAVE THE DESIRE TO BE FAITHFUL AND AVAILABLE AND TEACHABLE THEN WE WILL BE OPEN TO MAKE OUR WRONGS RIGHT - SO WE CAN SERVE WITH A PURE AND CLEAN CONSCIENCE SO IF SOMEONE DOES QUESTION US WE CAN POINT BACK TO A TIME AND SAY THAT HAS BEEN COVERED BY THE BLOOD AND CAN BE FOUND BLAMELESS. DO LEADERS THEN NEVER FAIL? WE KNOW THAT FALSE - BUT WHAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE - IF HANDLED CORRECTLY THEN WE CAN CLAIM THE PROMISE V13 - 1 Timothy 3:13 “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” GREAT BOLDNESS IN THE FAITH - THAT FREEDOM TO LIVE WITH PEACE AND JOY IN YOUR HEART FROM A CLEAN CONSCIENCE.

O - OARSMAN. THE WORD UNDER-ROWER IS A UNIQUE WORD USED TO DESCRIBE A SERVANT - AN EXAMPLE OF THIS GREEK WORD huperetes, hoop-ay-ret’-ace WHICH BY GREEK DEFINITION IS

a derivative of eresso (to row); an under-oarsman, . (generally) subordinate (assistant, minister, officer, servant. THIS WORD IS FOUND IN 1 CORINTHIANS 4

1Co 4:1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

THE PHRASE - AS OF THE MINISTERS OF CHRIST - HERE WE SEE Paul describIMG himself, Apollos, and Peter as…

[1] “servants” – from the Greek word “huperatas” meaning “under-rower.” An “under-rower” was an oarsman who served in the lowest level of a trireme or three-banked ship. These men were hidden from view. They were generally slaves who were chained to their post and often perished when ships sank. This word emphasizes service.

I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF HOW THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP OF DEACON ENDS UP BEING. DOING A LOT OF WORK BEHIND THE SCENES. AND I AM ONE WHO WAS OBLIVIOUS TO THIS FACT UNTIL WE WERE PLACED IN THE MINISTRY - WHEN ONE OF THE TEAM MADE A COMMENT OF HOW MUCH THEY WOULD PREFER ANY ROLE THAN THAT OF DEACON. AT THAT POINT BEING ORDAINED SEEMED LIKE AN INSURMOUNTABLE MOUNTAIN BEFORE US - BUT NOW SINCE WORKING WITH THE TEAM I HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ALL THE SCHEDULING AND ORGANIZATION THAT GOES INTO CHURCH WORK AND ADD TO THAT CARING FOR THE PEOPLE AS WELL AS PROTECTING THE UNITY OF THE BROTHERHOOD WHEN QUESTIONS OR ISSUES ARISE - I AM BLEST THAT WHEN A STICKY OR UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION ARISES OUR DEACON IS QUICK TO TAKE INITIATIVE TO GO AND RESOLVE OR DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH THE MEMBER.

A DEACON LIKE THE UNDER ROWER OR OARSMAN - WHO IS DOWN BELOW KEEPING THE VESSEL MOVING - UNSEEN BY THOSE LOOKING OR EVEN THOSE ON THE SHIP.

5 WAYS We should adopt the attitude of an under-rower.

• Obey our master. Order our steps according to his BEAT. • Cooperate with our fellow servants. Sail with the fleet. • Trust the Lord to guide us. Put His preferences above our own. • Remain in service for a lifetime. • Give Christ all the glory.

N - NORMAL PEOPLE - WHEN IT COMES TO THE CALL OF THE LORD WE OFTEN HEAR - GOD QUALIFIES THE CALLED - NOT CALL THE QUALIFIED.

AND I LIKE THE SENTIMENT OF GIDEON WE SEE HERE IN Judges 6:12–16 - THIS IS THE ACCOUNT OF GIDEON -WHO IS THRASHING WHEAT BY THE WINE PRESS TO HIDE IT FROM THE MIDIANITES.

Jg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

GOD CHOOSES NORMAL PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE - SOMEONE WHO IS A DOER - INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING DOWN AND USING THE SITUATION AS AN EXCUSE TO GIVE UP - WE SEE GIDEON FINDING A WAY TO GET A JOB DONE. GOD STILL DOES THAT TODAY - GOD IS LOOKING FOR DOERS OF THE WORD - NOT HEARERS ONLY.

2. GOD CHOOSES NORMAL HUMBLE PEOPLE - V15 - GIDEONS RESPONSE IS - WHO AM I THAT THOU WOULD CHOOSE ME - I AM THE LEAST IN MY FATHERS HOUSE. WHY ME LORD?

SIMILAR RESPONSE OF PAUL WE SEE IN EPHESIANS 3: 7-8

Ephesians 3:7–8 KJV 1900

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

3. WHEN WE ARE EMPTY OF OURSELVES THEN THE LORD CAN FILL US WITH HIS POWER - LIKE FOR GIDEON IN V16 IT SAYS - AND THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM - SURELY I WILL BE WITH THEE.

AND PAUL GIVING TESTIMONY TO THE POWER OF THE GRAVE OF GOD TO BE ABLE TO SERVE AND PREACH THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF JESUS CHRIST.

GOD OFTEN USES CHOOSES THOSE WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES UNWORTHY SO THAT HIS STRENGTH AND POWER CAN BE MADE KNOWN.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

GOD IS GREAT AND IN HIM IS WHERE WE FIND OUR STRENGTH - NOT BY OUR POWER AND MIGHT BUT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD -

TO BRING THIS TO A CLOSE I WANT TO THINK ABOUT ANOTHER REQUIREMENT WE HAVE FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHOOSING A SERVANT LEADER AND THIS IS TAKEN FROM OUR GREAT EXAMLE JESUS CHRIST.

Lu 6:12 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

WAS JESUS PRAYING FOR WHO TO CHOOSE FOR HIS DISCIPLES OR FOR HIMSELF - NOT MY WILL BUY THINE BE DONE.