SUNDAY November 14, 2021

Called to Serve

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Philippians 1:1

Paul’s letter was written to Christians. When the Greeks wrote a letter, they always placed their names first. Paul and Timothy are seen together in ministry. Timothy was a companion of Paul in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was personally discipled by Paul. Timothy’s name means “Honoring God.” What a beautiful name! Paul’s name was changed from Saul by the Lord. Paul in Hebrew means “Little one.” Paul and Timothy were servants of God. I love that!

In Paul’s greeting he addressed the saints––holy ones. Those who have committed their lives to Christ are consecrated, as they are in Christ. Then he mentioned bishops and deacons. At this time, he spoke to the leadership of the church. The Greek word for bishop is “overseer.” These men were called to serve as overseers in the church. They looked after the church and taught the Word of God to the people.

Today they usually make financial decisions. Many churches will have a board consisting of godly men who pray before making any decisions. Knowing the responsibility of being good stewards of God’s money, they seek and agree together on expenditures. God has placed around me godly men. I listen to their advice. I believe with all my heart it is good to surround yourself with godly people.

Those called to be deacons in the church are servants who help with janitorial duties––they clean and maintain the church. Deacons also pray for people, take care of the widows, and take dinners to the sick. They can be ushers seating people or directing traffic in the parking areas. They generally help people by directing them to where they need to go––such as the Children’s Sunday School. They are faithful volunteers who love taking care of God’s people.

We need servants like these in the church today. Pray and ask the Lord where he wants you to serve in the body of Christ.

To serve God is the deliberate love-gift of a nature that has heard the call of God.
~Oswald Chambers~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!