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Ephesians 3:7 – Humble Building Block

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 3:7 – Humble Building Block

of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Truth to Learn

God places each of us in the temple of God and gives us the gifts we need to perform the function He has placed us into.

Behind the Words

“Minister” is translated from the Greek noun diakonos, from which we get our English word “deacon.” The Greek word is probably derived from the verb diakō, meaning “to run an errand.” Technically, diakonos refers to “an attendant,” “an errand boy,” “someone who waits on tables” or “someone who performs menial duties.” In the New Testament, deacons are seen as those who help or serve the elders and bishops.

The word “gift” is from dōrea, which is derived from the verb didōmi, meaning “to give.” Thus, dōrea refers to “that which is gratuitously given” or “a gift.”

“Effective” is translated from energeia. This is the word from which we get our English word “energy.” It refers to “the energetic, active, or effective work.”

“Power” is from dunamis, which refers to “ability or power.”

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse, Paul tells us that he became an errand boy of the gospel as a gift of grace from God. In our Christian churches today there is much confusion over the titles minister, preacher, pastor, elder, and bishop. Thus, these words are often used interchangeably. However, in the Greek language they are significantly different words. The Greek word most often translated preacher is a form of the word kērussō meaning “to proclaim.” And the word most often translated elder is presbuteros meaning “an older man,” while the word most often translated bishop is episkopos, meaning “an overseer.” In the New Testament these three words describe different functions of the senior pastor of a local church. It’s interesting that Paul did not use any of these three words to describe himself in today’s verse; instead, he calls himself “a minister;” that is, “an errand boy” of the gospel.

This is a characteristic which seems to be common in the apostolic writings. Even though these men were called to an extremely important office in the building of the church (remember, they’re part of the foundation of the building), they often refer to themselves as servants, slaves, or errand boys of the Gospel of Christ.

Paul recognizes that he didn’t put himself into the position he has in the temple of God. God is the one who places each stone. God is the one who places each one of us in the temple. And God gives us the gifts and abilities we need to perform that function in accordance with His will.

Application

In the temple of God there is no place for pride or arrogance. No matter what function we are performing within the temple, we have no reason to consider ourselves any better than anyone else. In fact, we should not be comparing ourselves with each other. We should be comparing ourselves with Christ, and compared to Him, the best we can hope to be is a faithful servant or errand boy. What are you in the temple of God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 15:25 – God’s Saints

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:25 – God’s Saints

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are saints.

Behind the Words

The word translated “minister” should be a familiar word to us by now. It is the Greek word diakoneō, a verb meaning “to serve or wait upon, with emphasis on the work to be done and not on the relationship between the served and the servant.”

The word translated “saints” is the Greek word hagios, which means, “holy one.” This word is believed to be derived from hagos, meaning “that which causes awe.” The root meaning of hagios is “that which is set apart from common use to the service of God.” It also carries with it the notion of ceremonial cleanliness and purity.

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out previously, Paul’s plan was to go to Spain and to stop by Rome on the way so that he could visit the Christians. First, though, he was planning on going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints there. We find a reference to this visit to Jerusalem and his subsequent plans to visit Rome in the book of Acts:

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (Acts 19:21)

It is not entirely clear whether Paul meant that he had purposed in his own spirit to make this trip or whether it was the Spirit of God who was directing him in his journeys. I suspect that it was the latter. Either way, he was not planning a vacation; he was planning to “minister to the saints.” Paul was going to Jerusalem as part of his calling to work, not to relax. He was taking money from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (both part of modern day Greece) to give to the saints in Jerusalem.

Let’s talk about the “saints” for a moment. In the New Testament this term is used frequently, not referring to extraordinary people who have performed miracles and have been subsequently proclaimed “saints” by the church, but to anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as savior. All of us who are born again Christians are saints according to the doctrines of the apostles. As we learned in the beginning chapters of this letter to the Roman Christians, when we were saved God bestowed His grace on us by proclaiming us to be righteous. In other words, in God’s record book, you and I are without sin because the blood of Christ has washed us clean. And because we now have the righteousness of Christ, legally in God’s court room we stand as holy as God, and we are set-apart for His use.

Application

If you’re a Christian, you’re a holy saint!

“But I don’t feel very holy!” you may say.

Fortunately, our position in God’s eyes doesn’t depend on our feelings or our actions. It depends only on God’s precious gift of grace which we didn’t, don’t, and never will deserve.

Why not get on your knees right now and thank Him for this gift of righteousness and holiness!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 15:16 – Ministerial Calling

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:16 – Ministerial Calling

that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Christians are called to a ministry of proclaiming the gospel message to everyone.

Behind the Words

The word translated “minister” is not the word most often translated minister (diakonos); rather, it is the Greek word leitourgos, which is a compound word made up of leitos, meaning “of the people” and a form of ergon, meaning “work.” Thus, we see that this word refers to a public servant, one who works for the people.

“Ministering” is translated from yet a different word. It is the Greek word hierourgeō, which is also a compound word. It is made up of hieron, meaning “a temple” and a form of ergon, meaning “work.” Hence, it refers to sacred work. It is the word that is used of the service that a priest did in the temple in Jerusalem offering up sacrifices to God for the people.

The word translated “acceptable” is euprosdechtos, which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and a form of prosdechomai, meaning “to receive” or “to accept.” So, it refers to something that is especially well accepted.

“Sanctified” is from a form of hagiadzō, which means “to be taken from common usage and used for the service of God.” The basic meaning is “to be set apart.” It is usually translated as “sanctified” or as “holy.”

Meaning Explained

This verse is the continuation of what Paul was saying in the previous verse. You will recall that he is explaining why he was so bold in his comments to the Christians in Rome. Combining the last part of the previous verse and the first part of this verse, we see he is saying, “because of the grace given to me by God that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.”

Paul is well aware of the ministry to which he has been called by the grace of God, the ministry of apostleship to the Gentiles. But in Paul’s humble manner he does not claim to be the apostle to the Gentiles, instead he calls himself a minister, one who works for the common people, a public servant.

And, according to Paul, his responsibility in this position is “ministering the gospel of God;” that is, he was performing the sacred work of presenting the gospel of God in a clear and understandable manner for the Gentiles.

In other words, Paul is saying he is a public servant of Jesus Christ, doing the sacred work of the gospel of God. He is proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles so that their offerings will be particularly well acceptable to God through the purifying work of the Holy Spirit. Paul is not serving himself, he is serving God and he is serving the Gentiles to whom he is delivering the message of salvation through faith.

Application

And we, too, who are saved by the blood of Christ, are ministers of the gospel of God. It is our responsibility to carry the gospel to others, proclaiming this salvation that is available to all who will believe. It is a ministry to which God has called us all. Are you serving God and others? Are you fulfilling your ministry of proclaiming the gospel to those around you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Will

Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?

For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.

Truth to Learn

Paying taxes is part of God’s plan for government.

Behind the Words

The words “you pay” are from the Greek verb teleō, which literally means “to end.” By implication it also means “to pay in full” with regard to tributes, customs, tolls, or taxes.

“Taxes” is translated from the Greek word phoros, which is a derivative of the verb phero, meaning “to bring.” So, phoros refers to that which is brought. It usually refers to an annual tax or tribute imposed upon persons and their property.

A couple of verses back we looked at the word “minister,” translated from the noun diakonos. The word “ministers” in this verse is different, however. It is the Greek word leitourgos, which is made up of leitos, meaning “of the people” and a form of ergon, meaning “work.” It refers to a public servant, and in this case it refers to those who are God’s public servants. The English word liturgy (a set pattern for public worship) comes from this Greek word.

“Continually” is translated from proskartereō, which is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kertereō, meaning “to be strong or steadfast, that is, to endure.” Proskartereō means “to continue performing a task steadfastly or faithfully.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has been talking about the obligation that Christians have to submit to authorities who are over us whether those authorities are occupational, religious, or civil. We are to submit to them because they have been put in place by God and they are there for our protection. The only time we are to resist these authorities is when they command us to behave contrary to the way that God has commanded us to behave.

Paul now continues with this reasoning to explain that because they have been put in place by God, Himself, we also pay taxes to them. At the time this letter was written, this tribute was paid by one province or nation to a superior as the price of protection or as an acknowledgment of subjection. The Romans made all conquered provinces and nations pay this tribute, and it became a question of whether it was right to acknowledge this claim and submit to it. This question would be particularly important to the Jews and the Jewish Christians in Rome. But on the principle which the apostle has just enunciated, it was right to do it, and was demanded by the very purposes of government.

Paul goes on to proclaim that, in fact, the governments of this world are God’s servants. They are in place to perform the public service. Thus, whether they acknowledge it or not, they are God’s public servants and as such we are to submit ourselves to them.

So the question of whether or not we should pay taxes to a corrupt, ungodly government is clearly answered by Paul. Yes, because in doing so we are submitting to them and to God.

Application

Every year as April 15^th approaches, Americans prepare their tax returns. During this time we become acutely aware how much tax we really pay. The temptation is to cheat and not pay as much as we owe, but Paul says, “Pay it all.”

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance

Posted on February 13, 2011 by Will

Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance

For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to those in authority and give God the glory.

Behind the Words

The word translated “minister” is diakonos, which means “one who waits on tables.” It is the word from which we get our English word “deacon.” It specifically means one who serves the needs and desires of someone else, and it is most often used in reference to a spiritual hierarchy. It is sometimes translated as “servant.”

The word translated “avenger” is ekdikos, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “from” and dike, meaning “justice.” Thus, we see that this refers to someone who carries out justice, that is, a punisher or an executioner.

“Wrath” is from orgē, which we have looked at before. It refers to “excitement of the mind.” This word can be interpreted as “strong desire,” but it can also be interpreted as “violent passion, anger, or wrath.”

Meaning Explained

The first thing that we need to ascertain in this verse is who “he” is. “He” is a reference to “the authority” spoken of in the previous verse, and it refers both to the position and to the person in that position. Those who are in authority are placed there as ministers or servants in God’s hierarchy and they are there for the purpose of doing good.

In the previous verse Paul told us that the way to not fear those in authority is to do good. In this verse he addresses the other side of that coin. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain.” The use of the word sword here is a reference to the ability of those in authority to execute justice on those who disobey. It may, in fact, be a reference to the ability of civil government to execute capital punishment. Paul even supports this in his next phrase, “for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”

Clearly, Paul is telling us that the power and authorization of those who are in authority over us comes directly from God for the purpose of keeping peace and punishing evildoers. But what about those in authority who are themselves evil; should we resist them? Let’s look at David as our example here. In 1Samuel 24 he was being pursued by Saul, the King, even though David has done nothing to warrant this persecution. David and his men, hidden in a cave, have the opportunity to kill Saul when he comes into the same cave to take a nap. David refuses to kill Saul because he is God’s anointed.

And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” (1Samuel 24:6)

If David refused to strike Saul because he was God’s anointed ruler, then we should also refuse to act against one who God has ordained to be over us.

Application

We Christians must respect those in authority over us though they have power to do evil to us. We may not like them and they may not like us, but we are to submit ourselves to them because of their position. Such submission pleases God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 1:9 – Unceasing Prayer

Posted on July 20, 2009 by admin

Romans 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Truth to Learn

Paul was a prayer warrior and prayed for others constantly.

Behind the Words

The word “witness” is translated from the Greek word martus from which we get our English word “martyr.” The Greek word means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and therefore, one who can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

“Serve” is the translation of latreuō, the basic meaning of which is “to minister.” Hence, Paul’s service is really a ministry performed for God.

The word “with” is a translation from en, which is a preposition which denotes position and, by implication, instrumentality. Therefore, a more natural translation would be “in.” Paul is saying that he serves God in his spirit; in other words, he is claiming that this is a spiritual service over and above a physical service.

“Without ceasing” is from adialeiptos, which means “continually or without omission.”

Meaning Explained

This verse tells us that Paul prayed constantly for the Roman believers. He starts out by saying, “For God is my witness.” Paul is making a very strong appeal that the following statement is, indeed, true. He calls on the witness of Him who has knowledge of all things, God himself. Obviously the readers of this letter can’t check out the facts of his statement by asking God, but that’s not the point. The point is that Paul does not swear, since the Lord Jesus himself taught that swearing is wrong (see Matthew 5:33-37); rather, he appeals to a reliable witness.

Paul then states that he serves God in his spirit. He is saying that his service to God is not just on the surface but is with the very essence of his being, his spirit. Paul then explains that his service is in the gospel of Jesus Christ whom he describes as God’s Son.

Finally, he tells the Roman Christians that he prays for them constantly. Paul was known for being a prayer warrior. He prayed a lot and a lot of his prayers were for churches, both those which he helped start and those he had never visited (like the Roman church). Evidence of Paul’s prayer life is also found in Ephesians 1:15-16; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3-4; and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.

Application

How does your prayer life stack-up against Paul’s? If you’re like me, you feel woefully inadequate compared to him. Paul apparently had a daily routine that included considerable time in prayer, and it wasn’t because he had nothing else to do. With everything we pack into our days, it seems silly that we can’t even find 15 minutes each day to pray for ourselves and for others.

Why don’t we do something about that?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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1 Peter 4:11 – Speaking and Ministering

Posted on February 19, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:11

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

All ministering that we do within the church should glorify God, not us!

Behind the Words

The word translated “oracles” is logia. This is related to logos, meaning “a word,” but it specifically refers to “an utterance.”

“Ability” is from the Greek word ischus, which refers to “physical strength or mental power.”

Meaning Explained

Now Peter gets specific about two very important types of gifts in the body; the speaking gifts and the serving gifts. The speaking gifts are those which involve the use of words. These could be preaching, teaching, counseling, encouraging, singing, or other verbal functions within the body of Christ. Peter tells us that if we are using any speaking gift within the church we should treat our words as the very utterances of God.

This is an awesome responsibility for those of us who have speaking responsibilities in the Church and is not to be taken lightly. First, we must be sure it is because of God’s gift that we are speaking. Then, we need to be certain that what we are saying is, in fact, the message that God wants us to deliver. It must be consistent with what is taught throughout the Bible. Therefore, the words that come out of our mouths should only be words that would come out of God’s mouth. Think about that the next time you are asked to present special music at your church or the next time you teach a Sunday school lesson.

The other gifts that Peter is talking about in today’s verse are the serving gifts. Though not always as visible as the speaking gifts, they are just as important. For instance, those who serve in the nursery so that others can receive the spoken message without distraction are doing a mighty service to God and to the church. Just because these gifts are behind the scenes doesn’t mean that they are any less blessed, any less important, or any less needful of the enabling gifts from God.

Whatever we do within and for the body of Christ is a type of service, and Peter says something critically important about it. He says that we are to do it with the ability that God has given us. That means that there are things within the body of Christ that you or I shouldn’t do. Unfortunately, there are people within the church who have taken on responsibilities that they shouldn’t have taken on, but they don’t know how to say “no” to those who ask them.

How do we know what areas of ministry we should be involved with in our church? Peter even gives the answer to this question. If we can do it so that God will be glorified, then we should do it. If it is for personal glory, we shouldn’t!

Application

We all need to be actively serving the body in one way or another, but we need to be involved

“… so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ …”

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:10 – Ministering Gifts

Posted on February 18, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:10

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Truth to Learn

God has given every Christian gifts. These are to be shared with the rest of the church, liberally and humbly.

Behind the Words

The expression “one another” is translated from the Greek word hekastos, which means “each one,” but it has the force of a superlative (as in good … better … best, better is a comparative and best is a superlative). So we could translate this word as “each and every one of you.”

“Gift” is the from the Greek word charisma, which means “a gift,” that is, “something which is bestowed gratuitously.” Some translations have this as “the gift,” but the definite article (the) is not in the original. So, this is not talking about some specific gift, rather any gift which God has bestowed on you. These gifts can be spiritual gifts such as are talked about in 1 Cor 12:4-10, (i.e. wisdom, faith, and knowledge), or in Ephesians 4:8-13 (i.e. evangelism, teaching, and pastoring). But these could also be any possession (spiritual, physical, or mental) which God has bestowed on you.

“Minister” is from the Greek word diakoneō (the word from which we get our English word deacon). This word means “to run errands, to wait on (like a waiter in a restaurant), or to serve.”

The word translated as “stewards” is oikonomos, which means “house manager” or “overseer,” one who is entrusted with the care of something belonging to someone else.

The word “manifold” is from poikilos, meaning “variegated” or “many faceted.” It means that God gives various different gifts to individual members of the body of Christ as He determines.

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse Peter continues his description of how we should agape-love each other. He starts out by talking about something that each one of us should do: we should minister to one another. That is to say that we should learn to be each other’s servant. Peter intends that all Christians are included in this call to action.

After all, the gifts that Peter is talking about are not things that we have earned ourselves, but things that God has entrusted to us. Peter makes that very clear when he admonishes us to be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” The gifts (abilities, talents, possessions, etc.) are bestowed upon us by the graciousness of God Himself and, as Peter points out in this verse, are to be shared in a ministering manner within the body of Christ. Hence, you can see that everything we have is really a gift from God, and we are entrusted to use and take care of these gifts for the good of the church universal.

If we put this all together, we see that Peter is telling us that we are to unselfishly serve one another (Christians) with the gifts that God has freely bestowed on us (spiritual or material) in a manner that will please and glorify God.

Application

Are you sharing with the rest of the church the gifts and abilities that God has given to you? Or are you a Christian sponge, taking in all that others give you (materially or spiritually) but not giving anything back to the body of Christ? God wants you to share liberally with other Christians.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –