Whatever it is, when the Holy Spirit prompts you to offer yourself in a way thats inconvenient or counter-nature, a servant of God will do it anyway, with patience and kindness. It involves being trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated to serving God and others. If the plant doesnt receive enough water, the roots grow weak, the plant gets droopy, and it cant produce the fruit or flower it should. They always follow through. If not, they would be hypocritical and push people away from God, rather than draw them near God. Those who are faithful shall be blessed by God here on earth and in heaven. And so too of David the man after God's own heart, for who . Sadly, many have bad priorities. Again, this is a characteristic of faithful servants. Christ also said this to his disciples about serving: So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty (Luke 17:10). You might consider these the 7 ways God will evaluate your faith and faithfulness! Were they faithful brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, husbands or wives? Serving others requires us to put our needs aside. Matt 25:28-29). Are there any specific qualities he is calling you to work on? Perhaps someday, maybe soon (? He kept his eyes fixed on Christ and his mission of truth in love even through great trial and persecution, ultimately giving his life for the gospel. As we consider the office of a deacon and a deaconess, we must be reminded that Christ, our Lord, did not come as a king, but as a servant. A servant of God keeps their eyes fixed on the character of God, trusting in His goodness no matter the circumstances. We also need to dig in to Gods Word regularly to enrich our soil. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. It shows that we are willing to serve others out of a heart of gratitude for the grace that we have been given. Finally, the deacon role, since it is not primarily a teaching and ruling position, would not violate Pauls instructions about women not teaching or having authority over males in the church (2:12). As followers of Jesus, we are called to be responsible stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. In versions that translate it as wives, their is supplied by the interpreter. Many times believers only consider their tithe and offering as the Lordsmeaning they can use the rest as they wish. The master in the parable entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents, and he expects them to use those talents wisely and to produce a return on his investment. Deacons must not just be stewards of doctrine; they must be practitioners of it, as they keep a clear conscience (v. 9b). Abraham could have called Eliezer who was the eldest servant of his household to go and seek a wife for his son, Isaac, because he could have trusted him. We must know what our gifts are and employ them in service to Christ and his church. Or am I trying to please men? When in harmony, these three things produce roots that go deep into the ground to provide nourishment for the rest of the plant. Scripture does not forbid drinking alcohol, but it does caution against it and forbid drunkenness. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches us about responsibility. In summary, faithfulness is a crucial quality of a good and faithful servant. (Matthew 20:25b-27) A faithful Christian servant is patient to serve everyone, even when they are not ready to be served. Enter into the joy of your master, And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that, I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them, 5 Signs God isTrying to Get Your Attention, 7 Signs God Is Pushing You Into Something Awesome, 8 Things The Bible Says Will Happen Before Jesus Returns Again, 4 Things To Do When Financial Trouble Comes, 5 Important Qualities Of A Christian Mother. Is the Lords applause enough? You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. I love this post so much. By doing this, we make friends in eternal dwellings who will one day welcome us when we get to heaven. But she trusted Gods purposes for her, no matter the cost. In this blog post, we will explore the 5 essential qualities of a servant leader as described in the Bible. How to Serve Others with Humility 5 Beautiful Examples Of Serving Others In The Bible Topic: Serving / By Pastor Duke Taber The concept of being a faithful servant is a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. Yay! Enter into the joy of your master (Matt 25:23). If a man does not have the faith to trust God for full support, we think that he is not qualified to serve on the mission field. Characteristics of a Good and Faithful Servant: Traits to Look for in a Do you recognize yourself in any of those garden plants? The fact that deacons must hold to the mysteries of the faith implies that they must be students of the Word of God. Responsibility. There really wasnt a lot that I could do physically, which left me feeling like a useless instrument, a sure disappointment to God, and this deep wound would take years to correct and heal. We must also be willing to share the gospel and make disciples, even if it means facing challenges or suffering. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Ephesians 3:2-3 in the ESV says, "assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation." The NIV calls this stewardship an "administration." Paul calls himself a steward of this mystery and later a servant of the gospel (3:7). How we use our money is really a litmus test for our spiritualityit reveals our heart. How can we apply these qualities to our lives and the church? I believe the reason Jesus said that we must become as little children to enter the kingdom was because children have special qualities (Matt 18:3). One thing about helping out, there is no gift for emptying diaper pails. Application Question: Why is orthodoxy (what one believes) just as important as orthopraxy (what one practices)? Practice gratitude and recognize that everything you have is a gift from God. (2000). And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. They are teachable, they are humble, they are meek, and they are like spongessoaking up as much as they can, so when we come to Christ, we are first given the milk of the Word. Maybe it looks like arriving early to start the coffee. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. They use their tongues to build up and not break down. Hello busy women! Maybe it looks like making sure the garbage gets taken out, or the songbooks get put away. What an incredibly beautiful post. He could become prideful and therefore be judged by God or succumb to other temptations, as spiritual warfare increases with the position. Oh! You might consider these the 7 ways God will evaluate your faith and faithfulness! If he didnt, he would lead himself and others to destruction. At the beginning of that verse, Jesus says we are to come to him to drink. There are no qualifications for the elders wives. 1. I dont know about the mature and ready to go part. The Apostle John wrote in the context of Jesus coming, and said, And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28). However we are serving God, may our hearts true intention always be patient and kind. A servant who has experienced the love of God cannot contain this love as it is given in abundance. How have you experienced greater boldness in the faith, as a result of faithful service? Come and share your master's happiness!'" I am sure you can feel the excitement in the heart of the servant after hearing the results of his job review. In Lukes version of the parable (8:15), the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Now theres the perfect nutrient our garden soil needs- Gods Word. When my back was turned, she planted fully bloomed dandelions in a newly turned patch of garden.. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. Christ called for his disciples to practice serving in secret. Faithful in every respect can also be translated trustworthy in everything. This refers not only to their Christian faith but also to their word in general. He wants to use you, refresh you, and help you grow. When Jesus tells the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), he focuses on the soil. Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. God often places opportunities to serve or share Christ, but sometimes we are thinking of ourselves too much and fear rejection. Instead, they take responsibility for their actions and seek forgiveness when necessary. Enter into the joy of your master (Matt 25:23). Pray for humility and ask God to reveal any areas of pride in your heart. 8 Characteristics of a Faithful Christian Servant - VNSALVATION Remember that we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). The Parable of The Servants Role: Humility and Service, How Do We Receive Salvation? Thanks for this. If we make ourselves available, well be more faithful, but the world competes with our time and resources. 1. . They can be counted on and trusted with various tasks, truths, and secrets. Just as physical light gives energy to plants to grow and produce fruit, Jesus light gives us what we need to grow as well. Bible Study, Prayer, & Spiritual Growth Online. Jesus spoke about money more than heaven or hell, which means it is of great importance to him. There are many times when we feel we should take on a certain ministry because others expect it of us, (or we expect it of ourselves! This is opposed to those who wouldnt even invest in what God had entrusted to them (Matt 25:24-27), but what does it mean to be a faithful servant. 8 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Why Does Jesus Say Blessed Are Those Who Mourn?, "Sondergaard is a member of the New Apostolic Reformation cult. Pauls says deacons must not be given to excessive drinking (v.8). So, a faithful steward can be summed up as: One who recognizes that God owns everything. As with the early church, when the ministry grows and becomes too much for elders, it becomes necessary to appoint deacons in an official capacity to support the elders ministry.4. Unlock Top Techniques for Divine Guidance. They do not take pride in their own accomplishments, but instead give glory to God for any success they may have. He said, Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. I had misunderstood what serving the Lord really meant by defining it too narrowly and attaching it to my spiritual identity. 27. Attributes of Godly Soldiers | Bible.org And his Master is not his reputation or his ministry constituency; it is God. So, what exactly are the characteristics of a faithful servant? I simply prayed to the Lord of the Harvest and He answered my prayer. #1A Good and Faithful Steward Lives an Examined Life The practice of living a life of regular self-examination is often referenced in the Bible. Now, we will consider the essential qualities of a deaconess. Peace to the brothers and sisters . amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "kfox1973-20"; Practice forgiveness. Upon his return, the master rewarded the servants who had been faithful with their talents, but he punished the servant who had buried his talent in the ground out of fear. Yes, many times serving God will involve actual work, but if the work is not prompted by the Spirit and carried out in true love and humility, it is merely an empty task of vainglory. He did not come to be served but to serve (Mk 10:45). 10 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). In actuality, we can hurt people by doing this. Participate in spiritual disciplines. Jesus tells us that if we believe in him, streams of living water will flow from within.- John 7:38. We cant do this on our own (John 15:5), but only through Christ can we do these things (Phil 4:13). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Application Question: What are some other characteristics of faithful servants? This gospel has been preached and believed throughout the world. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Discover how to be a good and faithful servant of God now! Are you humbling yourself to faithfully serve God and others? I believe that Jesus will say well done, good and faithful servant for being faithful in the things that He command us to do, and those things are revealed in Scripture (i.e. It is the least we can do (Romans 12:1-2). Sadly, in many churches, instead of recognizing Gods work in people, they put people in an office with the hope they will step up and become servants. When Jesus said to take up our cross and follow him, he was asking us to count the cost because he knew there would be one. 8 Encouraging Verses of Scripture About Helping Others, 20 Inspiring Bible Verses About Leadership, 17 Encouraging Bible Verses About Resilience, What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed, 20 Encouraging Bible Verses About Community and Fellowship, 20 Bible Verses About Being a Woman of God. And he calls each of us to serve God and others. (A. Farstad, Ed.) Dive Into Its Depths and Insights, How Deep, How Wide is the Love of God? Help others. They must do their best to study and correctly handle those mysteries. (Genesis 12-22), Job kept his eyes fixed on God, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty despite the depth of his suffering. No doubt, this includes faithfully attending service, serving whenever there is a need, and seeking to excel in their devotional life and their knowledge of Gods Word, among other things. That is until my wife stepped up. It travels back and forth from roots to leaves, nourishing the plant completely. We do it for Him and to Him goes the glory (Psalm 115:1; John 15:8), so He asks us all to be faithful, to make ourselves available, to be open and remain teachable, and to be flexible in whatever situation God has placed us in. Warren Wiersbes comments on how many biblical leaders first began as servants are helpful: It is worth noting that quite a few leaders mentioned in the Bible were first tested as servants. Free Printable Bible Reading Plans for Beginners, Giving it to God: 5 Ways to Let Go and Let God, Free Bible Study Printables and Worksheets. Are you faithfully using your gifts to serve others? How about those bulbs? . Application Question: What are some ways church members can get involved with serving in the church? Good soil, adequate water, and abundant sunlight are all essential for a beautiful, productive garden. We need to be rich in the nutrients of Gods word, tap into the streams of living water, and turn to Jesus to energize us. We must not become proud or arrogant in our positions of leadership, but instead, we must serve with a meek and gentle spirit, following the example of Jesus. Well Done Good and Faithful Servant - Verse Meaning Explained 4 Accessed 4/16/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-10-servants-official-and-otherwise-1-timothy-38-13. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be responsible stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Through prayer, study, and service, you will be able to learn how to live a life of service and devotion to God. Enter into the joy of your lord. This verse highlights the importance of being a faithful servant, and there are several qualities that we should strive to embody in order to be considered good and faithful servants. True riches include the discipleship of souls and greater ministry opportunities on earth and in heaven. In those days, this was especially true with the widows and single women (cf. There seems to be other evidences for deaconesses in the New Testament. 1. They dont try to cover up their faults or blame others for their failures. For them, both the elder and the deacon offices are reserved for men. A deep root anchors the plant firmly. It has been said that people dont care how much you know unless they know how much you care. In order to become loving servants, we need to be nourished by the love of God. Therefore, we must be challenged to grow in them so that we may be found faithful when our Lord returns. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 83). They are full of stored up energy. What blessings does Paul describe as rewards for those who faithfully give to Gods kingdom in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11? This post may contain affiliate links. Application Question: How can we grow in financial faithfulness? What believer doesnt long for the day when Jesus will say to them, Well done, good and faithful servant. Is that you? It is very common to meet officers in church ministry who are almost like politicians. In summary, responsibility is a crucial quality of a good and faithful servant. In what ways is God calling you to grow in being more of a servant? God blesses those who do so (2 Cor 9:6-11). It comes from a root word (sebomai) that means to venerate, or to worship. Those characterized by it have a majestic quality of character that makes people stand in awe of them.5 Essentially, deacons must be serious about the faith and serving God. These are the essential qualities that define a faithful servant, and they are the foundation for a life of faithfulness and blessing. The widows mite was the greatest of all giving that day. Loving without condition is risky. We too need to be deeply rooted- in Christ. Responsible for managing the household and feeding the Master's family. Why is this interpretation most likely? When it comes to serving others the fall seems to have effected the hearing of mankind. What It Means To Be A Faithful Servant - The Odyssey Online It is not that they do not care about people, but their motivation is primarily to please God. 1 Timothy (pp. Ultimately, the goal of a faithful servant is to hear the words well done, good and faithful servant from their Master when He returns. Been there too! Patient, kind, long-suffering, forgiving, he gave himself for us. Five Marks of a Servant Leader | Desiring God Deacons and deaconesses are official servants of the church. Those nutrients I spoke of have to get to the plant somehow, and water does the job. Faithful servants hold fast to the truth and a clear conscience. In fact, as you compare the qualities required of an elder with those of a deacon, they essentially are the same. Jesus himself demonstrated humility when he washed his disciples feet (John 13:1-17). Chicago: Moody Press. They dont live in a manner worthy of respect. Years ago when we started our nursing home ministry, we offered a Bible study. Application Question: As weve considered the essential qualities of deacons and deaconesses, how is God challenging you to grow as a faithful servant? There is no trivial servant who has so little that he or she could still not be faithful. They knew very little back ", "forgot to address your question, "How do you people dress and feed yourselves?" They are not drawn to any excesses that might dull their spiritual discernment. 1. Num.12:17. If you are abiding in Christ, you will be available for Christ. When I think of us serving together, the analogy of a garden comes to my mind. Observation Question: What rewards do faithful deacons receive and what do they represent? Just needing sunlight and water to bloom. 6 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Where faithful servants are serious about the faith, unfaithful ones are not. Did they love them and provide for them? Deacons must faithfully hold the mystery of the gospel. Joseph was a servant in Egypt for thirteen years before he became a second ruler in the land. How can we be faithful in both? Serving God in whatever form must be motivated by love. Six Character Traits Of Faithfulness - First Baptist Church Webster Amen. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8). Learn how your comment data is processed.