Something Greater

The Mystery of the Faith 1 Timothy 3:9 What has gone before... Paul described a second level of church leadership: deacons. The definition of the word, as well as the context, imply that the early church had appointed specific people to assist or act as "waiters", supporting whatever was needed to be done. Deacons were to have some, but not all, of the character qualities listed for overseers. The term "deacon" was applied to a wide variety of people, implying that nearly every one in the church who helped or served could be called a deacon. Moving on... Paul describes our faith in Christ as a "mystery": 1 Timothy 3:9 (ESV) "They [deacons] must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." MYSTERY: mysterion "moos-TAY-ree-on" (a secret or "mystery", through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites); from muo (to shut the mouth) Early in His ministry Jesus referred to &quo

1 Timothy 3: Bishops, Overseers and Health Inspectors 1 Timothy 3:1 What has gone before... Paul urged the church in Ephesus to pray for two essential things : peace and quiet. Building on this theme, he focused on women and their need to learn godliness, which includes the skill of submissiveness, not only for the women but also for men and children. Biblical submissiveness is best defined as willing, joyful acceptance of God's sovereignty , protection and providence. A woman will live out their submissiveness to God by gladly allowing her husband to be the protector and provider of her family. The process of learning the skills of godliness includes experiences of pain or loss , and for the woman, childbearing often provides just such an experience. For men and women, learning is always an active demonstration of a skill or ability , and whether physically or spiritually. Moving on... "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer,

Amazed By Magic What has gone on before... Fleeing violent persecution, led by Saul, Christians have scattered out from Jerusalem , leaving only the leaders, the apostles appointed by Jesus. Philip went to Samaria to preach Christ and the city erupted in joy as he healed many who were paralyzed or lame. People watching from a distance would have found the preaching and healing interesting or intriguing, but for those whom God touched, the miracles confirmed Philips words about Jesus . This was, however, not the first time Samaritans had been astounded by great power. Moving on... "There was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, - This man is the power of God that is called Great. - And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic." Acts 8:9-11 (ESV

Serving Tables: Leadership Qualities Conflict divided the early church in Jerusalem. On one side, the Hellenists, preferring an intellectual emphasis in worship. On the other, the Hebrews, preferring a cultural, genealogical emphasis in worship. The apostles, as leaders of the church, directed the assembly to create a committee: "Brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty." Acts 6:3 (ESV) The apostles required the "Table Serving Ministry" leaders to excel in three qualities: Good repute Full of the Spirit Full of wisdom First we will examine "good repute". GOOD REPORT: martyreo (to be a witness, to testify, give evidence, bear record, be well reported of, testify); from martys (a witness, or a "martyr") "Good report" is translated from a single Greek word that means "witness", whether of one telling what he has seen and