I became a servant of this gospel …
Summary: Being a servant is not a glorious occupation. In fact, it can be downright degrading and physically painful. Yet, being in the service of the gospel is serving the Lord, and isn’t that what we really need to be about?
In “The Power of God,” we looked at the change that came over Paul to convert him from a persecutor of Christians into an Apostle for the Lord. He was confronted by the living Lord, and that experience changed him — permanently. But what does it mean to be a “servant of this gospel”?
I find this phrase intriguing. Strong’s Concordance describes the word translated as “servant” this way:
“διάκονος diákonos, dee-ak’-on-os; probably from an obsolete διάκω diákō (to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):—deacon, minister, servant.” (See citation below)
As you can see from the definition, there is nothing glorious about being a servant. The servant does what they are told. They attend to “menial duties.” The Greek “diákonos” also describes a teacher, pastor, deacon, or minister.
Sometimes we see these people as a kind of “rock star.” They get to be upfront in the lights. They get all the attention. Sadly, many church leaders indulge themselves with material goods. They accept the title of teacher or pastor but don’t live as a servant.
Paul’s life is not one that depended on material possessions. Instead, he served the gospel while providing for his needs by working with his own hands (Acts 20: 34-35).
What else did serving the gospel entail?
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul details what his life was like after he encountered the Lord:
- Whipped (39 lashes)
- Beaten with rods
- Pelted with stones
- Shipwrecked
- Lost at sea
- Constantly in danger
Did he complain about his working conditions? Did he protest God’s treatment of him? Did he, at any time, think about quitting?
No.
Paul was a servant of the gospel. The gospel is about Jesus, so in reality, Paul is serving the Lord.
Fortunately, we are not all called to suffer as Paul suffered (See Acts 9:15-16). Yet the same principles apply. Serving the gospel is to serve the Lord. As Paul has been telling us in this letter, Jesus is the head of the body of believers (Ephesians 1: 22-23). The gospel is about Jesus. We serve the Lord.
Application: The next time you have an opportunity to serve the gospel, keeping Paul in mind will help keep any suffering in perspective.
Food for Thought: What are some ways we can serve the gospel right now?
“G1249 – diakonos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 14 May, 2023. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1249/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
What are some ways we can serve the gospel right now?
One way is in the way we live and present ourselves. How we interact with our neighbor.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Another is in the activities we spend our time on. What we do should build up the body of Christ. Sharing testimony, giving our time, attension, and resourses, volunteering in places of need or for the upkeep of the church, going into the mission field, teaching, helping others as asked or as the need presents itself. Christ came to serve. He gave everything. I think it is hard, but not impossible, for us to give everything as Christ did. The more we serve, in love and with a servants heart, the closer we become to being the kind of servant Christ was and is. Together, His servants become His body, with Christ as the head, and that compete body serves God.
Ephesians 4:15-16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Chris,
I am especially drawn to your comment about interacting with our “neighbor.” Jesus points us to the challenging fact that our neighbors are oftentimes people we don’t like or want to be around. (Luke 10:25-37)
What are some ways we can serve the gospel right now?
Well one way would be doing a blog everyday and responding to everyone’s comments on that blog. Encouraging others to be in the word daily and even holding their hands as they learn.
Good point T. Well done.
Thanks for the hat tip, Tim! 🙂
There are many ways – one is by using our gifts and talents to build up the church and advance the gospel. Romans 12: 1- 8
Thanks Rich!
I like the “different gifts” part of the Romans 12 passage. We each have different ways of serving God’s purposes here on earth.
May 16, 2023, What are some ways we can serve the gospel right now?
Rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope”
Romans 5:3-4
We serve the gospel as we daily seek and allow Jesus Christ to serve others through us, irregardless of the circumstances. Seek to live each moment/day knowing God is Sovereign in every detail of our short lives on this earth and every moment has eternal impact.
As servants, we do not judge events, we know our Lord loves us, looks out for our welfare in all things, leaves each of us on this earth to serve His purpose’s, and will call each home in His perfect timing.
Ron,
Given what is going on in our society today, and all the bad things that are happening everywhere, “rejoice in our sufferings” is great advice. It puts things back into perspective for me knowing that what is really important is Jesus.