Devotion to God’s Word Isaiah 46:3-4 (NIV) 3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, an have carried since your birth. 4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

“Greet the Servants of the Church Series: Greet One Another “Greet the Servants of the Church” Series: Greet One Another Sunday, July 18, 2004 Larry Cantrell Romans 16:1-16

“Greet the Servants of the Church” Phoebe, the deaconess Deaconess means servant. Deaconess is used in the same sense as “servant” in the scriptures. Ro 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Gospels Mk 9:35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Jn 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

“Greet the Servants of the Church “Greet the Servants of the Church” Letters of Paul Ro 15:8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs Eph 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Col 1:25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—

“Greet the Servants of the Church “Greet the Servants of the Church” Deacons and reference to their office Phil 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 1Ti 3:8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 1Ti 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

“Greet the Servants of the Church” Deaconess Phoebe, the servant She assisted in the development of the church.She assisted in the development of the church. She put herself in position to help many.She put herself in position to help many. The apostle Paul described her behavior.The apostle Paul described her behavior. More was done through her than what is said about her.More was done through her than what is said about her.

“Greet the Servants of the Church” Why did the Apostle Paul desire greetings for Priscilla and Aquila? They were invested. The church (a smaller grouping of saints) met at their house.The church (a smaller grouping of saints) met at their house. They served together as a couple.They served together as a couple. They were hospitable.They were hospitable. They shared the gospel.They shared the gospel. They were willing to sacrifice.They were willing to sacrifice.

The Lord’s Invitation 1 John 3:16 (NIV) 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.