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1 Timothy 3:13
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13 For [gar] they that have used the office of a deacon [diakoneo] well [kalos] purchase [peripoieomai] to themselves [heautou] a good [kalos] degree, [bathmos] and [kai] great [polus] boldness [parrhesia] in [en] the faith [pistis] which [ho] is in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus. [Iesous] KJV-Interlinear
13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. NASB
For those believers, whether male or female, who fulfill their role of Christian service, in the proper manner, then there are two rewards. These rewards are automatic, they are acquired, they are purchased in a manner of speaking, through the action of obedience of the believer to the common sense day to day lifestyle, that is authorized and recognized by God, and of which we have just completed our study.
Since true rewards come only from God, then ones evaluation likewise comes from God, and His evaluation is honest, honorable, and appropriate. What people think of you, whether good or bad, is irrelevant.
The two rewards are first, a high standing in ones spiritual life, and second, a great confidence in faith.
The high standing, or good degree, ‘bathmos,’ refers to an elevated stand, being placed on a pedestal so to speak, being elevated to a position recognized as higher than all others, a promotion as it were. It is basically a recognition for those who have been faithful and honorable in their spiritual life, with respect to the application of Christian principles to their daily life. God makes note of those who live their lives in accordance with His principles, and not in pretense, not in exaggeration, and certainly not in accordance with ones own defined standards.
The second reward, is great confidence, ‘parrhesia,’ which also means command or poise, or inner confidence within ones soul. Courage is the result of confidence. Courage in the face of all possible attacks against ones self, from any situation. This results in the stability of life, when pressure enters into your life.
Biblical principles, are those that are taught from the scriptures, not from ones own imagination or personal convenience.
Too many will try to advance themselves through works alone, however, the emphasis of these characteristics, is on doctrine first, spiritual growth first, and then from that foundation of knowledge turned to wisdom, comes confidence and courage. This is an indicator of maturity.
This is the devils world, and pressures will abound from all sides, sooner or later in your life. Often times we live in a state of ho-hum activity, and getting a clear picture of Gods purpose for our life is not clear. This makes it very easy to go out on our own to invent our works, and seek the approval of our peers.
But then comes along some event in our life. The event may be directed personally at us or it may be far, far away. And from that we may be brought back to reality, once we realize that life is a very serious matter, and not something to be played with, with frivolous ego attitudes.
So if you have seen any news at all, then you are aware of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Every few years a disaster of that magnitude occurs somewhere in the world. And among the many obvious affects it will have on people in general, is the affect that it will have on you personally.
We are not having a revelation study today, because I wanted to have this study available for everyone on this day.
The real question in life is this.
God has laid out in this chapter some of the easiest expectations, and easiest ways to advance oneself in the spiritual life. Namely, to study doctrine daily (not a big demand on anyone's life), to live an honest and responsible daily life (not asking too much of anyone), to avoid putting yourself first in life, and placing your spouse and children and basically everyone else in your life ahead of yourself (just a matter of humility and courtesy, and unselfishness). And the result of advancement to spiritual maturity, will come to you almost automatically.
With little or no effort, you advance in Gods plan, and qualify for rewards that go beyond your imagination.
In Revelation, we reviewed several of the rewards that are available to obedient and mature believers. Rewards that are phenomenal.
But, how many will resist in their effort to do even the basic of things expected from the Christian life? Very few.
And so we have real world events, like the disaster that is unfolding in Haiti.
Most folks, you would think, would see the seriousness of life, without the example of a real disaster. But unfortunately, far too many have to have a huge hit in their life, before they get it.
That earthquake could have occurred anywhere in the world. There is not one single person in this world, who is beyond the reach of a major disaster. Would you be ready, physically, mentally and especially spiritually, if it were to occur in your life?
You can be sure that there are many in Haiti who are and will be tested to limits beyond their imagination over the coming months.
God has a plan for your life. You should pursue that plan to the fullest, and in accordance with His plan, not yours.
That means your daily life begins with a daily study of the Word of God, so that you will learn doctrine and use it and grow up, such that God will use you, because you are usable in His plan, and not become a statistic in history.
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