Category Archives: Service

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Bible, Blessing, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

YOU NEVER KNOW THE FUTURE

ROMANS 16:9

“Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.”

I was talking to my friend, Dierf, this morning about our ministries and how the Lord reveals things to us little by little. If the Lord had shown me the future of my ministry back when I first started in 1979 (over 47 years ago), I would have probably said He was crazy. I don’t mean that irreverently. It’s just that we never know the future, and that’s a good thing. If I had known mine, I would have probably messed it up.

In verse 9 of Romans 16, Paul mentions two other individuals, Urbanus and Stachys, who were friends of his in ministry. One he calls “fellow worker” and the other he calls (once again) “beloved.” Neither Paul nor these men knew what the future held for them. Let’s take a look at each of these and see how their lives might inspire us in our walk with Christ.

APPLICATION

According to Christian tradition, Urbanus (also known as Urban) was one of the 70 disciples sent out by Christ. Your version may say 72 were sent. That all depends on the translation of the Greek. 70 or 72? It doesn’t really matter. The point is Jesus chose Urbanus to be one of those He sent to share the Gospel. Urbanus supposedly became a bishop in Macedonia and is considered by many to be the patron of discipleship. That really hits home with me since my ministry is all about making disciple makers. He was martyred in Rome in the 1st century. Application for us: Stay true to your calling and continue to go and make disciples wherever the Lord leads.

Then we have Stachys. He also was considered one of the 70 sent out by Jesus. He also became a bishop. He served in Byzantium as the second bishop of that church. Supposedly, he was a great preacher of the Gospel and gathered crowds to hear him. Unlike many of the early church leaders, Stachys is said to have died in peace rather than being martyred. He served the church he built for sixteen years. Application for us: Again, wherever the Lord leads, follow. Whether a sacrifice or a blessing, serve where planted.

Okay, your turn. Where has the Lord placed you right now? Wherever that is, serve Him. Your service may require great sacrifice, as Urbanus. Or you may serve at peace, like Stachys. The main thing is trusting the One who sent you and working to please Him. You don’t know what the future may hold, but as the song says, you know who holds tomorrow.

I trust You Lord to guide my future day by day. Reveal to me as I am ready.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Slaves

ANOTHER BELOVED

ROMANS 16:8

“Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.”

Man, Paul had a lot of “beloved” people in his life. He uses that word 27 times in his letters. Did you know he was also called “beloved” by James in Acts 15:25. “‘it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,” Maybe that’s why he calls so many people “beloved.” He felt loved by others himself.

In today’s verse, we have another obscure name that appears nowhere else in Scripture. This is all we know about him. He is in Rome and Paul loves him. I did some digging and found this from one source. It seems Ampliatus was “‘a common Roman slave name’. Sanday and Headlam give inscriptions from the cemetery of Domitilla, which make it probable that a person of this name was conspicuous in the earliest Roman Church, and may have been the means of introducing Christianity to a great Roman house.” Isn’t that interesting? It is amazing to me how other historical evidence continues to confirm Scripture.

APPLICATION

Okay, you are probably asking yourself, “How can Carl apply this verse to our lives?” Let’s see. For one, we know that Ampliatus was important enough in Paul’s life for him to be mentioned in this letter. Remember, these letters were almost always read aloud to the church or person who received them. I bet Ampliatus was present the day this letter was read. Can you imagine how he felt hearing his name in this letter? He probably felt humbled and honored. We can do that for others. We can honor those we love by sending them notes of encouragement.

Secondly, if the historical record is true, Ampliatus had a great impact on a prominent Roman house. This meant as a slave in that household he exhibited Christlike traits and spoke respectfully to his masters, thus winning some, if not all, to the faith. You may have a neighbor or boss who is not a believer. Don’t underestimate your influence in their lives. If a Roman slave could lead his master’s family to Christ, you can sure witness to someone around.

Finally, remember it is God whom we are pleasing, not man. Ampliatus was simply doing what he felt the Lord told him to do. He had certainly been of service to Paul at some point in his life. That’s why Paul called him “beloved.” We can serve others, too. But don’t expect to be called “beloved.” Lol. Maybe they will thank you or maybe not. The words of Colossians 3:23-24 remind us our duty. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

Father, make me as faithful as Ampliatus. Let me not look for the accolades of men but only Yours.  

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Bible, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

BE A MARY

ROMANS 16:6

“Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.”

There sure are a lot of Marys (not sure if that’s a word, lol) in the New Testament, aren’t there? Let’s list them:

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus.
  • Mary Magdalene: Jesus cast seven demons out of her.
  • Mary of Bethany: The sister of Martha and Lazarus.
  • Mary the Mother of James and Joseph (Joses): She witnessed the crucifixion, saw where Jesus was buried, and went to the empty tomb with spices.
  • Mary of Clopas (or Cleophas): Mentioned as standing near the cross with Jesus’ mother.
  • Mary the Mother of John Mark: Her home in Jerusalem served as a gathering place and prayer meeting spot for early believers, where Peter went after an angel freed him from prison.

And then we come to today’s Mary. In Romans 16:6 Paul sends greetings to Mary in Rome. That’s all we know of her. She must have been well known, like Phoebe whom we saw earlier, for all Paul says is about her is that she has worked hard for the church there in Rome. So many people never get recognized for the work they do in the church. I don’t think Paul was trying to embarrass Mary by pointing her out, but I do think he was reminding the church of what she had done for them.

APPLICATION

HELPS Word-studies gives us a great definition of what the Greek word for “has worked hard” means. “kopiáō (from kópos, ‘exhausting labor’) – to labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted).” Mary had worked herself to the bone. She tirelessly served the church with no expectation of recognition or reward. After all, she wasn’t working for people. She was working for the Lord.

Do you know people like that? When I was at my previous church in Chattanooga, we had a team of men who showed up each week to volunteer in the maintenance department. They came each week to mop, vacuum, clean bathrooms and windows. They did whatever was asked of them. There was no way the church maintenance workers could have kept the facility clean without the selfless commitment of these men.

Perhaps God is calling you to be a Mary for your church. Every church needs more Marys serving in the nursery, children’s ministry or in the women’s ministry. In fact, there are places everywhere in the church for a Mary to serve (well, maybe not in men’s ministry, lol). But wait a minute, maybe you are a Manuel and not a Mary. Everyone can serve. Ask the Lord how He wants to use you.

Let us do all that we do for You, O Lord, and not for the applause of man.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Service, Body, Servant, Helping, Romans

HELPING EACH OTHER

ROMANS 16:2

“that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”

I like to help others when I can. That may involve meeting with them to talk about issues they are struggling with. It could mean some physical labor like mowing a lawn or simply bringing in a trash can. Helping others is a good way to witness to someone without even saying anything.

Paul spends some time in today’s verse continuing to recommend Phoebe to the Roman church. He encourages them to “help her in whatever matter she may have need of you.” That sounds similar to the words Paul wrote to Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. In verse 17 of Philemon, Paul writes, “If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.” Paul was always advocating for those who have proven themselves in their service to him or others.

APPLICATION

At first glance of the English translation, you might think the same root Greek word is used for “help” and “helper.” But it’s not. The first word is the Greek word that means to stand beside someone or to assist them. But the Greek word for “helper is a different word entirely. It’s the word prostatis. Barnes describes prostatis this way, “The word used here, prostatis, means properly ‘a patron, a help,’ and was applied by the Greeks to one who ‘presided’ over an assembly; to one who became ‘a patron’ of others; who aided or defended them in their cause; and especially to one who undertook to manage the cause of ‘strangers’ and foreigners before the courts.” 

Some commentators speculate she may have had legal business in Roman which required her to travel there. Perhaps she was doing that on behalf of someone else. We don’t know and really can’t speculate why she was traveling to Rome. For whatever reason she was going, Paul is telling the church there to help her however they could.

Are you a helper of others? Do you advocate for those in need? You may have been on the receiving side of that. If so, reciprocate. Pay it forward. If you are like me, there is probably someone you know who needs a little help. If you are able, help them. You can at least pray for them and let them know you did. That may be all the help they want right now. And prayer is free and limitless. Amen?

O Lord, it is a blessing to help others as You direct. Use me in whatever way You see best.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Entrust, Recommendations, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Trust, Trustworthy

RECOMMENDING OTHERS

ROMANS 16:1

“I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea,”

We’re beginning Paul’s “sign off” of the letter to the Roman church. In these 27 verses of chapter 16, he mentions by name 35 people plus gives references to others not named specifically. Paul valued people. Through his years of ministry, he had many believers who served beside him as well as those who served him. He knew the ministry God had given him was not his alone. He needed others to carry out the mission. As we go through this final chapter, don’t just read the names and move on. See what you can find out about each person named. I hope to share much of that with you but do your own deep dive.

Paul begins this last chapter naming a lady who we have all probably heard of, right? Paul recommends her to the church. This probably meant she was the bearer of the letter to Rome. It was customary for the bearer of the letter to be named and introduced to those receiving the letter. Phoebe was a Greek name, and she was from the church at Cenchrea. She was possibly a widow traveling to Rome on business herself.

APPLICATION

I get asked occasionally to write a letter of recommendation for someone. I was asked that recently by someone who used to work with me in another state. In order to recommend someone, you have to have personal knowledge of their character. Undoubtedly, Paul knew Phoebe well enough to trust her to not only deliver this letter but to also answer any questions that might arise upon its reading. That was also a responsibility of the letter bearer. She is called a “servant of the church at Cenchrea.” The word “servant” is the Greek word diakonos from which we get our word “deacon.” Much has been made of this one little word attributed to Phoebe. I do not want to get into a debate about the role of women in the church. Let me just share the context of this letter.

In the early church it was common for women to be “ordained” as deaconesses to serve other women. These were generally older women who could teach and guide younger women. They also were usually widows who could give the time needed without disrupting their own home. Paul had obviously observed Phoebe serving in that role or had been informed by others.

Cenchrea was a hard place to be a Christian. Some ancient texts called this port the “wickedest place on the face of the earth.” You can imagine an ancient seaport and the kind of sailors and merchants who gathered there. Phoebe had to be tough and resilient to live a life as a godly woman in such a wicked place. But she had shown Paul she was a woman to be trusted with these precious words to the church.

Let me ask you a question. Could someone recommend you for such a task? Have you proven yourself worthy of such an honor? Seek the Lord with all your heart and strive to please Him in all you do. Others will see that and one day may even ask you to take on a task such as this.

O Father, count me worthy of Your work today. I only want to please You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Prayer, Romans, Scripture, Service

ANSWERED PRAYERS

ROMANS 15:31

“that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;”

Sometimes you just know you are going into dangerous territory. I have traveled in some parts of the world that were a little “sketchy.” I knew I was supposed to go and trusted the Lord to protect me. He has done that, and I believe He will continue to do that as long as I am doing His will and not mine. I am not saying I may not suffer hardships, but I know He will see me through in one way or the other. I always have people praying as I go.

Paul asked for prayers in the previous verse, and in today’s verse he says why. If you want a great reminder of the dangers he was facing, go back and read Acts 21 and 22. Keep in mind, Paul had been given letters by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to go and arrest Christians. Instead, Paul had been arrested by Jesus on the Damascus Road. These leaders were furious and now wanted Paul dead. So, Paul knew he was entering into the lions’ den upon returning to Jerusalem.

APPLICATION

Do you struggle trusting God in times of trouble? Don’t feel bad. Most everyone does. Even the strongest believers can get weak knees at times. A momentary lack of faith does not mean you have lost your faith. But in those darkest moments God grows you. There is not a hole too deep or an ocean too wide that God cannot reach you. He is right there with you.

I recall one time I was in a part of Uganda leading a conference where most of the people were Muslim. There had been attacks on Christians there for sharing the Gospel and here I was training these Christian leaders. I had not even realized it, but we started this conference on the very days leading up to Ramadan. If you know anything about Islam, Ramadan is a holy period of fasting and praying for Muslims. One morning just before daybreak I heard drums beating and they were getting louder and louder. I looked out my hotel window and could see nothing but drums and chanting. I never got scared. Maybe I was just naïve, but I truly believe the Lord calmed my spirit.

As you face uncertain days (and we all do from time to time), let the Lord calm your spirit. He has the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). He is the One who rescues every lost sheep. He is our refuge and our tower of safety. Lean into him. Ask others to pray for you and then step in faith trusting the One Who leads you.

Father, when I tremble, calm my spirit. Help me to trust You with all my fears.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Called, Calling, Isaiah, Romans, Saints, Scripture, Servant, Service

SERVING THE SAINTS

ROMANS 15:25

“but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.”

Serving the saints is a noble cause. I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah (32:8) which says, “But the noble person devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.” When God gives us a task, He expects us to follow through. I have been given many opportunities to serve the saints in my lifetime. I have tried my best to do that, but I have to admit there have been a few occasions when I did not do what the Lord asked. I didn’t exactly have a Jonah experience, but He did get me back on the right track.

Paul had been given some resources to share with the saints in Jerusalem (we’ll see more on that in the next verse), and now he is planning to do that before traveling on to Rome. In Acts 19:21 we read about his plan. “Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” Then again in Acts 24:17 we see his purpose mentioned. “‘Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,’” Paul was a noble man with a noble plan, and he planned to see it through.

APPLICATION

How can you serve the saints? My pastor recently made a plea to our church for more volunteers. We need nursery workers and children ministry workers. We need teachers in different age groups. I am sure there are a lot of other needs that he did not mention. The trouble is most of the time, twenty percent of the church winds up doing eighty percent of the work. That is not serving the saints well. Do you think?

Now, I believe strongly that God will call individuals to fill every need in the church. The problem is most aren’t picking up the phone. Is there something you know God has called you to do but you have not responded? What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for an engraved invitation. Step out and trust Him. If He has called you, He will equip you. You may have heard the expression “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Is that you?

The ministry in which I serve is all about helping men become qualified to serve. We know that men are the key to strong churches. Men are the key to strong families. Simply put, men are the key. Then why do so few men serve the saints? I want to encourage all the men reading this blog today to ask the Lord how He wants to use them. Young men need mentors. Older men need companionship. Serve the saints in whatever way you can. You are not pleasing the pastor. You are pleasing the Lord.

Use me Lord however You choose. I want to be Your vessel in serving the saints.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Boasting, Others, Pride, Romans, Scripture, Service

BOAST IN GOD

ROMANS 15:17

“Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”

When we think of boasting, it usually has a negative connotation. And that is justified. I have known some extreme braggarts in my lifetime. I bet you have also. But I have also known some who only brag on Jesus. That’s a good kind of boasting. They attribute everything good to Him. They don’t want any credit or praise. That’s what Paul is referring to in today’s verse.

The Greek word for “boasting” is kaúxēsis which means boasting of self-achievements or God’s. Barnes says, “It means also ‘praise, thanksgiving,’ and ‘joy. This is its meaning here, that the apostle had great cause of ‘rejoicing’ or ‘praise’ that he had been so highly honored in the appointment to this office, and in his success in it.” Let’s look at some other verses where this word is used this way.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 15:31 Paul writes, “I affirm, brothers and sisters, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily.” Paul uses kaúxēsis three times in 2 Corinthians (1:12; 7:4 and 8:24). In 7:4 Paul boasts again in the Corinthians, “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great.” Once again in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Paul boasts in the recipients of his letter. He says, “For who is our hope, or joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Or is it not indeed you?” The word “pride” there is kaúxēsis.

What does this mean for us? I think it is pretty clear. Boast in others. Boast in Jesus. Don’t boast on yourself. If you deserve recognition for something, let others boast on you. I have always found it hard to receive praise from others. Whether it was a remark concerning a message I gave, a song I sang or some project I completed, I always felt unworthy of such praise. I know that the only reason I can do any of those things is Jesus.

Let me encourage you this week to find a reason to boast on someone else. You may have a neighbor who always keeps their yard looking nice. Tell them you appreciate their efforts. You may observe a stranger helping someone in need. Tell them you are thankful for them. And if someone brags on you, point upward and give God praise. Use that moment as a chance to brag on Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for all You have done in and through me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Minister, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

BE A MINISTER

ROMANS 15:16

“to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

I have said before in this blog how proud my mama was that I was a minister. If I ever got a letter in the mail addressed to Reverend Carl Willis, I knew it was from my mom. I am not sure she ever really understood what I did since my ministry wasn’t in a church for most of my career. However, if she could read this verse with me today, it would explain exactly what I have been called to do.

This verse is a prime example of why you can’t just read the English translation. The two words, “minister” and “ministering,” are two entirely different words. Paul is telling the readers of his role and his function as a minister to the Gentiles. We are all called to be ministers of the gospel, whether that involves full-time service or not. Paul’s example of his ministry shows us that. Let’s look at these two words and see how we can apply them to our lives.

APPLICATION

First, we have the Greek word leitourgos translated as “minister.” This word is five times in the New Testament in a variety of ways. It “is applied to civil authorities (Romans 13:6), an apostle’s missionary calling (Romans 15:16), a congregational delegate (Philippians 2:25), angels (Hebrews 1:7), and Christ Himself (Hebrews 8:2). Each instance presents God-appointed service offered for the common good and ultimately directed toward Him.” (Topical Lexicon) Paul is referring to his role here in today’s verse as an apostle to the Gentiles. God had given him a specific function.

The word “ministering” is the Greek word hierourgeó which only occurs here in Romans 15:16. It literally means “temple work.” Let’s just call that church work or mission work. Paul knew his job as an apostle wasn’t just a position of honor. He was called to serve, to actually do the work. I can relate to that. In my ministry, I have been asked to do a lot of things that are more work related than position related. Serving the Lord can be hard at times. It requires sacrifice. It requires dedication.

We are called a part of the royal priesthood, am I right? 1 Peter 2:9 says that. That doesn’t mean we sit back and relish in our position in Christ. No! We are called to serve. To do the ministering. That may mean you serve in VBS this year or you rock babies in the nursery. You may be a deacon or an elder in your church. Whatever you do to serve the Lord, make sure you let Him sanctify in the Holy Spirit, as Paul said at the end of our verse today. If the Holy Spirit isn’t in it, don’t do it. Do it for the glory of God and for no other reason.

I am Yours, O Lord. Use me to minister to the body of Christ however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Accountability, Eternity, Glory, Judging, Judgment, Service, Works

WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT

ROMANS 14:12

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Have you ever been called into your boss’ office to give a report on your work? It can be intimidating, can’t it? If you have done your job well, there is usually nothing to worry about (unless your boss is just an ogre, lol). But if you’ve been slacking on the job or have not met goals that were set for you, you might me in for a little “woodshed” time. That is never comfortable. I always tried to avoid those kinds of meetings by doing what I was asked to the best of my ability.

Paul continues the discussion of the bema seat judgment for believers with today’s verse. He reminds us that we have to give an account of ourselves to the Lord and Master of the universe. Don’t skip over that first word, though. Paul writes, “So…” This participle in the Greek is ara and it is decisive. You could translate it as “no doubt, then, therefore, wherefore.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). No believer will be exempt from this. It doesn’t matter how long you were a Christian and how much you think you may have done for the Lord, you will give an account.

APPLICATION

But let’s take a look at that phrase “give an account.” Barnes says this phrase means, “That is, of his character and conduct; his words and actions; his plans and purposes. In the fearful arraignment of that day every work and purpose shall be brought forth and tried by the unerring standard of justice. As we shall be called to so fearful an account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our brethren but should examine whether we are prepared to give up our account with joy, and not with grief.” I love how he points it back to Paul’s discussion earlier in this chapter about judging others.

The Greek for this phrase, however, is not anything elaborate or difficult to understand. It literally reads “will give a word.” We will have to explain ourselves. Afterall, at the time of this judgment we will not be able to justify our actions or lack of action. What has been done is done. I wonder if the Lord will ask us any questions. I don’t think so. All we can really say at this point is, “Here I am, Lord. These are the works I have done in Your name.” Then the fire will test them. Whoof!

And it is important to point out that we will give an account of ourself. No one is going to step up and defend our works for us. Nor will we be able to speak on behalf of someone else. Each believer will give an account for their own works. So, let me ask you, are your works fireproof? Will they pass the test? Make sure the works you are doing for Jesus are works He has initiated and blessed. Don’t do something and then ask the Lord to bless it. Ask Him first. If He says to do it and you do it as He instructs, I guarantee it will pass the test. Serve Him wisely.

Father, I want all my works to be done for Your glory and not mine.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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