Category Archives: Service

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Bible, Fervent, Laziness, Passion, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Slothful

NO SLACKERS

ROMANS 12:11

“not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;”

One thing that can kill a business is a slothful employee. When one person is not doing their job effectively, the whole team suffers. I remember years ago when I had a part-time job at Walmart. I worked a third shift job a couple of nights a week to earn a little extra money. There were so many employees there who did as little as possible. When I kept working all night, they would tell me to slow down or take a break because I was making them look bad. Sorry to say but I wasn’t the one making them look bad.

Paul addresses slothfulness in today’s verse with a caution. On the first hand, he tells us to be “not lagging behind in diligence.” The Greek word for “lagging behind” is oknērós. It occurs here and just two other places. Secondly, Paul tells us to be “fervent in spirit.” Zéō is the Greek word translated as “fervent.” Let’s look at these two words a bit.

APPLICATION

Oknērós means someone has a less than desirable attitude about the task at hand. It can result in tardiness or laziness. Getting a job done has as much to do with attitude as it does with aptitude. You have to get your head in the game, so to speak. This word in used in Matthew 25:26 to describe the servant who buried his master’s one talent rather than using it to gain more for his master. Don’t bury your gifts the Lord has given you.

Zéō means “to show great zeal; be ardently passionate (literally ‘boiling’ with interest or desire).” (HELPS Word-studies). Picture a pot of boiling water. The sound you hear is supposedly how this word sounds in the Greek. It’s an onomatopoetic word, according to some scholars. I don’t hear that myself, but then again, I’m not Greek, lol. This word was used one other time to describe Apollos in Acts 18:25. He showed that fervent spirit in preaching the truth.

Why do we need to not lag and to be fervent? Because we are serving the Lord. That’s the last phrase of today’s verse. You can’t effectively serve the Lord if you’re a slacker. You need to be passionate about your service also to be effective. Paul gives us some great advice today. Don’t be a slacker! Do be passionate! Serve the Lord with your whole heart and see what He does in and through you.

Thank You, Father, for the attitude You give me when I submit to 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, Gifts, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Teaching

THE GIFTS LIST – SERVING AND TEACHING

ROMANS 12:7

“if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching;”

Have you ever known a really good servant of the Lord or a really good teacher of the Word? I have had the pleasure of knowing both. I have seen church deacons who really took their role as deacon seriously. They were there to assist the pastor in any way possible. And my late brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Barber, was probably the best Bible teacher I have ever known. Let’s look at these next two roles we see gifted by the Lord in Paul’s list.

The original Greek text simply reads, “or service, in the service or the teaching in the teaching.” Not much fluff there, is there? The Greek word for “service” is diakonia. HELPS Word-studies says it means “ministry; active service, done with a willing (voluntary) attitude.” And the Greek word for “teaches” (didáskō ) is the root word for “teaching” (didaskalía). Both service and teaching are vital to the body of Christ.

APPLICATION

I think back to the first “deacons” appointed by the church leaders. In Acts 6:1-6 we see the twelve disciples lay hands on seven men to assist them in caring for the widows. They were to be men “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” Other qualifications for deacons can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. In fact, the ministry I serve is founded on those very passages. We teach men to be the leaders who can serve as deacons and elders in their local church. Where most churches use those qualifications to disqualify men from serving, Every Man A Warrior uses those qualifications to help qualify men to serve.

Teaching is mentioned in three other passages in the New Testament and is considered a major role that is served through this gift from the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 it says, “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.” Then in Ephesians 4:11 Paul writes, “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,” Finally, in 1 Timothy 5:17 we read, “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

Serving and teaching – two parts of the body of Christ. They are no more important than the other parts of the body but are still important for a healthy body. Don’t look down on anyone who is a servant in the church as if that gift is less important than those who are teaching. Remember, the foot needs the hand as much as the heart. Every gift works with the other gifts to keep the body of Christ healthy and alive.

Father, I thank You for the gifts of service and teaching and for all those who are living out those gifts in the body of Christ.

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, Body, Members, Romans, Scripture, Service, Unity

ONE BODY IN CHRIST

ROMANS 12:5

“so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.”

“All for one and one for all.” You may have heard that chant before. I was watching my beloved Georgia Bulldogs capture the SEC men’s baseball championship a couple of days ago and thought of that chant. That baseball team is made up of 41 players. They each have their own position to play. The pitcher is usually the one that gets all the attention, but he is not effective without great players surrounding him. He cannot pitch that ball without someone to catch it. One team but many players.

Paul continues his analogy of the body and individual parts that he began in verse 4. The Greek word for “body” is sṓma. It can represent the physical body orBody of Christ, the church. Here, of course, Paul is using it to refer to the church. The Greek word translated as “parts” is melos. It means a member which belongs to the whole, like a limb of the body belongs to the whole body.

APPLICATION

Any successful sports team works to make sure every member of that team is valued and appreciated. The team needs every member to be whole. The same is true of the body of Christ. We need every member to be whole. Everyone plays their part. I’ve told this story before, but it bears repeating. There once was a small stone chapel in Ireland that was just outside the edge of the village. There was no electricity in that chapel, so the only light that was available was the lanterns from the members. Each Sunday evening the villagers would light their lanterns and bring them to church to provide light for the service. With each additional lantern that arrived, the chapel became brighter. The people inside may not realize how much one lantern meant to the chapel’s brightness. But those outside could watch and see how as each lanterned entered the building, the glow became brighter.

Listen, beloved. Your light matters. You may not see it, but it does. When your light is missing the glow isn’t as bright. What part do you play in the body of Christ? Carl, I don’t have a very big part at all. I’m not a singer or a preacher or a teacher. Don’t discount your role in the body. If you are a follower of Christ, He has gifted you with a role in the body. If you don’t know what that is, take a Spiritual Gift Inventory to see just how He has gifted you. Ask Him to show you.

Let me close by sharing what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. “27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts.”

Father, I want to serve as You have gifted me. I am thankful for how You have put the Body of Christ together.

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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Availability, Bible, Body, Deeds, Gifts, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

DO YOUR PART

ROMANS 12:4

“For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function,”

Boy, as I get older, I realize the importance of every part of my body. When my feet hurt, it’s hard to walk around. My feet can limit my whole body. When my head hurts, I just want to lie down and close my eyes. My head can limit my whole body. When my back acts up, once again my whole body is limited. Our bodies were designed by the Great Creator to function in harmony. We need every molecule doing its part to be healthy.

Paul uses this analogy over the next several verses to show the importance of the body of Christ working together to accomplish His mission for the world. In Matthew Poole’s Commentary he writes of verse 4 and 5, “These verses are a reason against arrogancy. All Christians are members of one and the same body; therefore, they should not pride themselves in their gifts but employ them for the common good. It is with the church, the mystical body of Christ, as with a natural body that hath many members, and all these have not the same office,or the same action or operation (as the word signifieth); the eye hath one office, the ear another, the hand a third, etc. So, the church of Christ, though one body in him who is the Head, hath many members;” That’s a good explanation, I think.

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul which is translated as “function” is the Greek word práksis which is “a function, implying sustained activity and/or responsibility.” (HELPS Word-studies). This isn’t a one time deed. It’s an ongoing activity. I can’t help but think about a dear saint in a church I served. This lady served over 45 years in the church nursery. She rocked three generations of children during that time. She had indeed served her function in the body of that church.

This is the same word used in Matthew 16:27 when Jesus said, “‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.’” Jesus is looking at our ongoing deeds, not the thing we did once out of guilt to get someone off our back. He is looking for servants who serve, not perform.

We will see in the following verses in Romans 12 some of the gifts that God has given the body to perform. I urge you to check back in with us as we look at the functions God has given us. Yours may be listed here or in one of the other passages like 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Whatever God has gifted you to do, do it with the right motive. Do it to honor Him for all He has done for you. Remember, the body needs you. It cannot function as it should if you don’t function well.

Thank You, Lord, for the different functions of the body and the way You have gifted me to serve.

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, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service, Worship

SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP

ROMANS 12:1

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

We will be celebrating Memorial Day on May 25th here in the U.S. It’s a day set aside as a federal holiday to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. There will be wreaths laid at gravesites, memorial services held, and there will be barbecues and parties. Why did those individuals we are honoring lay down their lives for our country? Because they loved the U.S.A. and the freedom it stands for. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

As Paul begins this section of his letter to the Romans, he leaves the doctrinal teachings and dives into the practical application. These two sections are joined by the infamous “therefore.” Because Paul had said all those things in chapters 1 through 11, he can now tell us how to use that knowledge in our walk with Christ. He begins by telling us to present our “bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.” The old dead sacrificial system was gone for a Christian. They are now a living sacrifice for Christ, holy and set apart.

APPLICATION

I want to focus on the last phrase of this verse, though. Paul writes “which is your spiritual service of worship. Let’s break that down a bit. The Greek word translated as “spiritual” is logikós – “(‘divinely reasonable’) is constantly necessary in making acceptable offerings to the Lord. These produce a ‘seamless’ life in which every decision (action) can have profound, eternal meaning, even in earthly ‘setbacks’ or suffering.”(HELPS Word-studies) That’s a mouthful, I know. The point is this word describes a divine action on our part. All our actions should be framed that way.

The phrase “service of worship” is actually just one Greek word. The Topical Lexicon defines that word, latreia, and says it, “draws a direct connection between the outward acts of worship prescribed by God and the inward posture of the heart.” Oh, that’s good. Paul is saying any action we take, even a sacrificial one should be motivated by our heart.

Back to my opening example. Some of those who lost their lives in defense of our country died from accidents or friendly fire. Others willingly chose to throw themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Their action was motivated by their heart. They loved their brothers or sisters enough to sacrifice themselves to save them. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? We should be willing to do the same, if called upon to do so. Are you? What have you got to lose? When you leave this life, you enter heaven. Who doesn’t want that?

Father, I believe I am willing to lay down my life if called upon. Give me the courage to follow through.

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, Common, Creation, Creator, Honorablre, Pottery, Romans, Scripture, Service

HOW ARE YOU BEING USED?

ROMANS 9:21

“Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?”

When I was a little boy, I spent a good bit of time at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. Now, her house did have running water and a toilet, but it was a simple, farmhouse built for utility not luxury. I noticed this white pot with a lid in one of the bedrooms once and asked my grandma why she had a cooking pot by the bed. She laughed and said that wasn’t for cooking. Puzzled I asked what it was used for. She told me her mama used to use that for a toilet so she wouldn’t have to walk to the outhouse at night. It was a very desired item in homes back then.

Some scholars think Paul is referring to a chamber pot like my grandma’s when he says, “another for common use.” The value of the pot was determined by its use. Some were used for worship, like the ones described for use in the tabernacle or temple. But all pieces of pottery or every pot has its use. Sometimes those most common use items are the most valuable because they are used the most, like that favorite pot you may have in your house. Paul’s point is both are made by the potter, and their use is at His discretion.

APPLICATION

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we have a great image of this. “3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 ‘Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.’” We are only clay in the Potter’s hand.

Paul uses this imagery again in 2 Timothy 2:20. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.” God will shape us and use us according to His pleasure. That’s not a put down. It’s according to His perfect will. The question is whether we will submit to His use of us.

I have to admit that I have at times resisted His choice for me. I had other plans. I saw myself in another role or position in ministry by a certain point in my life. I had my career path mapped out. But then God stepped in. What I have found in my over 46 years of ministry is when I yield to the Master Artist’s touch in my life, I am much more fulfilled, no matter what He has chosen for me to do. Will you do that today? Will you yield to His touch on your life?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me for the role You intended. That role has changed through the years, but You have been the consistent one.

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, Family, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Service

CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE

ROMANS 9:8

“That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.”

My daughter wanted to have a child so badly. After she married my son-in-law, they tried for a few years, even utilizing invitro fertilization. But nothing worked. We prayed. Family prayed. And then one day my wife and I got the call. They were pregnant! The picture on this blog today is of my grandson wearing a very appropriately named onesie. “For this child we have prayed.” It was much like Abraham and Sarah when they learned she was carrying Isaac. Celebration time!

God chose Abraham and Sarah to birth the nation of Israel through their son Isaac. The promises He made to them still hold true today. But God went one better. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He has now also included us as part of that promise. I am not Jewish, but I am part of God’s chosen people. I love what Peter said in 1 Peter 2:9. “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Praise be to God!

APPLICATION

So, what do you do with this sonship? God never called us to sit back and just wait on heaven. No! He expects us to serve Him through being used by Him to advance His kingdom. When I was growing up, I had chores to do in my house. At first, they were small ones like vacuuming or mopping our floors. As I aged, I was assigned bigger tasks like mowing our lawn. My physical and cognitive maturity was observed by my dad and mom as they assigned these chores. I was never asked to do something I was not capable of.

The same holds true for us as followers of Christ. As you mature in your faith and gain more knowledge of the Father, you too are called to do more. Jesus even told us in John 14:12, “‘Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.’” Jesus has entrusted us to do greater works than He did. Is that even possible?

What has He called you to do? It may be serving in the church nursery. Let me tell you – that is a high calling. As a former Children’s Pastor, these workers are highly esteemed. Perhaps the Lord has called you to leave your homeland and serve in another country. Whatever it is that your Father has tapped you to do, do it with gusto. Do it faithfully. Seek to please Him and only Him in all that you do. You are a child of the promise, His promise to you.

Father, You are so good to trust me with “chores” to do in Your family.

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, Flattery, Obedience, Praise, Scripture, Servant, Service

PRAISE FROM GOD

ROMANS 2:29

“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.”

Oh, to receive praise from the Lord! Doesn’t the last part of that verse just thrill you? Sadly, many of us prefer the applause of man. We had rather have our names up in lights and be the keynote speaker at a conference than quietly receive praise from God. Let me tell you, the praise of men is fleeting. One minute you’re the cat’s meow and the next you’re yesterday’s headline. You have to set your priorities.

Paul wraps up a discourse that he has had since verse 17 dealing with the Jews. I really love how he ends this with mentioning the praise from God. Most of the Jews preferred men’s praise. They wanted to be recognized and honored. Paul, being a former Pharisee, could relate to that. I am sure many a Jew showed him earthly honor as a Pharisee. But oh, how empty it was.

APPLICATION

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” As Samuel looked for the next king of Israel, he naturally assumed it would be Eliab, Jesse’s oldest. But the Lord quickly said these words to him. Don’t assume because something looks like the right thing that it is the right thing. We have to seek the Lord’s mind on these things.

I have had the honor of leading some great organizations in my ministry years. As part of my role, I have been recognized for my leadership and dedication. I even received plaques and certificates saying so. Guess where those plaques are now – in the garbage. I moved them from place to place and hung them for years on my office walls. But a few years back the Lord told me to discard them. They meant nothing eternally.

There is nothing wrong with praising others. In fact, we should do that when we see them doing something that honors our Lord. We should praise our children for doing good. But the ultimate praiseworthy statements come from God. We want Him to look at us and be pleased. As His child, He loves us no matter what, but we all desire to hear Him say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

O Lord, I want to honor You by serving You. I long to hear You whisper praise over 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, Idols, Reverence, Scripture, Service, Worship

WHAT ARE YOU WORSHIPPING?

ROMANS 1:25

“For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Man, we can really worship the wrong things. Some of us worship our sports teams. As we enter into the Fall, football here in America is kicking off. It’s played by all ages and billions are spent to play and watch. Some people plan their whole lives around the game. Those same people wouldn’t put church on their schedule, though, or make time to pray and read God’s Word. Wrong worship!

Until I dug into this verse, I did not know the Greek word for “worshiped” was sebazomai, which only occurs here in this verse. It’s a different kind of word for worship. HELPS Word studies says it means, “to revere; be in awe by one’s own twisted definition of what deserves reverence.” It is clear that Paul is saying that even though these individuals are totally confused, they still have the desire to worship something. It’s just sad that it’s the wrong thing.

APPLICATION

So, my question for you today is – What are you worshipping? Well Carl, of course I am worshipping the Lord. What else would I worship? Oh really? Are you sure that is all? How about that job? Do work to live or live to work? So many of us can be so driven by our job ambitions that we put everything else on the back burner. Family time suffers. Church attendance is low on the priority list. What are we worshipping?

I receive a newsletter each month from “Voice of the Martyrs.” In it are stories of Christians under persecution for worshipping Jesus. They risk it all to serve the Lord. Many, if not most, have lost loved ones to terrorist who killed them just because they were Christians. And we can’t worship correctly? What a shame!

I want to ask you today to take a look at what you are worshipping? How much time are you spending with Jesus each day. Martin Luther once said, “I am so busy today I only have time to spend four hours in prayer.” How about you? We are told to worship in Spirit and in truth. Are we doing that?

Father, show me how to worship You in truth every day. Let me not waste time worshipping false gods in my life.  

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, Honor, Respect, Scripture, Servant, Service

HONOR GOD’S SERVANTS

PHILIPPIANS 2:29

“Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in high regard,”

When I was growing up in Southwest Georgia in the 1960’s and 70’s, preachers and missionaries were held in high regard. I can still remember the awe I felt every time a missionary visited our church. Their dedication and sacrifice hit me hard even as a child. Little did I know that in late 1977, at 17 years of age, God would call me into full-time ministry. I had no idea what that meant, but He has guided me all these years.

Paul gave the church in Philippi some instructions regarding the return of Epaphroditus. He wanted them to “receive him…with all joy” and “hold…him in high regard.” Epaphroditus had served faithfully and was deserving of the honor and respect due any servant of the Lord. Why would Paul have to ask the church to do that? Because, as Christ said, a prophet is not honored in his own town. Right?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “high regard” is only used five times in the New Testament. It’s the word entimos, which means to hold in honor or to treat with respect. In Luke 7:2, entimosis used to describe the servant of the centurion who was sick. “And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.”

But the verse I really like that uses this word is 1 Peter 2:4. “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,…” The Topical Lexicon says this about the use of this word there. “Here, entimos highlights the intrinsic value and honor of Christ, despite human rejection, affirming His esteemed position in God’s redemptive plan.” Christ was precious to God.

Just as Christ is highly regarded and precious in the sight of God, we are to hold His servants in the same way. This week show your Pastor that kind of respect. Bless a missionary or church volunteer. Honor those who serve. Bless those who sacrifice for kingdom work.

Father, help me show honor and respect to those who are serving you sacrificially this day.

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