I. What Is the Gift of “Serving?”
A. Meaning of the term – “diakonia” (διακονία) – “rendering of specific assistance, aid, support, an administrative function, service as attendant, aide, or assistant.” (William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature)
B. Many scholars understand that the gift of “helps” in 1 Corinthians 12:28 refers to the same gift
1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
C. Examples
1. Acts 6:2-5 - So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
2. Acts 19:22 - Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed 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.” And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
3. Philemon 10-13 - I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel…
4. I Corinthians 16:14-19 - Let all that you do be done in love. Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
5. The gift of serving involves:
i. supporting others in the church to promote the effective accomplish the church’s mission
ii. an inclination to regularly meet various needs – often very tangible, physical needs
iii. a satisfaction to work behind the scenes without accolades and personal gain
1 Corinthians 12:22-25 - On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
6. All spiritual gifts are to be used in “serving” one another
1 Peter 4:10 - As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
II. What Power Transforms Us Into Servants? (Luke 22:15-29)
A. The resource of heaven, Jesus, creates a new community of servants (new covenant family)
B. The resource of heaven, Jesus, molds a new mindset of service (“my life for yours”)
C. The resource of heaven, Jesus, transforms the glory of service (God, Himself serves humanity)
“But I (who is greater and has come down from heaven) am among you as the one who serves (‘the choreography of heaven’)”
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