1) READ Rom. 16:1.
2) Most of us have heard people talk about “deaconnesses.”
a) Most standard translations do not use the word “deaconness” in their rendering of Rom. 16:1
b) The RSV uses “deaconnesses,” but most of the translations here this morning probably have “servant.”
3) The word Paul used in Rom. 16:1 to describe Phoebe is also used in a letter to a preacher named Timothy.
4) The word applied to Phoebe in Rom. 16:1 is the same term used to describe deacons in 1 Tim. 3:8, 12.
5) The word Paul used in Rom. 16:1 was used many times by the apostle Paul. Rom. 15:8.
6) This word “deacon” in Rom. 15:8; 16:1; 1 Tim. 3 simply means “servant.”
7) Some illustrations.
a) How many times have we seen or heard a woman referred to as a “pastoress?”
b) Have we heard of a “ministeress”?
c) Is a “nurse” male or female?
8) The word “deacon” described servants, so Jesus could be described by this term in Rom. 15:8.
9) Phoebe was able to be described by this term in Rom. 16:1.
10) Some servants have unique responsibilities as we find in 1 Tim. 3.
11) There is no basis in the Bible or anywhere else for a special female servants called “deaconess.”
12) When we study the word “church” in the New Testament, we find that it is associated with people serving.
13) The church is not a place of entertainment or merely social functions; it is a place to work!
a) If our name were in Rom. 16:1 instead of Phoebe’s, what would the text say?
b) Would have Paul have identified us as a “servant” of God or something else?
c) The Lord said those who want to be “first” need to be “servants.”
d) The “greatest” people (Mt. 23:11) are those who serve.
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14) In the church of the New Testament those who are truly God’s people are simply willing to serve.
15) Being called “brother” or “sister” (as Phoebe was) is more than enough.
OUR NEXT REFERNECE IN ROMANS 16 – VERSE 5 – READ.
a) There were some Christians who had a “church in their house.”
b) The people who had this “house-church” are mentioned back in verse 3 – Priscilla and Aquila.
c) Today people may do a lot of things with their homes.
d) When it is time for a holiday such as Thanksgiving, some open up their homes.
2) How often do we open up our homes for the work of God and His people the church?
3) Have we ever offered our home for a devotional?
4) Have we invited a troubled Christian over to our home to offer encouragement?
5) A study of the word “church” tells us that we can use our homes for the work and glory of God.
ROMANS 16:23A – READ.
1) Imagine receiving a greeting from an entire congregation of God’s people.
2) This is one of the things we are now trying to do as “the church.”
3) Are you an eager and committed member of the church?
4) If not now, when?
