%2011_31_12%20a_%20m_edited.png)
Questions to consider as deacons in preparation!
Am I spiritually minded, full of the Holy Spirit?
Do I worship Him in spirit and truth? John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Filled with the Holy Spirit means controlled by, led by, submitting to? Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Do I ask the Holy Spirit to teach me His Word? Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Do I ask Him to work in our services?
Please pray for the media booth as they control so much of the service
Please pray for all the musicians as they set the tone
Please pray for congregation as they set the receptivity
Am I yielding to His direction and leadership Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Am I already serving, busy in the work of the ministry? I Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The point of being a deacon is to be busy in the ministry. Acts 6
The word means servant so serving is what we all do!
The deacons were to help the pastors take care of the church
They were to free the hands of the pastors
They were to meet the needs of the people
Am I working at growing in my personal life and ministry?
How faithful am I to the services of my local church? Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The right friends helping you focus on growing in Christ Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Personal discipleship Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Get the preparation to do the work of God Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Find your ministry and work at growing in it
Am I a student of the Word of God
It is the Word of God that works in our hearts I Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The word digs down deep into my heart Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Is the Word of God doing anything in you? Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Do you consider the services very important in your life and that of your family?
Is worship and the study of God’s Word of primary importance in your life?
Do you come expecting God to teach you something an to speak to you?
Do you ask God to work in your life?
Do you listen without excuses or pride?
Are you careful to avoid distractions?
Do you really expect God to speak to you?
Do you have scheduled time to read, pray, and study or are you haphazard?
Am I living a life of faith Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Does your faith show in your faithfulness?
Does your faith show in the way you handle your money and give?
Does your faith show in how you deal with problems and trials?
Does your faith show in how you share the gospel, deal with friends, family, and others
Do I have a servant’s attitude? Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Do I consider others as more important than me? Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Am I out to get noticed? Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Vainglory means a cheap desire to boast, showing off
Instead of being proud of ourselves we will humble ourselves and show love and respect to the other
Do I realize that servants don’t get thanked? Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Does he thank the servant, I trow not
Notice that what happens is he just asks more and more work
Then the servant realizes that he is nothing
Do I get my feelings hurt easily?
Do I stay offended? Do I need to be constantly propped up, atta boy?
Have I taken up my cross Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Am I willing to go to the mission field?
Does God have rulership in my finances?
Will I give my children and grandchildren for God to use?
Do I resist what God might do to protect my own?
Am I laid out on the altar for God to do anything He wants with me or mine for His honor and glory?