Do you and I earn grace by serving?
We don’t earn grace, but God gives it to us freely. Our perseverance in service helps us be more confident in the grace God has already given to us.
In Paul’s day,
deacons were the “servants” in the church. They did some of the menial jobs
caring for physical needs of church members. They weren’t the preachers, yet
they had similar requirements to the spiritual leaders in the church.
I Timothy 3:8-13 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy
of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing
dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep
truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They
must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them
serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not
malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his
children and his household well. 13 Those who have
served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in
Christ Jesus.
That
last sentence could be confusing. Faithful servants don’t gain faith, but gain assurance
of the faith they already have. From experience, the more I’m in God’s word,
praying and serving, the greater my confidence in God. It doesn’t change who
He is or what He has already accomplished for me. It affects my
perspective and assurance of who He is and what He’s done.
