1. Powerpoint Presentation is for 4 th Speaker only Speakers  Eric Patterson  Greg Steele  Rick Reeder  Trevor Bowen (Begin PowerPoint)

2. The Focus of Deacons Today’s Purpose Result of Appointment Explanation of Result Exhortation

3. What is Today’s Purpose? It is NOT a day for boasting, compliment- exchanging, or bow-taking (I Corinthians 4:6-7).

4. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (I Corinthians 4:6-7) What is Today’s PurposeWhat is Today’s Purpose?

5. It is NOT a day for boasting, compliment- exchanging, or bow-taking (I Corinthians 4:6-7). It is a day for remembering, honoring, and praising the greatest Servant of all, Jesus. After all, today is “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). How do we do that?

6. Promotion of Church’s Growth The Appointment of deacons can and should lead to the focusing, strengthening, and growth of the church: …whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:6-7)

7. How can service promote growth? Counter-intuitive wisdom of God (Matthew 20:26-28)

8. "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26- 28) Motivation and Strength of Service Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God … (John 13:1, 3-4)

9. How can service promote growth? Counter-intuitive wisdom of God (Matthew 20:26-28) Jesus left us an example – and answer!  He was willing to wash feet (John 13:14-16)  Because of His (John 13:1, 3-4): Love Assurance of His Authority Assurance of His Origin Assurance of His Destiny

10. What Honor did Jesus receive? Coronation: Crown of Thorns Robe: Draped over a split and bloodied back Drink: Sour wine and vinegar Exaltation: Mocking, cursing, swearing Throne: The Cross Death: With criminals and transgressors

11. "And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10) Who are We? Slaves!

12. Application and Conclusion? Recognition of our place would eliminate many troubles. Jesus’ servitude, climaxed in death reveals:  Humility  Love  Power  Assurance Typical of all humble service. Physical service, arising from the above motivation, is evident to all and promotes evangelism.