How can we ensure our service is "acceptable to the saints" today? The Setting—Paul’s Desire for Acceptable Service Romans 15:31: “that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.” Key Observations from Romans 15:31 - “Service” (diakonia): practical ministry that meets tangible needs. - “Acceptable” (euprosdektos): welcomed, well-received, pleasing. - Paul ties acceptance to two things: God’s deliverance (“rescued”) and the saints’ approval. Both matter. Why Acceptance Matters - Affirms unity in Christ (Romans 15:5–7). - Protects testimony before a watching world (2 Corinthians 8:20–21). - Ensures resources reach their God-intended purpose (1 Corinthians 16:1–3). Principles for Ensuring Our Service Is Acceptable Today 1. Anchor motives in gospel gratitude - Romans 15:27: Gentile believers felt “indebted” to share materially. - Service flows from thankfulness, not guilt or self-promotion (Colossians 3:17). 2. Keep love for the saints primary - Galatians 6:10: “especially to the family of faith.” - 1 Peter 4:8: “Love covers over a multitude of sins,” smoothing inevitable rough edges in service. 3. Bathe plans in prayer - Paul openly asked for prayer (Romans 15:30–32; Philippians 1:19). - Prayer aligns hearts, clears obstacles, and invites God’s favor. 4. Exercise transparent stewardship - 2 Corinthians 8:20-21: take “great care to do what is right” before God and people. - Clear budgets, honest reporting, wise accountability partners protect credibility. 5. Respect local leadership and culture - Acts 11:29-30: relief gift delivered “to the elders” for distribution. - Submitting plans to those on the ground prevents duplication and offense. 6. Serve in proportion to ability and gifting - 1 Peter 4:10-11: use “whatever gift” God has given “to serve one another.” - Acceptable ministry springs from God-given strengths, not envy of another’s role. 7. Pursue personal holiness alongside service - Romans 12:1: present bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” - An unholy messenger can nullify a holy message; integrity undergirds acceptance. 8. Cultivate humility and teachability - Philippians 2:3-4: “in humility consider others better than yourselves.” - Willingness to adjust methods when feedback comes keeps service welcome, not imposed. 9. Prioritize people over projects - 1 Thessalonians 2:8: Paul “shared not only the gospel … but our own lives.” - Relationships create the context where help is received with joy, not suspicion. 10. Celebrate God’s faithfulness together - Hebrews 13:15-16 links praise and sharing; worship seals fellowship. - Giving reports of answered prayer and fruit builds trust for future service. Practical Checklist Before Launching Any Ministry Effort - Have I prayed and invited others to pray? - Is the purpose clearly gospel-rooted and love-driven? - Am I cooperating with local church leadership? - Are plans transparent, accountable, and wise? - Does the team reflect humility, holiness, and giftedness? - Have we communicated clearly with those we intend to serve? If each box is honestly ticked, we can move forward confident our “service … will be acceptable to the saints,” and ultimately pleasing to the Lord who said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). |
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