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Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. (1 Thess 3, 1-3)
At first glance this seems an ordinary passage, perhaps even shallow. But a deeper look at two words it contains illuminates a deeper view.
When Paul described Timothy as a minister, what did you think? We use the word minister as a title of leadership, and we know Paul has trained Timothy as a leader so it's easy to deduce that Paul is telling us he sent Timothy to lead as the Ordained Minister at the church in Thessaloniki. The Greek word translated as minister has a much more humble origin.
Originally the word denoted the service of a table waiter, and from that it came to signify lowly service of any kind. It was often used by the early Christians to give expression to the service that they habitually were to render to both God and to man. Where a word like 'slave,' which is often used of Christians, puts the emphasis on the personal relation, this word draws attention to the act of service being rendered." (Morris)
Paul sent Timothy to serve the church. Only servant leadership produces servant leaders. When the Lord sent you to your church, did you go to lead or to serve?
Paul follows this with the expression that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; Some afflictions shake us up, they frighten us. But the Greek word chosen by the Holy Spirit here has subtle implications easily missed when translated into English. Trapp explains it like this --
The ancient Greek word translated shaken, came from the idea of a dog wagging its tail. "Flattered, as a dog flattereth, by moving his tail; the devil, by flattering you, with promise of more ease by a contrary course, will but do as a dirty dog, defile you with fawning." (Trapp)
Oh, has the Satan wagged his flattering distractions before my eyes a thousand times! What is his hope? To turn me from servant leadership to desiring the prideful ownership of a Christian position of authority. He hates a humble heart as much as the Lord loves one.
Children of God, there is a battle for our hearts. If Satan's tail is wagging the benefits of religious position before your eyes, turn your heart back to the Lord and serve Him with humility.
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38)
Copyright 2014 Mission of the Master Ministries, Inc.
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