5. PHEBE: AN EXAMPLE IN SERVICE

Romans 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:"

Phebe heads the list of commendations. It was the overflow of her love for Christ that made her a help to many and a commendable servant of Christ to the Church at Cenchrea.

A sparkling jewel deserving closer examination.

5.1. HER SERVICE WAS UNOBTRUSIVE

Seeking no credit.

She served, seeking no credit or limelight. It has been said, "There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you are not particular who gets the credit." What great achievements can be made for the Lord if each of us could see ourselves a servant of the Church. The Phebe's of the churches are content to do good, rather than be known to do it. All the credit belongs to Christ.

John 15:5 "... He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

The only reason our good works are to be seen is that our heavenly Father may be glorified.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. "

Seeking no merit.

Salvation is not of works - Phebe was not trying to heap up merit.

Ephesians 2:9 "Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Her salvation was a free gift.

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: "

- and her works were the direct outcome of her re-creation in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, ..."

We do not serve to be saved, but are saved to serve.

Titus 2:14 "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

5.2. HER SERVICE TO THE CHURCH

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As A Deaconess

"Servant" i.e. "Deacon", "Deaconess". Paul recognised and highly valued the good work she was doing in the Church. She was a woman with a commendable character. The standard for the early Church officers was high.

	HONEST (Acts 6:3 ).
	HELPFUL (Acts 6:1, 3 ).
	HUMBLE (Acts 6:2 ).
	HOLY (Acts 6:5 ).
	HAPPY - even the happiness of,

1 Peter 3:14 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: ..."

We should see that the standard is kept that way. We need servants of the Church with characters like the deacons of Acts 6:1-5.

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As An Example

Her service would inspire other women to devote their time and talents to the Lord's work. W omen played a great part in the service of God in the early Church.

	Mary - Mother of Mark, opened her home as a place of prayer, where they gathered to pray for Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:12).
	Priscilla - and her husband taught sound doctrine, and were able to explain more fully, the teaching of an able evangelist, Apollos (Acts 18:26).
	Dorcas - characterised by her good works (Acts 9:39).
	Lydia - Whose heart was opened, gave hospitality (Acts 16:14, 15).
	Eunice - and her mother Lois taught and helped develop Timothy for the Lord's use (2 Timothy 1:5).
	Mary - of Bethany poured out her love gift of ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus (John 12:3).

Thank God for their counterparts in the Church of today. Women who have followed the example of their illustrious sisters in Christ.

5.3. HER SERVICE TO THE NEEDY

She served as a willing helper

Paul says,

Romans 16:2 "... for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also."

One who would help to relieve the situation when someone was in distress or difficulties. Even fathers in the faith are benefited by such helpers.

She served as unto the Lord

Jesus said of others like her,

Matthew 25:35,36,40 "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 40 ... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

5.4. HER SERVICE REQUIRED ASSISTANCE

We do not know her business in Rome - Paul requested assistance for her. He made a similar request to the Philippians,

Philippians 4:3 "... help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, ..."

The Phebes can do much, but they need assistance. Will you help?

One Lord's day morning, Dr De Wit Talmage took into the pulpit the church records. He said, "Brethren, here are the church records. I find a great many of you whose names are written down here, are off duty!"

Help Phebe - lend a hand.

5.5. HER SERVICE RECEIVED ENCOURAGEMENT

As one commended

She was one who could heartily be commended. It is specially good when the commendation can refer to definite spiritual features - may we so live.

As one remembered

Romans 16:2 "... and of myself also."

Paul remembered her for the help she had given to him in time of need. This would encourage her to further service. Her greatest encouragement would be the knowledge that nothing she did went unnoticed by her Lord. Phebe was a true servant of the Church. Let us seek to please our Lord, as she did.