Phoebe is a deacon being sent by Paul to Corinth from Cenchrea. Like Tryphena and Tryphose she serves the church like Stephen and the other deacons. She is a yoke person, a Diakonon, which means servant, waiter, TEACHER, Pastor. God is no respecter of persons. Paul admonishes them to receive and treat her , supply her needs as though she were in his stead.

Post victory intimidation of the Prophet Elijah by Jezebel.

The focal point is first 3 bc you serve the Risen Savior your works are done with 1Cor. 13:13 Faith, Hope & Love, these three. Paul tells Thessaloniki bc of their diligence and purity and excellency in motivation, he keeps them before God in prayer on a sacrificial altar as a sweet smelling savor doing what they do for the Glory of God and for the Kingdom and not as men pleasers. Is this how people see and speak of you and I? Inventory and self examination time!

An encouragement to press on to the end, not give up, get lazy, slothful or discouraged. Encouragement to be fruitful bc faith without works is dead, the branch dried, cursed and fit for nothing but burning. Go on to perfection, run the race, finish the course. You ran well, who hindered, derailed, discouraged or disparaged you? Stay anchored and deliver bc I am persuaded that Romans 8— nothing shall separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We have an unction, chrismas /chrio an anointing, an infusion, in dwelling, we have been set apart, chosen, endowed, empowered, specially gifted and graced by God. Isaiah 61; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; Exodus 29-30; Hebrews 1:9. We are anointed for purpose ( Matt. 25, Isaiah 61) and the end result should be overflow ( Psalm 23) and gladness (Hebrews 1:9). We have knowledge and no need at some point for further instruction bc the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. This truth, this knowledge abides in us bc we abide in Him and He and Holy Spirit lead and guide us into all truth. He is our Advocate, our “ Hilasmos ( covering for sin/ propitiation) and they both are our Paracletes alongside to lead and guide us into all truth (John 14:26) and uphold our goings so our footsteps slip not….

Perfection as God is perfect is inclusive of lacking nothing, being flawless and faultless BUT IT IS MORE AN ISSUE OF COMPLETENESS, ripeness, maturity, developing conscious strength in God, self-restraint even in extreme adversity. It is endurance. Numerous scriptural examples including Joseph & Hannah

Abram and Caleb were chosen, peculiar & royal having surrendered all, denied themselves and followed God wholeheartedly. Trusting in His Word, blinded by faith, accepting the challenges God’s invitations to leave family and to spy out the land brought. They were men of integrity who faced obstacles head on by keeping their eyes on our Emmanuel, God with us, accounting Him faithful Who had promised.

Regardless how bleak things may appear in society, the church, government. an organization you are involved in or even your own family, God always has a ram in the bush, a reverential seed who will turn things around, offer sacrificial worship, lay the foundation of the temple and by the Grace and Guidance of God have the wisdom and assistance to finish ( like Nehemiah) despite naysayers. God will churn that soil until there is a seed that He can work with who has a right Spirit that He can establish.

As Christ is a fruitful Branch in Who God the Father delights, so are we. We are to be fruitful corporately in converting souls and individually bearing the Galatians 5 fruit of the Spirit, the Ruach of God as in Aisha 11:2. Love as submissions and obedience to God Who is love will make you exceedingly fruitful as Christ the Seed in her womb is still bearing fruit that remains in all nations. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation overcoming by the blood that sprinkles many nations.

We are shouting unto God with a voice of triumph and praise for what He is and has accomplished thru His Only Begotten Son. It’s an earsplitting piercing shout (hariu)from the depths of our being bc we know we have the victory bc we see, head of experience it. It is Ron an: shout of joy, victory, praise, exaltation, jubilation bc God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble! Psalm 46:1…