Servantry work will improve the fluency and power of your prophesying.
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1Tim 3
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The word "degree" here means a "step up" or graduation. The word "boldness" literally means a "fluency", "freedom" or "confidence" of speech. The Greek word for "boldness" here actually has the word "rheo" which means to "pour forth speech". This "fluency" and "pouring forth of speech" is "in the faith which is in Christ Jesus..." Faith is of the spirit, so this fluency and pouring forth of speech is going to be prophecy
Look at the same wording used by Paul:
Ephe 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may ****open my mouth boldly***, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
This fluency of speech would cause him to "make known the mystery of the gospel".
The revelation of mysteries is a result of prophecy, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:2
1Corinthians 13:2a
" And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge..."
And the usage in Philippians:
Phil 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Again, Paul speaks of those who received this "fluency of speech" to speak the "LOGOS" without fear. The word "speech" here is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 2:13. The word carries with it the idea of "utterance" and speaking the "highest and holiest" of speech.
1 Corinthians 2
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
The point in all this is that this "fluency" and "pouring forth of speech" can be obtained by fulfilling the duties of a deacon. This can be seen in the life of Stephen and Philip, who started out waiting on tables, and ended up preaching and doing some of the most amazing things in the new testament.
(Acts Chapters 6,8,21)
Finally, look at this passage where these words are used together:
Acts 4 (paraphrase mine)
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness (fluency of speech) they may speak (utter high and holy) thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus..
And notice the connection between the utterance of fluent, high holy speech and the stretching forth of Lord's hand to heal, and the manifestation of signs and wonders.
And look at what happened!:
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
As you continue to study and see the power and purpose of prophesying, you will see more and more correlations between this "speaking forth from your spirit", the manifestations of signs wonders and mighty deeds, ministering to God and men, and ultimately the unifying of the Church.
As Paul wrote in Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
If you truly desire these manifestations, you will begin with deacon, or servantry work. There is a connection here in that your compassion for people and their needs will begin to grow. As your compassion grows along with your faith, the spirit of Christ in your will speak forth words to minister to the needs of the body. But you will start small. Do not expect to move mountains or raise the dead in one day. Grow in compassion and faith each day. This is a life long activity.
Let me clarify that I am not talking about they concept of "Deacons" held by many modern Churches. I am talking about selfless, titleless, work that looks for no earthly reward, and expects none. You are doing this for the Lord, and He will see and repay. So this work is both love and faith in action. You are doing this in love, not expecting even so much as a thank you from those who you help. You are doing this in faith, acting on the verse in 1 Timothy 3:13, believing that God will do as He promised!
1Tim 3.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus...
Let me remind you that this office can be used by females as well as males, as evidenced by Romans 16:1
Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
The word "servant" here is literally "deaconess"!
I recommend if you undertake this endeavor, that you do it "undercover", attempting to draw as little attention to your activities as possible. Do things anonymously, if possible. You are doing these things for God and to fulfill the needs of those who lack. Expect nothing in return. If you do receive recognition, immediately give all praise and direct all the glory to God. The return you want is that "step up" and "great fluency of speech" in the faith. He does not lie. You will receive what He said you would receive!.
As you do you deeds of kindness and love, begin to look into your heart and notice what is happening. You should feel the joy of giving. This joy can be turned into psalms of praise and joy to your heavenly Father. You will eventually become more and more sensitive to the movement of compassion in your heart. Look to your belly (bowels). It is from this compassion that prophesying can be delivered unto the ministering to the sorrowful and needy. Words spoken from the compassion of the spirit of Christ in you are words of power. As in Stephen and Philip, these words can release the power of the gifts of the spirit.
Many of you are wondering what your gift of the spirit is. You are not sure. Follow your heart; that is the spirit of Christ that is in you. It (the gift) is in there. Where does your heart take you? As we get into our study of "utterance", we will talk about what to look for when trying to determine your spiritual gift. Since love is the best way to get the gifts to manifest, compassion will trigger the form of "utterance" which coincides with your spiritual gift. So GET LOVE! Learn compassion! Seek to feel and empathize with others needs and sorrows. There is a great key here. But you must give and be willing to sacrifice of your time and energy.
