The Gift of Helps

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Let us look at the gift of helps. Helps, the Greek word: antilēmpsis, to aid, to help.

1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: ...

I believe that all Christians can help others through service. We are commanded to be servants of God by serving one another.

Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Just what is this gift of helps? A wife should be a help meet.

A help meet is to complement the husband, serving him in any way that she can. The husband is to be the head of the wife, so the wife should not compete with him. In a spiritual sense the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our help meet, the Greek word paraklētos: means called to ones side, called to one's aid.

Our Pastor often shares this verse written by Solomon:

Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;...

He is a minister, a servant of others, helping wherever there is a need to be met. A helper often is not noticed, but in the morning the coffee is made. In the church things are kept in order, the bathrooms are clean, there is a glass of water for the Preacher.

Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Too often I hear someone complain about some lack in the church. A helper will take care of the need without complaining. They are a great blessing, not looking for praise or rewards, but serving as unto the Lord. A helper loves to help others. You will not hear them say, "oh that's not my calling" when asked to do something. A helper may teach a children's Sunday School class, drive a bus, or play an instrument in worship. They will wash dishes, serve tables, and be ready to help in any way they can.

The Deacons were helpers, serving tables.

Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Act 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Do not overlook the gift of helps, for we will be judged by our service to others. We are to be rewarded for our service.