The Work of Deacons

• The Work of Deacons
• The Key to Church Work
• and Growth
• God Recognizes Two Distinct Offices
• Philippians 1:1
– Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
• God Recognizes Two Distinct Offices
• 1 Timothy 3:8-13
– Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
• Lack of understanding of Deacons
• Failing to study Bible text leads to errors
– Elevating deacons to ruling board
– Reducing deacons to building managers

• Scripture is sufficient – God has given us all the information we need
• “Deacon” means a servant
• Literal “servants”
– John 2:5,9 at wedding

• General sense -“servants of God”
– Rom 15:8 Christ a servant
– Rom 16:1 Phoebe
– 1 Cor 3:5 Paul & Apollos
– 2 Cor 6:4 servants of God
– Eph 6:21 faithful minister
• Official title – “deacons”
– Philippians 1:1
– 1 Timothy 3:8,13

• “Deacon” means a servant
English
– Servant, minister, deacon
– Verb: Serve, minister
– Service, ministry
Greek
– Diakonos
– Diakoneo
– Diakonia
• Deacons involved in Ministering to Needy
• Acts 6:1-7 Seven chosen to serve widows
• Acts 11:29 “relief” (diakonia) of brethren
• Rom 15:31 “service” (diakonia) for poor
• 2 Cor 8:4 support (diakonia) of poor saints
• 2 Cor 9:1 ministry (diakonia) to saints
• Rom 15:25-26
• Moral Qualifications
• 1 Timothy 3:8-10
– Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
• Moral Qualifications
• 1 Timothy 3:14-15
– These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
• Differences from Elders
• Elders must be…
– Shepherds of entire flock
– Teachers
– Exhort in sound doctrine
– Refute gainsayer (Tit 1:9)
– Given to hospitality
– Not new converts


• Deacons must be..
– Plurality (work as group)
– Specific qualifications
– Above reproach
– Faithful wives & families
• Five Character Qualifications
• Position of trust and leadership
– Must meet moral and spiritual requirements
– 1 Tim 3:10 these must also first be tested

• 1 Men of Dignity
• Dignity – worthy of respect
– “Men of gravity and dignity, inviting respect”
– Honorable, respected by the congregation
– Acts 6:3 “men of good reputation”
– Cannot be full of himself, concerned with his own comfort, ideas, advancement
• 2 Not double-tongued
• Saying: “A man is no better than his word”
– Not saying one thing to one, different to next
– Not manipulative, scheming, deceitful
– Involves integrity, sincerity, truthfulness
– Too many leaders cannot be trusted
• 2 Cor. 117-20
• 3 Not addicted to much wine
• Bible filled with warnings on strong drink
– Isa 5:11-12
– Prov 20:1, 23:20-35
– 1 Cor 5:11; 6:9-10
– Gal 5:21
– Eph 5:18
– 1 Pet. 4:3
• 4 Not fond of sordid gain
• False teachers sought gain
– 1 Tim. 6:5; Titus 1:11
• Judas guilty of this – John 12:5-6
• Jesus warned – Luke 11:39; 16:14; 20:47
• Be free of covetousness – Heb. 13:5
• 5 Holding mystery of faith in pure conscience
• Christians maintain a pure conscience
– Can’t be living a double life
– False teachers defiled their consciences, made shipwreck of faith – 1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 2:18
– Mystery – the gospel revealed by God Eph 3:3-7; Titus 2:10
– Related to Faith – Rom 9:1; 14:22-23
• The Work of Deacons
• The Key to Church Work and Growth
• Qualification demands Examination
• 1 Tim 3:10
– But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
• 1 Timothy 5:22, 24-25
– Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure… Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
• Qualification demands Examination
• 1 Tim 3:10 let these also first be tested
– “Tested” – to prove a thing, whether it is worthy
– How are they tested? (Tit. 1:5)
• Elders should oversee the direction of the church; know its needs, know the people; responsible to take lead
• Congregation to be educated, involved; some people may have information others may not have
• Not to be appointed carelessly (1 Tim 5:22)


• Qualifications of Wives
• 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
– Gr. (gunaikas) “women or wives”
• Context: Vs. 8-9 Male Vs. 11 Female Vs. 12 Male
• Women in this context would mean “deacons’ wives”
• Women public limitations given in 1 Tim 2:11-14
• God’s Expectations for Deacons’ wives
• 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
– Dignified – share their husband’s interest in spiritual things, sober, reverent, mature
– Not malicious talkers – slander, gossip, speak in love
– Temperate – stable, balanced, self controlled
– Faithful – loyal to God, faithful in all relationships
– A godly wife’s role is valuable (Prov. 31:10-31)
• Family Requirements
• 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
– A good marriage – husband of one wife
• An exemplary marriage relationship; above reproach
• A “one woman” man
– Good managers of their children and households
• Properly, excellently – supervise his family well
• Children must obey and respect his leadership
• Lovingly, not in spirit of dictator (Eph 6:4)
• Not a passive father (Prov. 3:12; 23:13-14)
• A Place of Influence and Honor
• 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
– A high standing – honorable, “well done” (Mt 25); achieved through selfless service
– Great boldness – personal faith centered in Christ
• Faith is a dynamic quality
• 1 Thess 1:3; Eph 6:16; 1 John 5:4
• Jesus the object of our faith – John 15:5

• The Work of Deacons
• The Key to Church Work and Growth