DEACONS
"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:" (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
The Ephesian church had been blessed with great leadership. Acts 20 tells us it was founded by Paul who later turned it over to Timothy. When he left, he empowered Timothy to lead and later wrote this letter to give him a strategy to correctly build the church. Crucial to the task was establishing godly servants–choosing the right servants or deacons. In this letter, Paul gave Timothy a divinely inspired checklist of qualifications to use.
It is imperative to understand that when God calls people to serve His church, He looks for those whose hearts are right with Him. His is not concerned about talents, wealth, power, or experience, but with spiritual virtue. He is looking for people who want to go in the same direction He is.
In 1Timothy 3, we find the qualifications for elders and deacons. Elders are pastors called to lead through teaching, while deacons are servants called to lead through service.
I The Call of the Deacon
A. The Idea of Being a Deacon.
The word deacon (diakonos) can be found over 100 times in the New Testament. Only here and in
Phil 1:1 is the term used in an official status. It translates servant or
waiter.
Strong's Greek Definition states:
1) one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master,
a servant, attendant, minister
1a) the servant of a king
1b) a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church,
cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the
money collected for
their use
1c) a waiter, one who serves food and drink
B The Reality of Being a Deacon
1 It is not a RULING OFFICE
Deacons are not a ruling body. They neither
rule over the body, nor do they police the pastors. Deacons serve the body and
support the pastors. In the truest biblical sense, the deacon comes under the
authority of the pastor and supports and responds to his leadership. No where in
the Bible do you find the terms Deacon Board or Chairman of the Deacon Board.
2 It is not a STEPPING STONE.
Deacons are not junior elders who are using
this position of service as a stepping stone to a higher position.
3. He is not a SPIRITUAL LEADER
A deacon is one who performs public duties on
behalf of the church. He is charged with the ministering to the temporal affairs
of the local congregation relating to the care of the body. He does not govern
– he ministers. No where in the
Bible do you find Deacons ruling.
4. It is a SPIRITUAL MATTER
Look at the list of qualifications – this is
most definitely a spiritual matter. Just because some of the task appear menial
(waiting on tables) does not mean the man is to appear menial.
Elders (pastors) are church leaders –
Deacons are church helpers.
II The Qualifications of the Deacon
A Personal Qualities
1. Men of Character -
The word translated "grave"
is the Greek word "semnos" –
serious or stately – to venerate or to worship. The idea is that a deacon is
someone who has a high spiritually quality that causes other s to have a
sense of respect for him.
2. Not Double- tongued
The Greek word: "dilogos" translated "double-tongued." He is not a
man who gossips or speaks with hypocrisy – he never gets caught up in
mischief. He speaks with integrity, consistency, and grace. Deacons do not
spread speculation nor do they misuse truth. In fact, they put an end to discord
protecting the mission and leadership of the church.
3. Not Given to much Wine.
The Greek word: "prosecho" – translated "given." Means
addicted to or to turn one's mind toward. A deacon is not to be preoccupied with
drink and it should in no way influence his life.
4. Not Fond to be Greedy
He will not use his office for personal gain. Deacons should not have a
greedy spirit, nor should they use the respect they garner from being a deacon
to gain an advantage in business.
B Spiritual Qualities vs. 9-10
1. Holding to the Faith with a Clear Conscience
Deacons are not just men who believe the
truth, they live it. They are men who have strong biblical knowledge and insight
and are able to live with a clear conscience because they live what they
believe.
This phrase includes the idea that deacons should not be a new convert or young in the faith. Rather, he should have a proven depth and authenticity of spiritual maturity.
2 Proved
"dokimazo" – to be tested or to approve after testing. This is an
ongoing test and not just a probationary period. A deacon is always under the
magnifying glass. Thus, they are consistently evaluated on their knowledge of
the Word and upon their character of life.
3 Blameless
Greek "anegkletos" - "Beyond Reproach" – Deacons must not
have a blot on their lives, nothing for which they could be accused, arraigned,
or disqualified.
C Domestic Qualities vs. 11-13
1 Husband of One Wife
A deacon is to be a "one women man." He has only one wife – in all
likelihood, a reference to not being polygamous. The focus is on the man's
character. They must not be unfaithful to their wives in their actual conduct
with other women, or in their minds. The issue here is moral character and not
marital status. Deacons are to be sexually pure. See Lesson on DEACONS,
PASTORS and DIVORCE
2 Ruling their Children and their Home Well
Deacons are to prove there spiritual character in the most difficult arena –
the home. They are to have their houses in order by capably managing their
money, possessions, relationship with wife and with their children. I have
always wondered why so much emphasis is placed on the deacon being the husband
of "one wife" (Those that believe a deacon cannot
be married, divorced and remarried) and so little about him ruling his children
and house well. Also, why not some thought about him being "blameless"
Nope you seldom hear anything about these qualifications.
3 Role of the Wife
a Character– same word used in vs. 8 –
Women held in awe because of their spiritual devotion.
Not Malicious Gossips – (diabolos) not slanderous. Women in control of their
tongues.
b. Temperate – women who have self-control and possess sober judgment – without addictions.
c. Faithful in All Things – women who are absolutely trustworthy. Whether a confidence is entrusted or money – she can be trusted.
III The Task of the Deacon
Deacons are men who serve under the guidance
of the pastors to share with the pastors a concern for the total needs of the
congregation.