Sermons

PREACHED BY JOHN GAINES
AT LEONARD STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST

SERVING WELL AS DEACONS

Introduction

1. We are undertaking the appointment of two additional deacons to the leadership of this congregation. Thus, it is appropriate that our study of 1 Timothy takes us to a discussion of the qualifications of deacons.

2. First, note the commendation given to those who serve as deacons in 1 Timothy 3:13 (NKJV) 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.

I. WHO CAN BE A DEACON?

A. A simple list of qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3. Let's look at 1 Timothy 3:8-12 (NKJV) 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. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

1. "Likewise. . ." The passage we've just read follows a list of qualifications for bishops (or elders) in the church.

2. A fully and scripturally organized congregation will have both elders and deacons [Philippians 1:1 (NKJV) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:]

3. It is important that both elders and deacons be qualified to undertake the roles of shepherding and serving the church. We do wrong to ignore or minimize the importance of having leaders who are qualified.

4. Note briefly the questions posed by v. 11. The same Greek word can be translated "wives" or "women." Some have thought that Paul allowed the possibility of women deacons (i.e. deaconesses) in the first century church. In support of this, they point to the fact that Phoebe is called "a servant of the church in Cenchrea" in Romans 16:1. The word for "servant" there is a form of the same word translated deacon. However, the word has the general meaning of "servant." All Christians are to be servants, but the office of deacons refers to a special class of servants in the church. We can be certain of one thing: in light of Paul's teaching about women and authority in 1 Timothy 2, any women servants in the church did not exercise authority over men.

B. Let us now consider the qualifications listed one by one.

1. Deacons must be reverent [grave (KJV), men of dignity (NAS), men worthy of respect (NIV)].

2. Deacons must not be double-tongued [sincere (NIV)].

3. Deacons must not be "given to much wine"

4. Deacons must not be "greedy for much money" -- [NAS - "not fond of sordid gain"]

5. Deacons must hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience

6. Deacons must first be tested and found blameless. [NAS - "beyond reproach"]

7. Wives (see above comment) -- reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things

8. Husband of one wife -- a "one woman man"

9. Ruling children and own houses well.

10. Notable differences between deacons' and elders' qualifications:

a. Deacons not required to have believing children -- thus can be younger men

b. Deacons not required to be apt to teach

II. WHAT IS THE WORK OF A DEACON?

A. No Bible text gives a specific answer to this question.

B. Some have suggested that the division between elders and deacons is between the realm of the spiritual and that of the physical. Elders watch for souls and deacons care for the building. However, this is a man-made distinction which is not supported by Scripture. [Seven men were selected by the Jerusalem church in Acts 6 to "serve tables" while the apostles devoted themselves to "prayer and the ministry of the word."]

C. The word "deacon" means "servant." The word is found 30 times in the NT, but translated deacon only 5 times in the KJV. Otherwise, it is translated either "servant" or "minister." This is our best clue to the work of a deacon in the New Testament church. A godly deacon is willing to undertake whatever work of service the elders of the church ask him to perform.

D. There is no authority inherent in being a deacon. Whatever authority a deacon has as a leader of a program or work is authority inherent in the assignment given him by the elders.

III. WHAT WOULD DISQUALIFY A MAN FROM BEING A DEACON?

A. A man who is not living a faithful Christian life is disqualified from being a deacon. He must be "blameless" or "beyond reproach."

B. A man who is not willing to work is disqualified from being a deacon. He must be ready and eager to use his talents in the Lord's service. The church needs to be top priority in his life.

C. A man who does not have the support of his family is disqualified from being a deacon. His wife needs to be a faithful Christian. His children need to behave properly and submit to his headship in the family.

CONCLUSION

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