Deacons—Greatest in the Church Acts 6:1-4
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:1-4
God’s Eternal Plan
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it Jesus revealed it
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it Jesus revealed it It was a plan of service (diakanos)
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it Jesus revealed it It was a plan of service (diakanos) He showed it
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served (diakonos), but to serve (diakonos), and to give His life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:28
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served (diakonos), but to serve (diakonos), and to give His life a ransom for many." Matt. 20:28 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves (diakonos)? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves (diakonos). Luke 22:27
God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it Jesus revealed it It was a plan of service (diakanos) He showed it He glorified it—greatest on earth
26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant (diakonos). Matt. 20:26
26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant (diakonos). Matt. 20:26 Mat 23:11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant (diakonos). Matt. 23:11
A Study of Service—diakonos--deacons God’s Eternal Plan Known before sin entered the world No man could imagine it No man comprehended it Jesus revealed it It was a plan of service He showed it He glorified it—greatest on earth Today’s lesson: A Study of Service—diakonos--deacons
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution?
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution? Church to find men qualified to serve
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution? Church to find men qualified to serve These men too see work was done
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution? Church to find men qualified to serve These men too see work was done Freed apostles for greater service
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Every Christian serves! Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution? Church to find men qualified to serve These men too see work was done Freed apostles for greater service Every Christian serves!
His Serving Plan Revealed Acts 6 Rapid growth of church created problem Widows and their daily needs Apostles work not to attend to widows Solution? Church to find men qualified to serve These men too see work was done Freed apostles for greater service Every Christian serves! Some are special servants--diakanos
What Does a Deacon Look Like?
What Does a Deacon Look Like? Spiritually minded man
Spiritual Body & Spiritual Men
Spiritual Body & Spiritual Men Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word
Spiritual Body & Spiritual Men Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Not self- willed Hospitable Not double- tongued Self Controlled Gentle
Spiritual Body & Spiritual Men Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober Not self- willed Hospitable Not double- tongued Self Controlled Gentle
Spiritual Body & Spiritual Men Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
What Does a Deacon Look Like? Spiritually minded man One who is proven (tested)
What Does a Deacon Look Like? Spiritually minded man One who is proven (tested) You can trust the work to him
What Does a Deacon Look Like? Spiritually minded man One who is proven (tested) You can trust the work to him Has special qualities
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Husband of one wife Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Rules his house well Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Husband of one wife Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Rules his house well Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Leads children well Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Husband of one wife Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Wife: reverent & not a slanderer Rules his house well Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Leads children well Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Husband of one wife Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober Wife: reverent & not a slanderer
Spiritual Body & Its Deacons Rules his house well Not self- willed Hospitable Blameless Not double- tongued Self Controlled Good Behavior Of Good Report Not Covetous Violent Not Quick- Tempered Fast to The Word Leads children well Gentle Holy Just Lover of Good Reverent Husband of one wife Not Given To Much Wine Able to Teach Temperate Not Quarrelsome Greedy Sober Wife: temperate & faithful in all things Wife: reverent & not a slanderer
Important Matters to Remember
Important Matters to Remember Must possess all qualities—positive, negative and special
Important Matters to Remember Must possess all qualities—positive, negative and special Seriousness of selection today
Important Matters to Remember Must possess all qualities—positive, negative and special Seriousness of selection today Not a popularity selection
Entering His Spiritual Body
Entering His Spiritual Body Believe John 8:24
Entering His Spiritual Body Believe John 8:24 Repent Acts 17:31
Entering His Spiritual Body Believe John 8:24 Repent Acts 17:31 Confess Faith Matt. 10:32
Entering His Spiritual Body Believe John 8:24 Repent Acts 17:31 Confess Faith Matt. 10:32 Be Baptized Acts 22:16
Entering His Spiritual Body Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Believe John 8:24 Repent Acts 17:31 Confess Faith Matt. 10:32 Be Baptized Acts 22:16 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom
Entering His Spiritual Body Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Believe John 8:24 Repent Acts 17:31 Confess Faith Matt. 10:32 Be Baptized Acts 22:16 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful Rev. 2:10