Where are the Deacons? The Toilet is Leaking! Elder Harold Law September 9, 2018

The Great Commission Matthew 28: 18 – 20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Main objective: make disciples of all nations The Great Commission Main objective: make disciples of all nations Two major tasks: (v.19) Preach the Gospel (baptizing …) (v.20) Equip the believers (teaching …)

Acts 6: 1 - 7 The Choosing of the Seven Deacons  In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Situations of the Early Church Church: Number of disciples was increasing Complain: Hellenistic Jews against Hebraic Jews Hellenistic widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of food Acknowledged: The apostles acknowledged that it would not be right for them to neglect the ministry of the word of God. Solution: Choose seven men from among you to resolve the complain

Qualifications of Deacons 1 Timothy 3: 1 - 10 For Deacons (v. 8) . . . In the same way, deacons likewise Worthy of respect, Sincere, Not indulging in much wine, Not pursuing dishonest gain. Must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith With a clear conscience. In addition …  They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. For Elders Above reproach, Faithful to his wife, Temperate, Self-controlled, Respectable, Hospitable, Able to teach,  Not given to drunkenness, Not violent but gentle, Not quarrelsome, Not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)   He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.  He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

What Kind of Tests? (1 Timothy 3: 8-9) Worthy of respect (characters, model) Sincere (responsible in speech, not to gossip, not to criticize others) Not indulging in much wine (clear minded) Not pursuing dishonest gain (not be influenced by money) Must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith (know the Bible and keep the truth) With a clear conscience (a life of witness)

Deacons: 1 Timothy 3: 10 They must first be tested;   In addition … They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

1 Timothy 5: 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Two Things a Deacon Should Avoid Partiality (成 見) Favoritism (偏 心) Why? Because when we work with people, it is very easy to show Partiality and Favoritism

7 Aspects of Tests Characters (正直人格) Reputation (有好名聲) Speech (講話負責,不講閒話,不批評別人) Fairness of mind (頭腦清楚,不要糊塗) Avoid dishonest gains (不被金錢引誘) Keep the faith and truth (明白聖經,僅守真道） A life of witness (行事為人,與神相稱)

3Do’s and 3 Don’ts for Deacons 3 Do’s: Keep worthy of respect Keep the truth Keep a clear conscience 3 Don’ts: Do not be partial Do not play favoritism Do not pursue dishonest gain

How do we get elders and deacons? Acts 6: 3 The apostles talked to the believers: Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. Deacons are choosen Titus 1: 5 Paul wrote to Titus: The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you Elders are appointed

Deacons Influence on Church Growth Acts 6: 6-7 They presented these men (deacons) to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

5 Basic “Essentials” for Deacons Know your congregation Spiritual qualifications: Full of spirit and wisdom 3. Live a life of example, role model 4. Must be tested first 5. “People” skills

Biblical Teaching Acts 6: 1-10 1 Timothy 3: 1-10, 5: 21 Titus 1: 7-16 Requirements Elders Deacons Qualifications √ Full of the Spirit Full of Wisdom Responsibility Teaching the word of God and prayers Handle people’s relationship and church matters Position Appointed by elders Chosen by congregation Principle of service Desire a noble task Avoid partiality Do nothing out of favoritism Preparing for service Set his heart on being an elder Must first be tested