The Work and Qualifications of Deacons 1Timothy 3: 8-15

What is a Deacon? The word deacon derives from the greek word “diakonos”. Which by definition means “servant”, “minister”, “one who executes the instructions of another” Most of the time it occurs in the general sense of the word servant. (matt. 20:26, 23:11, John 2:5) In 1 tim. 3 and Phil. 1:1, the word diakonos is referring to an appointed office in the church to be performed by specially appointed servants.

What is the importance of deacons? It’s a god appointed office in the church For the local church to be scripturally “organized”. Vital responsibilities to be perform so that the local church can function as god would have it. The need in every local church of men that are humble, committed, and qualified to serve as deacons.

The work of deacons Is not the work of the elder, who have the responsibility to: Oversee 1 peter 5:2 Rule Hebrews 13:17 Feed, tend, shepherd Acts 20:28-32 Watch for souls Hebrews 13:17 Guard against false teachers Acts 20:29-31 Make decisions to see that god’s word is faithfully fulfilled in the local church

The work of deacons Acts 6:1-4 - 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.”

The work of the deacons To serve the elders and the local church To take care of the earthly matters of the church so the elders can give their full attention and effort to the spiritual matters of the church.

The qualifications of deacons one thing that we have to make certain before appointing a man to the office of deacon is that he is scripturally qualified to hold the position. We cannot take liberties with these appointments because the bible gives us specific qualifications that a deacon must meet prior to his appointment to the office.

1 timothy 3:8-15 8 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. 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.

1 timothy 3:8-15 14 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.

reverent Grave (KJV) Worthy of respect (NIV) Men of Dignity (NAS) A man that lives in such a manner to have gained the respect of others. Someone you wouldn’t worry about bringing embarrassment upon the church

Not double-tongued Honest Sincere Not a hypocrite A man of his word A man of integrity

Not given to much wine Not indulging in much wine (NIV) Addicted (NAS) Someone that isn’t a drunk A disciplined man….one that is always in control of his own actions. A man of respect

Not greedy of filthy lucre Not greedy for money (NKJV) Not pursuing dishonest gain (NIV) Not a covetous person Money and material possession are not his first priorioty 1 tim. 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Holding the mystery of the faith in pure conscience A man that has a good knowledge of the scriptures A man Established in the faith A man who’s daily life reflects that of a strong Christian A man that is zealous in the work of the Lord A man that is firmly planted in the truth and not easily swayed from the truth. A man that has a clear conscience that comes from consistent obedience

Let these also first be tested They must have proven their faithfulness by the lives that they lead. Are seen as those who are already a worker in the kingdom of god. Shown a desire and willingness to work A man known for producing fruit of the spirit

Being found blameless Nothing against them (NIV) Beyond reproach (NAS) Does not mean sinless….no one would be qualified A man that thirst after righteousness A man that earnestly strives to conform his life to God’s word

Even so must their wives be… Reverent --- respectable Not slanderers --- gossips Temperate --- have self control Faithfull in all things --- wife, mother, member of the body of christ

Husbands of one wife Not a bigamist or polygamist Not a man tempted by sexual lusts or desires Not a womanizer A man that is faithful and dedicated to one wife, which is the plan of God.

Ruling their children and their households well A man that is a leader in his home and guides and cares for it His children are disciplined and respectful A man that cannot rule, lead, or manage his own household can’t be expecting to be an effective leader in the church.

Blessings for deacons 1 tim. 3:13 --- 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.