1. “Those who serve well as deacons”
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons are of vital importance to the functioning of Scripturally organized church. Their qualifications, work, and appointment should be of interest to every Christian who wants God’s will to be done in His church.

2. God’s Pattern for Local Churches
The same things are taught (1 Cor. 4:17)
The same acceptance of people from every walk of life (1 Corinthians 7:17)
The same rules for worship (1 Cor. 14:33-34)
The same organization (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 3:10-15)

3. Deacons are a vital part of a Scripturally Organized Church
They serve a different function than elders (Philippians 1:1)
They serve in an official capacity (1 Tim. 3:10, 13)
Like the term “Elder,” “Deacon” is used in a special sense.
“Deacon” (Gr. Diakonos) generally denotes a servant or minister; the word is used for other kinds of servants:
Christ (Romans 15:8)
The apostles (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Evangelists (1 Timothy 4:6)
Followers of Christ (John 12:26)
Civil authorities (Romans 13:4)
Satan’s servants (2 Corinthians 11:15)
Women who served the church (Romans 16:1)
Waiters at feasts (John 2:5; Matthew 22:13)

4. The Work of Deacons
Their work is not the same as preachers, apostles, or elders (Philippians 1:1)
They are involved in some kind of service.
The service is done within the framework of the local church.
Their work would be under the oversight of the shepherds or elders of the church.
Thus, their work is somewhat similar to the work of the men chosen in Acts 6:1-5.

5. The Appointment of Deacons
The Scriptures do not specify how to select and appoint men to serve as deacons, but there are Bible principles that may help:
The judges in Numbers 11:16-17 were chosen by Moses but appointed by God.
In Acts 6:1-6, men were chosen to serve in the church to fulfill a specific function
The apostles determined the number of men to be selected and gave their qualifications.
The multitude vetted the men according to qualifications given by the apostles

6. God’s Qualifications for Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
Reverent
Not double tongued
Not given to wine
Not greedy for money
Holding faith with a pure conscience
Tested, blameless
Ruling children and house well
The husband of one wife who is…
Reverent
Not a gossip
Temperate
Faithful in all things

7. “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13, ESV)