1. Elders, Deacons and the Church – Part 2 I Timothy 3:8-137
Elders, Deacons and the Church – Part 2 I Timothy 3:8-13

2. Deacons → Diakonos → Waiter

3. Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.
- Acts 6:1

4. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
- Acts 6:2-4

5. 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
- Acts 6:5-6

6. Deacons
Limited number

7. Deacons
Limited number
They were selected

8. Deacons
Limited number
They were selected
They were men

9. They had charge Deacons Limited number They were selected
They were men
They had charge

10. The task was singular Deacons Limited number They were selected
They were men
They had charge
The task was singular

11. Specific Qualifications
Deacons
Limited number
They were selected
They were men
They had charge
The task was singular
Specific Qualifications
Good reputation
Full of spirit and wisdom
Take charge

12. Different kinds of men Deacons Limited number They were selected
They were men
They had charge
The task was singular
Specific Qualifications
Different kinds of men

13. Ordained / Commended Deacons Limited number They were selected
They were men
They had charge
The task was singular
Specific Qualifications
Different kinds of men
Ordained / Commended

14. Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
- Philippians 1:1

15. Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
Deacon - Summary
Spiritually mature, talented, appointed

16. Selected by, from, for congregation
Deacon - Summary
Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
Selected by, from, for congregation

17. Authority is connected to service
Deacon - Summary
Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
Selected by, from, for congregation
Authority is connected to service

18. No job / no deacon Deacon - Summary
Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
Selected by, from, for congregation
Authority is connected to service
No job / no deacon

19. No group authority Deacon - Summary
Spiritually mature, talented, appointed
Selected by, from, for congregation
Authority is connected to service
No job / no deacon
No group authority

20. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
- I Timothy 3:8

21. Additional Qualifications
Men of dignity – grave
Sincere
Sober / sober-minded
Earned a “clean” living

22. but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
- I Timothy 3:9

23. Additional Qualifications
Men of dignity – grave
Sincere
Sober / sober-minded
Earned a “clean” living
Not religious hypocrites

24. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
- I Timothy 3:10

25. Additional Qualifications
Men of dignity – grave
Sincere
Sober / sober-minded
Earned a “clean” living
Not religious hypocrites
Proven

26. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
- I Timothy 3:11

27. Arguments for Women as Deaconess
Term can mean wife /women / servant
Romans 16:1 – Deaconess / servant
Some early writing suggest this idea of women deacons

28. Arguments against Women as Deaconess
Paul does not use term “deaconess”
Context suggests “wives” of deacons
The only deacons in the Bible were men

29. Women servants in the New Testament
Women supported Jesus’ ministry – Luke 8:3
Women praying in the upper room – Acts 1
Dorcas making clothes for the poor – Acts 9

30. Women servants in the New Testament
Mary (Mark’s mother) offering hospitality – Acts 12
Lydia housing Paul – Acts 16
Priscilla’s hospitality and evangelism – Acts 18
Phoebe delivering a letter to Paul – Romans 16

31. Qualifications of deacon’s wives
Dignified
Not malicious gossips
Sober / sober-minded
Faithful

32. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
- I Timothy 3:12

33. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
- I Timothy 3:13

34. The blessings that come from a strong faith:
Rewards - Deacons
The blessings that come from a strong faith:
Peace
Confidence
Joy
Intimacy with God