1. THE STRENGTH OF SERVANT LEADERS
1 Timothy 3:8-13

2. Is it your goal in life to be something more than a servant
Is it your goal in life to be something more than a servant? If so, what?

3. Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42–45

4. 1 Timothy 3:8–13
Deacons are qualified, Christ-like servants that enable the local church to fulfill its mission and accomplish its ministries.

5. 1 Timothy 3
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, [9] but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

6. “And He gave pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11–12

7. 1 Timothy 3
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, [9] but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

8. 1 Timothy 3
11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

9. Why “women” and not “wives”?
1. The term “likewise” probably refers to another category of deacons. 2. There is no reference to the wives of elders in 1 Timothy Phoebe is mentioned as a recognized servant in Romans 16:1, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church”. 4. Church history affirms it.

10. A SHORT CONFESSION OF FAITH IN TWENTY ARTICLES BY JOHN SMYTH, 1609 Article 16: “The ministers of the church are, not only bishops, to whom the power is given of dispensing both the word and the sacraments, but also deacons, men and widows, who attend to the affairs of the poor and sick brethren.”

11. A DECLARATION OF FAITH OF ENGLISH PEOPLE REMAINING AT AMSTERDAM, 1611 Article 20: “That the Officers of every Church or congregation are either Elders, who by their office do especially feed the flock concerning their souls, or Deacons Men, and Women who by their office relieve the necessities of the poor and impotent brethren concerning their bodies.”

12. 1 Timothy 3
11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

13. 1 Timothy 3
12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 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.

14. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

15. The qualified deacon is characterized by: 1. Godliness 2. Humility 3
The qualified deacon is characterized by: 1. Godliness 2. Humility 3. Faithfulness 4. Work How should the church respond to their deacons? 1. Follow their example 2. Serve alongside them 3. Promote gospel economics