Seeking His Face Hosting His Presence Stewarding His Kingdom

Transcription

1 Seeking His Face Hosting His Presence Stewarding His Kingdom

2 Introduction God has been so gracious to give us this purpose and direction as one small part of His church on the earth. I love you as a church because you are hungry for God s presence. We are pursuing Him so that we can know Him, experience Him, and love Him well. We are a broken and imperfect people; but we are a people that want to host the presence of Christ in our daily lives so that the world around us is changed. We are a kingdom of God church. I m so encouraged that you are more concerned about advancing God s kingdom rather than being religious.

3 Introduction Part of stewarding or managing God s kingdom means that we take care of the people that God invests into our church and help them become mature disciples. To love them well by meeting their physical and spiritual needs; and teaching them how to obey Christ s commands. As we said last week, we have come to a place in the life of The Gathering where the needs of the people have exceeded the capabilities of the leadership. Your needs have not been properly met and some of you have been hurt or neglected. That is why we have began this journey to allow God to raise up deacons to help serve this wonderful group of Christ followers.

4 Introduction Over the next few weeks, we will continue searching the Scriptures to learn the purpose and qualifications of deacons in the Bible. At the end of this teaching series, the church will nominate men or women (Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 3:11) that meet the Biblical qualifications and that they feel led by the Lord to suggest for this ministry. (Acts 6:3) The elders will then seek the Lord concerning the nominations and be in contact with the individuals. Then the deacons will be presented to the church with the laying on of hands and prayer by church leaders. (Acts 6:6)

5 What are the Biblical qualifications to serve as a deacon? 1 Timothy 3:8-13

6 Introduction First of all, let us be clear; the standards of holiness and obedience to Christ are the same for every disciple of Jesus. The qualifications of elders and deacons are part of the design and intention of God for every Christian. We are all on a journey to become like Christ, but the standard and end goal is the same for every one of us. The apostle Paul lists these qualifications because as individuals rise as leaders in the church, they must set the example for the body of Christ. Therefore, these characteristics, which are the standard for all Christians, must be in place before they take a place of service, ministry or leadership.

7 Introduction In addition, deacons and deaconesses are not perfect people. If we are searching for people who meet these qualifications 24 hours of every day and have no faults or weaknesses, then we will be searching till Jesus comes back. These qualifications must characterize the lives of deacons, but the blood of Jesus was shed for them as well. If they stumble and fail to maintain the standard set before them, they will be quick to confess, repent, and return to faithful service. Great leaders are those who model humility in failure and the honest pursuit of righteousness and integrity.

8 1. Worthy of Respect Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, The phrase worthy of respect is an english translation of a Greek word that means, honorable, honest, respectable, having a dignified demeanor. (Strong s) There are people in this world that demand respect because of their position or title; and then there are people that we genuinely honor and respect because they are honorable and full of integrity - a deacon should be this kind of individual. How about you? Do you live in an honorable way? Do people want to respect you because of the way you live?

9 2. Sincere Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, 1 Timothy 3:8 The word sincere is translated from a word that literally means, not double-tongued, not telling a different story, not misleading or confusing. (Strong s) Deacons are to be individuals who walk the talk. They are the same people despite the company they re in or the circumstances of their life. They are people of integrity, sincere in their relationship with God and the role God has given them as servant ministers. Deacons should not mislead or confuse people as to what a true follower of Jesus looks like.

10 3. Not Indulging in Much Wine Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, 1 Timothy 3:8 The word indulging is an english translation of a Greek word that means, to hold the mind, to be given to, to adhere to, to have regard (Strong s) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 Deacons should not be overly concerned with alcohol. It shouldn't hold their mind s attention and they shouldn t be given over to it. Instead they should be concerned with being filled and overtaken by the Holy Spirit.

11 4. Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 1 Timothy 3:8 A deacon is to be a person of integrity in the church, in their personal finances, and in the work place. They are not greedy. They are not willing to bend the rules or be dishonest in any way for personal or corporate profit. Being a disciple of Jesus in the workplace is such an incredible way to bring light into darkness. Unfortunately, many Christians consider work and finances to be separate issues, not under the authority of Christ.

12 Opportunities to Respond Are you in God s family? If Jesus came back today, would you enter heaven? Have you received the blood of Jesus as payment for your sin and have you committed your whole life to be obedient to Jesus? Maybe you need to reevaluate the priorities of your life. What is the goal of your life? Will your life have any eternal value when you stand before Jesus? Is God calling you to step up and serve as a deacon? Would you be willing to ask Him right now? Are you full of the Spirit and wisdom? Do you want to be?

13 Opportunities to Respond Would your family and closest friends say that you live in a way that is worthy of respect? What is the Holy Spirit pointing out in you that God wants to change? Are you sincere or do you live a double life? Are you the same person at church and in the world and behind closed doors? If not, will you ask Jesus to change you? Are you consumed with alcohol? Honestly, does it replace Jesus in your life? Are you looking to it to do what only Jesus can? He can set you free. Are you a person of integrity in the matters of business and finances? Are you willing to submit to Him as Lord?