Introduction The Church requires servants. The Servant and the Ruling Elder have character requirements, spiritual requirements, and family requirements. But for the person who desires to serve the saints and seek the lost the Lord promises great reward. Charles Dickens wrote; No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. William Barclay probably borrowing from John Wesley said; In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can. We are all invited to serve. Jesus said he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant (Matt.23:11). Peter wrote; If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:11). Personal Qualifications (v.8) 1 Timothy 3:8 13 (NKJV)8Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, The word Likewise plays an important role in the job of description of the person who occupies the office of deacon. Like the Ruling Elder (Bishop or Episcopos) there are minimum standards important standards. The deacon assists the Pastor and the congregation in exercising the various functions of the Church. The word deacon (diakonous) means servant, or server or minister. The word in the primitive church was used to describe the helper of the elders but their personal qualifications were not dramatically different. The word is used in an unofficial sense of anyone who serves in the Church (see Ephesians 6:21). We are first introduced to the concept in practice in Acts 6:1-7 where the apostles called on the people to appoint gifted men to help with the ministerial and administrative duties of the church (Acts 6:2). In part their job was to relieve the ruling elders who could devote their time to prayer and the ministry of God s Word (Acts 6:4). This does not mean that the deacon does not pray or preach and neither does it mean that the Pastor rarely serve! But it does mean that each had a separate focus and would concentrate the most of their resources in one area or the other. By the way sometimes preachers were called diakonoi Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers (diakonoi) by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (1 Cor.3:5). Who also hath made us able ministers (diakonous) of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life (2 Cor.3:6). In the early church the deacon served in both roles as preachers and ministers; And Stephen (a deacon), full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). 1
Then Philip (a deacon) went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them (Acts 8:5). It would appear that the deacon was closely tied to the ruling elders or bishops; Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Phil. 1:1). It would also appear that deacons were to be equipped and selected; Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:3). The servant leader must be reverent or grave which translates the Greek word semnous it means serious, honorable, worthy, highly respected or noble. Another meaning seems to be held in high respect. Double-tongued dilogos (forked tongue!) is a tale bearer; one who has one report for one person, and another report for another person who attempts to court the favor of both. The servant leader must have a reputation for honesty and straight talk. We might think about this in another way; this person must not say one thing to a person s face and another thing behind their back. Part of the reason the deacon must not be double-tongued is the reality of having insight and information in the lives of the people of the church. The Servant exercises integrity, speaking the truth in love a person who is as honest as the day is long! Like the ruling elder the deacon must not be given to much wine or greedy for worldly gain. These same character qualities were demanded for the ruling elder. Do you remember why too much wine or a preoccupation with money would prove harmful? The leader must not have clouded judgment; or a divided heart. Spiritual Qualifications (vv.9-10) 9holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Paul then lists three important spiritual qualifications: 1. A Doctrinal Test 2. A Practical Test 3. A Community Test The Mystery Of Faith 2
What is the mystery of faith and does it have anything to do with the mystery of godliness mentioned in verse 16? I think so. The use of the word faith I suspect is a reference to sound doctrine and sound teaching (see 4:1,6; 5:8; 6:10. In faith the servants hold the truth in order to have effective teaching. The deacon or the teacher never invents truth, or adds truth or provides some new truth. The deacon holds to the unchanging truth of the gospel. Whatever this means it must mean the body of revealed truth (Ryrie). For the person who is tempted to believe that it means a body of concealed or hidden truth it defeats the purpose of observing the qualifications! Church leadership does not mean that you belong to some secret club with secret knowledge. Pause for a moment as we consider that simple phrase holding the mystery of faith. In chapter 2:4 Paul wrote concerning prayer and the power of prayer to accomplish God s plans and purposes; who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. You cannot grasp the knowledge of the truth or hold the mystery of faith unless you are saved and believe the truth. When Paul uses the term truth in that context (chapter 2:4) it means essential Christian doctrine, the deepest components that constitute the Christian faith. What were some of those essential doctrines? None could be more essential than the incarnation, the substitute death of Jesus for sins and His glorious resurrection. The deacon cannot compromise on essential Christianity. The oneness of God. The uniqueness of Jesus as both God and Man. The sacrifice of Jesus as a ransom as a substitute for sin. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. All Christian teaching and doctrine are built on the solid foundation of the Gospel. The Apostle Peter wrote; But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Can this person define and defend the Gospel? Can this person present the Gospel and then urge others to accept the Gospel because they have accepted it in their own life? Can you present the problem of sin and God s solution in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus? Can you easily defend Christ s Deity, His Humanity, His ministry, His sufferings, His message, His priesthood, His return (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 1:7-10)? Can you speak with ease of the grace of God the source of salvation; of redemption the meaning of salvation; faith the life of salvation; love the soul of salvation; holiness the blessing of salvation; prayer in the Spirit the language of salvation; and hope the outlook of salvation? But once again the Deacon does not simply know the truth and believe the truth but lives in the truth in real life. What is the outcome? A clear conscience. Belief informing behavior. 3
Does this person s life match their beliefs? Have these things changed your life? Is your life marked by joy and peace, humility and rest? Meekness and supply? Whatever else it means it must mean men with spiritual depth. Again when the deacons were chosen in Acts 6:3 they were known to be full the Holy Spirit and wisdom. It is true that Luke never calls them deacons but for all intents and purpose they function as deacons. Tested In what way tested? Should they be able to articulate essential Christian beliefs? I think that is important but I suspect it means proven! This is not simply putting a person in a room and making sure they say all the right things about all the right doctrine. The test consists of observation by the ruling elder or elders as they observe the life lived in the crucible of pain, suffering, difficulty, persecution, trouble. A man who has proven both character quality and family living and spiritual gifting may serve in the office of deacon. To put someone in leadership without evaluating their doctrine and life can result in disaster in the Church. Like the ruling elder not a novice or someone new to the faith. Proven in the sense of having a testimony; being able to articulate that testimony. A Christian who is rooted and grounded in God s Word; spiritually mature, proven testimony for Christ, well known and respected among other Christians in the congregation, able to minister to people and assist the Pastors or the Ruling Elders. We all face tests. None have perfect track records. It can t mean having never failed a test. It must mean tested and found faithful. Both the ruling elder and the deacon must be allowed to exercise gifts in ministries before being given the office. Warren Wiersbe writes; The deacon s office is to be used, not just filled. Church officers who are faithful will acquire a good standing (degree) before God and men, and thus are able to further the work of Christ (see Wiersbe s Expository Outlines; pp. 627-628). Blameless Remember blameless does not mean sinless. The servant is above reproach. It means there is nothing in this person s life that Satan can seize and use as a reason to bring accusation against that person and God s Church and God s Gospel. The outside world those outside the Church find no reason to refute the person s moral and spiritual character. Family Qualifications (vv.11-12) 11Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 4
The person who occupies the office of Deacon (Server) must be faithful to his wife; responsible towards his children and the wife must be a woman of good character. It is true that the original language allows for the possibility (Likewise) the same standards apply to the wives who also function in the role of servant or minister. What does that mean? Does the New Testament allow for women to occupy the role of deaconesses? The context is better suited to mean the wives of the deacons also have character requirements. The Greek word gune is used for woman and wife. In all fairness there seems to be three ways to both translate and identify the subject their wives. 1. It may mean the wives of the deacons. Again in the Greek language the word their (possessive article) is absent. One possibility is the reference is to their wives and in context that seems to make sense since family considerations and qualifications were used to build a case for the ruling elder. And if you keep reading (v.12) continue the discussion of requirements for the deacons. 2. It may mean women in general. Again the context seems to argue against this interpretation. 3. These women are female deacons or deaconesses such as Phoebe who is mentioned in Romans 16:1. Again this interpretation is based on the use of the word likewise as in verse 8 which allows for the meaning in the same way or we might say the qualifications are in the same way. Whatever the meaning and whatever the application women in the church as well as leadership were to be responsible, grave, blameless as the men. You will note the wife also must be reverent or grave (same word semnous see v.8). Once again this means serious, dignified, worthy of respect. Not slanderers (me diabolous). This is a tale-bearer gossip; a person who makes it a practice to talk about others with a view towards meddling, stirring up drama, making mischief causing disturbance. The presence of gossip is a big red flag in leadership. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (Prov.11:13). Those who talk about others to us will talk about us to others. There are three basic rules when speaking about others; is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Granny was fond of saying; Why do dogs have so many friends? Because they wag their tails and not their tongues! Paul then uses the word temperate (see 3:2). The word means moderate marked by appropriate limits boundaries not extreme or excessive the absence of extravagance. Faithful in all things...which reminds us that Paul has said elsewhere (1 Corinthians 4:2) Moreover it is 5
required in stewards that one be found faithful. It is interesting that the verse prior to that says; Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (I Corinthians 4:1). The person might argue; I didn t mean to. Let s for purposes of discussion grant that some people may say some things and honestly not comprehend the harm they cause. Their failure to see the harm or their lack of discernment in not seeing the harm that could be caused by their conversation serves as yet another line of evidence that the person is not qualified to occupy that particular office. Righteous Results (v.13) 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Why such strict standards for such a low job? After all the deacon only serves! What may seem unattractive and menial to you -God sees very differently. You are entrusted with the care and service of the King s children. Those who serve and serve faithfully and serve honorably earn a good standing with fellow believers and who recognize and appreciate their service. The Deacon or Server or Minister receives good standing the word can also mean record or diploma. D.L. Moody was fond of saying; We may easily be too big for God to use, but never too small. It was William Wordsworth in a verse written for children said; Small service is true service while it lasts: Of humblest friends, bright creature, scorn not one: The daisy, by the shadow that it casts, Protects the lingering dew-drop from the sun. The world boldness can also mean assurance. The faithful servant serves with confidence speaks with confidence because what he or she does is valued and appreciated by the Lord Jesus Christ. Obedience to Christ produces assurance, confidence. The servant of Jesus can provide help in time of need, strength in time of weakness, cheer in time of deep doubt or ever increasing despair; guidance in perplexity; peace in trouble; joy in sorrow power in service. Humble faithful service to Jesus on this earth to His people may generate little earthly reward. But there is an eternal reward. The standards for service were rigorous and demanding. All false teachers fail the standards. Even if they live moral and exemplary lives (few do) but because they fail the doctrinal test their 6
self-proclaimed service is not only wood hay and stumble, it is far worse. It is worthy of judgment and eventual punishment by the Lord Jesus Himself. In the Church at Ephesus they had a glut of teachers but a drought of truth. In the Life Application Commentary we read; There was too much meaningless talk (1:6) and too little purposeful living. Doubles the apostle would have endorsed James plea, Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1NIV). Paul knew that a future supply of faithful teachers would only be available with a present renewal of faithful believers (p. 70). Conclusion In summary, the deacon must be: 1. Grave serious but not in the grave! The servant can have a sense of humor and a love for life but should be taken serious that is held in high respect. 2. Not double tongued; two faced, tale-bearer; having one thing to say to one person and another thing to say to another person. We might think honest, sincere. 3. Not addicted to drugs or alcohol that might cloud reason or judgment. 4. Not greedy or preoccupied primarily with the accumulation of wealth. 5.Able to understand, articulate and defend the Gospel; know, explain and defend the essential teachings of the Gospel and the Bible. 6. Maintains a clean conscience or a pure conscience. 7. Tested, proven, both inside the Church and the community. 8. Blameless, not sinless but not having anything that would harm the testimony of Jesus or the ministry of the Church in the community it serves. 9. A godly wife and well behaved children. How will you serve? The head grows by taking in but the heart grows by giving out. 7