Qualifications for the Deacon
1 Timothy 3:8-13
March 14, 2010
A couple of weeks ago we finished going over
The qualifications for the elder, or the overseer.
The elders are to “rule” the church and to “feed the flock”
But they are not the only office that God ordained in the church.
There is another.
We call them deacons.
The word deacon comes from the Greek word DIAKONOS
And depending on which root word you trace it to,
It either means “to labor in the dust” or “to pursue”
Either way, it came to be known as a servant.
It is also noteworthy to point out that
There are commonly two words for “servant”.
One is DIAKONOS
The other DOULOS which is commonly translated “bond-servant”
DOULOS puts emphasis on the servant’s Master.
DIAKONOS puts emphasis on the job the servant’s job.
And so when we are talking about deacons in the church,
We are not talking about what they are, so much as what they do.
It is not the title that makes a person a deacon,
It is the service they render.
Taking the point a little further, you’ve probably heard the term deacon most usually associated with “waiting tables”
That concept comes from John’s gospel.
John 2:3-5 “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Those were literally the waiters who were in charge of passing out the wine at the wedding Jesus attended.
We see the term again in reference to Peter’s mother-in-law serving a meal.
Luke 4:39 “And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and waited on them.”
It is used other places as well.
John 12:2 “So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him.”
Luke 10:40 “But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
And so you get the idea.
A waiter was called DIAKONOS
But that is not the only people who held such a title.
Romans 13:4 “for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”
There Paul pictures a faithful policeman or governor as one who is a DIAKONOS to God to fulfill a task God intends.
And this is why we call them servants.
They are those who have been set apart
To fulfill certain aspects of service to the body.
They are not characterized by title, but rather by service.
And those who serve well, then receive the title.
I would also say that those who do the job well
Are absolutely invaluable to the church.
It is always regrettable to see churches where the deacon body
Is a source of trouble and dissension in the church.
This is regrettable because deacons
Were created to produce exactly opposite results.
And I truly believe that when you have a pastor who is who God says he must be, and who does what God says he must do.
And when you have deacons who are what God says they must be and who do what God says they must do.
Then they are an absolute perfect complement to one another and the church is extremely blessed!
TURN TO: ACTS 6:1-7
As you know the church is in her infancy at this point.
She is brand new, but she is not small.
In Acts 2:41 – 3,000 souls were added.
In Acts 2:47 – more were being added day by day.
In Acts 4:4 – the number has risen to 5,000
In Acts 5:14 – multitudes of men and women were added
In Acts 6:1 – they continue to increase.
And so the church has grown quite large there in Jerusalem.
And as a result Satan has been attacking it.
First through outward oppression.
In Acts 4:3 – Peter and John were arrested for preaching the resurrection
But the church continued to grow.
So Satan upped the ante by seeking to start inner turmoil.
The next attack on the church was in the form of the Annanias and Sapphira lie.
However, God struck them both dead and the church was saved from the deception.
Satan then attacked outwardly again:
In Acts 5:18 – the apostles were again imprisoned.
In Acts 5:40 – the apostles were flogged and then released.
But the church kept growing and so Satan kept attacking.
The next attack was another internal one,
And it was the age old problem of grumbling.
READ ACTS 6:1
In reality the problem was not a race problem but a man-power problem.
So the apostles convened.
READ ACTS 6:2-4
Someone else would have to fill the “social ministry” shoes.
READ ACTS 6:5-7
It was the deacons that stood in the gap and allowed the pastor’s to continue doing what God had called them to do.
DEACONS ARE A NEEDED AND VALUABLE ASSET
TO THE CHURCH AND TO THE PASTOR.
So long as they realize their calling and fulfill it to the best of their ability.
And, just as we saw with the overseer,
Most of the qualifications listed here are character based.
The only job type description given to the pastor was “able to teach”
The only job type description given to the deacon is “let them serve”
The rest deal with their character.
And here we see 6 areas of evaluation for the deacon.
#1 THE CHARACTER OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:8
You will notice that Paul says, “Deacons likewise”
He is implying that just as character matters in the person of the overseer,
It also matters in the person of the deacon.
And then Paul gets more specific.
“men of dignity”
It translates SEMNOS which means “serious”
It doesn’t mean that they are joyless people,
But that they are people who take their responsibility seriously.
It should matter to them whether or not those widows got their food.
“not double-tongued”
Obviously consistency is in mind here.
They are not people who say one thing to one person
And another thing to someone else.
Such talk not only ruins a persons character but also stirs up strife among brethren.
Because a deacon would naturally converse with many members of the flock, he must be sure that his speech is consistent with all that he comes in contact with.
“or addicted to much wine”
Again we are not trying to get into the alcohol debate.
It is obvious we should do nothing that makes our brother stumble.
But the fact is that some wine was necessary in Paul’s day to purify the water system.
That being said, I don’t limit the Bible by specific cultures.
Had God wanted to say “No wine” He could have said “No wine”, but He didn’t.
The implication then is that he cannot be given to it, or addicted to it,
Or drawn to it, or attached to it.
“or find of sordid gain”
He can’t be using his office as a means to make money.
Let me add as well here that greed for the church’s bank account
Is not much different than greed for their own personal account.
The Character of a Deacon
#2 THE DOCTRINE OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:9
Here Paul references what a deacon believes.
Servants influence people.
Servants visit with a lot of people.
Servants come in contact with a lot of people.
Those who serve well,
Have opportunities to speak to a lot of people.
“holding to the mystery of the faith”
By “mystery” Paul is simply referring to the truth of the gospel.
It was hidden in the Old Testament, but has been explained in the New.
For example.
Romans 16:25-27 “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.”
So there the “mystery” is simply the gospel leading to salvation.
Ephesians 3:4-6 “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,”
There it refers to the fact that Gentiles can be saved as well.
Colossians 1:25-27 “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
There it is that Christ dwells IN believers.
Colossians 2:1-2 “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,”
And there the “mystery” is Christ Himself.
Truths about His person, and His ministry, and His saving work.
A deacon must hold to “they mystery of the faith”
And not only must he have right doctrine,
But it must be well applied in his life.
“holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
Not only does he know the truth, he believes and lives it.
This does not mean that he is sinless,
But rather that he is sincere and humble.
Remember Paul?
Acts 23:1 “Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.”
This did not mean Paul was sinless.
1 Corinthians 4:4 “For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.”
So it is with a deacon.
They must rightly believe the truth and rightly live it.
Character, Doctrine
#3 THE EXAMINATION OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:10
Here comes the idea of testing.
I will say that many churches do have some sort of testing period,
Although I don’t know that it is always what Paul intended here.
This carries an idea of continual evaluation.
Past and Future
We are not talking about a one time test or a probationary period.
Has he been serving?
(If not, what makes you think he will start now?)
Has he been a man of character?
(If not, what makes you think he will start now?)
Is he already a man of proper doctrine and obedience?
(If not, why would a title change anything?)
And furthermore, keep evaluating them after they are in office
To see if they continue to meet the criteria.
But after a deacon has been examined and passes the test.
“then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”
And this should be obvious, but it isn’t.
Many churches ordain deacons based on
Status in the community, or popularity, or degree of worldly education, or family pedigree, or because they think a person has come to church so long that they deserve something.
None of those are the criteria Paul enforces.
Before you hire a person to wait tables
You might ask them if they do their dishes at home.
If they are not servants now, don’t expect the title to change anything.
Character, Doctrine, Examination
#4 THE GENDER OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:11
If you read the King James or the NIV the verse is translated “their wives”
But that is reaching here.
The word for women here has no possessive pronoun which would connect this women with the deacons previously mentioned.
Beyond that Paul says “Women must likewise”
Which gives the feel of yet another distinct office.
And finally, if wives have to meet criteria, why is the overseer’s wife not mentioned?
It seems better to understand this is another order of deacons.
These are the female deacons or deaconesses.
Romans 16:1 “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;”
It is quite apparent that the early church had female deacons, and why wouldn’t they be?
Especially if the deacons are not a governing body,
Which Scripture never says that they are.
But if a deacon travels and waits on others,
There can be many instances in which a female
Is far more preferred than a man.
HELPING OLDER WOMEN
It is not only biblical, but it makes good sense.
And here Paul reveals the only qualifications for these women deacons.
“dignified”
It is the same word Paul used for the men in verse 8 and it means serious.
“not malicious gossips”
DIABOLOS – means slander and it is a word commonly used of Satan.
The idea is that as the women travel from house to house to serve,
They are not to run a gossip line.
“temperate”
You may remember this word in regard to overseers as either referring to “not drinkers” or more likely “alert” and clear thinkers.
“faithful in all things”
They have to be people of impeccable character.
Completely trustworthy and dependable.
Women deacons are very biblical as a second office of deacons
And the reasoning is obvious.
Character, Doctrine, Examination, Gender
#5 THE FAMILY OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:12
Here we return to talking about the male deacons
Since women deacons would not be the managers of their households.
But here we see what the family life of a deacon is.
And just as for an overseer a deacon “must be the husband of only one wife”
Again, this is a one woman man.
Not an adulterer.
“and good managers of their children and their own households”
Unlike an overseer
This isn’t listed as proof that they can manage the church,
BUT RATHER AS PROOF THAT THEIR LIVES ARE GENUINE.
“where there’s smoke there’s fire”.
If his kids are not in control, if his wife is bitter,
Somewhere this man is not being consistent.
You must examine his family.
#6 THE REWARD OF A DEACON
1 Timothy 3:13
And there are two.
“For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing”
The church generally passes out a lot of accolades to people.
Most of the time the praise is unwarranted.
But in the church there are those
Who are truly worthy of all the praise and respect
That you can shower upon them.
That person is the servant.
Matthew 20:20-28 “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. “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 your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
It is those who serve who are worthy of honor.
And you are quite right to honor them.
(I don’t want to leave any out,
But even I understand that not all service is public knowledge)
But I could call on Tommy Swaringen or Joe Fincher at any hour of the night and they would be present to help me. (Most of the time I don’t even have to call Joe, he just sees me working and shows up)
I am extremely grateful for men like Lenny Morrow or Kermit Woolley who I can call with short notice and know that they will fill the pulpit for me.
The Haney’s have watched my kids repeatedly and I know Max serves because he is Bonnie’s deacon and Ruth routinely tries to steal him.
And that doesn’t mean the others don’t serve,
But this is service that I am aware of.
“Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing”
But that is not all.
“And great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
WHAT IS THAT?
It is security.
The Christian life is full of doubts.
Satan loves to attack our security.
But there is one person who ought never to doubt their salvation
Because of the overwhelming evidence on their side.
That person is the deacon and their love for the brethren
As proven through their service is sufficient evidence to grant them “confidence in the faith”
1 John 3:13-16 “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Furthermore they can know that they
Are directly following the example of Jesus.
John 13:12-17 “So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”
I am extremely grateful for the deacon body here at First Baptist Church.
Of all the churches I have been a part of,
I have never seen a body who had a better attitude than this deacon body.
Furthermore the church should be grateful
For they perform a serious service
That not only aids the pastor, but which benefits the flock.
1 Timothy 3:14-15 “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
