THE DUTY OF DEACONS

“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” (‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭3:8-10‬‬)

Notice how Paul concludes his qualifications for pastors by seamlessly transitioning into a discussion of the deacons. The qualifications are virtually the same. It isn’t that Scripture commands of deacons to be of a moral character different than other Christians, but rather exemplary in it. Church leaders model their faith. That’s how they lead.

It is servant leadership that is the duty of deacons. The Greek word translates, “servant” and the Greek word, or a form of it, is so rendered elsewhere. Literally, it means, “through dust,” and is a picture of a faithful servant kicking up dust in his pursuit of his labor. The deacon is a man who rolls up his sleeves and isn’t afraid of doing the dirty work, the sweaty stuff, that is required for a ministry to be sustained and strengthened.

He sees himself as a partner with his pastor—freeing him to fulfill his call to minister the Word and prayer. Acts 6, many believe, shows the origin of deacon ministry, and the need for preachers to fulfill their responsibility then demanded Spirit-filled, faithful men to handle the needs of a growing congregation.

They are models in their marriages, showing leadership skills in how they guide their family. They are active in their church, displaying character and conviction. They are respected in the world, giving no cause for accusation that is justified.

Such men are to be commended. “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim.3:13). Thank God for good deacons!

THE DUTY, DIGNITY, AND DESTINY OF THE DEACON

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (1 Timothy 3:13)

The duty of the deacon is seen in the word, “serve,” reminding us that a deacon’s work is not about status, but service.  The dignity of the deacon is seen in the word “deacon,” underscoring that this office—along with the pastor—is vital to the local church.  The destiny of the deacon is seen in the phrase, “obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus,” promising recognition on earth and reward in eternity.  I am going to use the word “deacon” as an acrostic. 

Disciplined (v.8) The first deacons were chosen because they were men full of the Holy Spirit—and the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  The deacon is a man of discipline.  He disciplines his tongue.  He doesn’t say one thing in a deacons’ meeting and a different thing in a business meeting.  The deacon is disciplined when it comes to drinking alcohol.  You never have to worry about becoming a drunk, if you don’t take the first drink.  The deacon is disciplined in his finances. He may be a successful white collar businessman or a hard working blue collar guy—but he manages his money with integrity and therefore can be trusted with church finances too.

Exemplary (v.8, 10-13) The first deacons were men of solid reputation.  The deacon must be a model to the other members of the church.  He is a model in his deportment, taking the work of the Lord seriously.  He is a model in his conduct.  He has a proven track record.  He is a model in his character.  None of us are perfect, but the deacon cannot have glaring moral deficiencies. His family life is one that members would look at and say, “That’s the kind of family life I want.”

Alert (v.9; 14-15) Deacons are to be the gatekeepers to prevent false doctrine from entering the church.  They are to know, love, believe and guard the purity of Bible teaching and preaching.  Their ears are to be like doctrinal radar to alert the church if a wolf comes in dressed in sheep’s clothing intent on destroying the church.  Paul underscores that the church is the pillar and ground of truth. 

Courageous (v.13) Picture one of the first deacons, Stephen, standing before a hostile religious mob that despised Jesus and with a confidence born of conviction sealing his testimony with his own blood.  He was the first martyr in the church—not an Apostle, not a pastor—a deacon.  Leadership is not about doing the popular thing—it’s about doing the right thing

Others-oriented (v.10) Deacons are not a board to run the church. The word “deacon” literally means “through dust,” for stirring up the dust as they hasten to their task.  Acts 6 brought the formation of the deacons because the preachers needed some partners—that they might give themselves to their priority of preaching and prayer.

Needed (v.14-15)  Real hope and change will never come from Washington.  It only comes from Christ—and the church is His body.  The world needs the church and the church needs the deacons—this is the hour to rise to our responsibility.  That is the deacon’s duty, dignity, and destiny!  Blessed is the church that has such men serving as deacons!

WHAT GOD WANTS US TO BE

 

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father  (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

God wants us to be people of faith, hope, and love.  These comprise the holy trinity of Christian virtues.  Those attributes were seen in the church at Thessalonica and commended by Paul.

How do you see such character qualities? 

Real faith produces works, robust hope promotes endurance, and radiant love prompts labor.  It is impossible to have these internal dispositions without external exhibitions!  We are not talking about some mystical doctrine, but a manifest demonstration, where the invisible work of the Spirit in us becomes the tangible work of the Spirit through us.

We may think of ourselves as ordinary people—but fail to grasp that we can accomplish extraordinary things, because we have an extraordinary God!  Faith taps into His almighty power.  Hope rests in His assured promises.  Love flows from His abiding presence.  Christians who become people of faith, hope, and love can turn the world upside down!

The New Testament brings us to these themes repeatedly.  How have we missed this?  They are interwoven in the very fabric of Paul’s writings.  He says this, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 

Love then stands at the pinnacle of the triangle of virtues.  It is an unrivalled love for our Father and an unselfish love for our neighbor that fulfills all God’s commands.  One day faith will be no longer needed, for faith will give way to sight.  Some day hope will no longer be required, for hope will reach its summit.  Love, however, lasts forever!  Faith, hope and love, therefore, mark the people of God—and the greatest of these is love.  Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:35)