"Church Leadership - Deacons"
Notes
Transcript
Is there a difference between Elder’s and Deacons? If so what?
1 Peter 5:1–4 (NASB95) - “Elder’s Role”
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
The New Testament focuses more on the character than the duties of deacons, who are to be persons worthy of respect in their speech, use of alcohol, handling of finances, marriages, and management of their homes.
In 1 Timothy 3, “Paul is concerned that the right type of person be appointed to leadership” (Mounce, Pastoral Epistles, 159). The descriptions of overseers (1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:7–9) and deacons (1 Tim 3:8–13) are quite similar, which suggests that the difference in these offices does not concern character but gifting and calling (Merkle, 40 Questions, 233).
How does “Church Leadership” work well together? - (how do we guard against this idea of just wanting “yes men”?)
Proposition - I invite you to engage your mind this morning as seek to better understand what “biblical leadership” is, and who is qualified to serve specifically as “deacons.”
Contemplative question - What is your everyday life showing?
1 Timothy 3:8–13 (NASB95)
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.
11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 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.
Where and when was the role of “Deacon” instituted?
Acts 6:1–6 (NASB95)
1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
The Seven and the Diaconate. The chief objections to viewing Acts 6:1–6 as the origin of the New Testament office of deacon are twofold. First, the Seven are not called “deacons.” Second and more significantly, in the ensuing narrative, Stephen and Philip preach (Acts 6:10, 13–14; 8:5) and perform powerful signs (Acts 6:8; 8:6–7), as the apostles do (Acts 4:33; 5:12). Stephen gives the longest speech recorded in Acts (Acts 7:2–53), while Philip is later referred to as “the evangelist” (Acts 21:8).
However, the terms διακονία (diakonia) and διακονέω (diakoneō) describe the work to which the Seven are appointed in Acts 6:1–2. Congregational selection and the apostles’ laying on of hands suggest the establishment of a formal ministry role in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:5–6). Further, the division of labor implied in 1 Tim 3:1–13 between overseers and deacons is analogous to the complementary ministries of the apostles and elders in Acts 6:1–6—the apostles focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word while the Seven are appointed to attend to the practical needs of the community (compare Merkle, 40 Questions, 227–9). These considerations suggest that though the appointment of the Seven in Acts 6 is not the establishment of the office of deacon per se, nevertheless the division of labor between the apostles and the Seven in Acts 6:1–6 sets an important precedent for attending to the pastoral needs of the church that finds more formal expression in church offices of overseer (ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos) and deacon (διάκονος, diakonos) referenced elsewhere.
Although it is difficult to prove that the origin of the diaconate is found in the choosing of the seven in Acts 6:1–6, since the noun diakonos is not used, it is reasonable to believe that these seven leaders were at least the prototypes of the first deacons. For just as the apostles needed help taking care of logistics so that they might be freed up to devote themselves to prayer and teaching, what distinguishes the deacons from the bishops (or elders) is the bishops’ ability to teach (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9). The laying on of the apostles’ hands in Acts 6:6 is often seen as the origin of ordaining deacons.
“Deacons” - diakonos servant; minister
Sense: deacon - a person in the office of deacon who cares for the needs and livelihood of an assembly of believers
DEACON Term “deacon” comes from the Greek noun diakonos, which occurs 29 times in the NT and is most commonly translated “servant” or “minister.” This noun is derived from the verb “to serve” and is used to signify various types of service. Paul not only refers to himself as a diakonos (1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23, 25), but he also applies this term to his coworkers Phoebe (Rom. 16:1), Apollos (1 Cor 3:5), Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7), Epaphras (Col. 1:7), and Timothy (1 Tim. 4:6). This term is also used with respect to governments (Rom. 13:4) and Christ (Rom. 15:8; Gal. 2:17). Less frequently it is found as a designation for an officeholder in the local church (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12; possibly Rom. 16:1).
Used as “Servant”
13 “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
11 “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
43 “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;
5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.
Used as “Minister” -
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.
17 “But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be!
7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.
21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
Colossians 1:23–25 (NASB95)
23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
25 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,
Used as “deacon” -
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
1. Biblical Character - vs. 8
1. Biblical Character - vs. 8
1 Timothy 3:8 (NASB95)
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
Men of Dignity - “Worthy of respect”
Sense - dignified - being worthy of esteem or respect; especially on account of one’s behavior.
Making it personal -
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Missions Trip to Mexico - on the boarder when a senior bought a switchblade and I said something even though I was younger -
Not double-tongued
Sense: double-talking - hypocritical or insincere speech on account of equivocation or duplicitousness.
Making it Personal -
James 3:2–6 (NASB95)
2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
Not addicted to wine
Sense: to serve (devote) - to devote (part of) one’s life or efforts to; as of religions or institutions.
Making it personal -
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;
Not fond of sordid gain
Sense: shamefully greedy - being so desirous of acquiring wealth that it brings disgrace and shame on a person.
Making it personal -
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”
2. Biblical Spirituality - vs. 9
2. Biblical Spirituality - vs. 9
9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Sense: revealed secret - a divine secret that is now openly revealed.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
Sense: conscience - the psychological faculty that distinguishes between right and wrong; either afflicts or comforts the person depending upon their actions.
19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
Making it personal - what are your pursuing?
3. Biblical Servants - vs. 10
3. Biblical Servants - vs. 10
10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
Sense: to be scrutinized - to be or become examined critically or searchingly, or in minute detail (whether genuine or not)
Making it personal -
13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
4. Biblical Purity - vs. 10b, and 12a
4. Biblical Purity - vs. 10b, and 12a
Beyond Reproach
Sexual purity
10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
Sense: unaccusable - not subject to , deserving, or worthy of a charge of wrongdoing
12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
5. Biblical Leadership in the home - vs. 12b
5. Biblical Leadership in the home - vs. 12b
12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
Sense: to lead (authority) - to be in charge of
Making it personal -
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;
So What?
Believer - What is your everyday life showing?
Unbeliever - Gospel
