Untitled Sermon

Deacons

Word: Diakonos

It is one of two given offices in the church - Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-13

The second office is that of the or overseer “episkopos”. This office is synonymous with that of the pastor “presbyteros” which provides pastoral oversight, shepherding, teaching and ruling authority - Acts 20:17; 28; Titus 1:5-9; I peter 5:1-2

Qualifications:

It is worthy of note that the differences of the offices are not given in character. many of the qualifications are the same. The differences are really in the role, the gifting, and the calling.

Timothy gives 7 qualifications to the men and 4 to the women:

This first qualification serves to describe an overarching blanket for the deacons actions, while the rest establish the attitude of the deacon.

Grave - meaning to be worthy of respect, dignified, behavior that is admired by others

Not doubletongued - meaning they are sincere, not hypocritical in their speech, and what they communicate to those in the church.

This qualification, coupled with the command to the wives not to be “slanderers” sheds some light on the duties of the deacons, in that they are to be in and around the people CONSTANTLY.

3. Not given to much wine - to be free from a love for alcohol, and from the grip of alcohol in one’s personal life.

4. Not greedy of filthy lucure - this is above reproach when it comes to their love for money and materialism. That personal gain not become the primary pursuit above the glory of God.

5. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience - This is implying that we are personally obedient to Christ, and the things of God that have been, and are being revealed to us through the Word.

6. Proven - this is present tense, implying a continual proving of worthiness for the office. This is likely the most challenging of all qualifications, as life and seasons can be very difficult.

7. Blameless - that after we are tested the deacon is found blameless. Nothing can be held against them.

Wives:

8. Not Slanderers - characterized as someone who criticizes or demeans another. Greek word is “diabolos” or “devil”

9. Sober - not given to extreme behavior, not overly emotional

10. Faithful in all things - reliable and trustworthy. Being able to be depended on

Acts 6:1-6 offers two more qualifications:

Honest Report - those who can be affirmed by the ones selecting. In church context, the deacon must be one who’s character, godliness, and love for the brethren must be authenticated first hand by the people.

Full of the Holy Ghost - contextually i believe this to mean saved, and evidence given through the Holy Spirit’s control.

Full of wisdom - being able to use knowledge, experience, common sense, in the implementation of God’s Word, or service of others.

Available for service - They had to be AVAILABLE. Because the task at hand required DAILY service of over 8,000 people.