QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

1 Timothy 3:8–16 – Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

I. CHARACTER OF DEACONS—

Paul said – to be an elder, an overseer, a pastor – there has to be high standards – likewise similar to those who lead, those who are called to serve – must also have standards

Acts 6 – we see the establishment of deacons – Stephen the first martyr – was also one of the seven who were first appointed to the office of deacon -

1. Steadfast—v. 8 – Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

Diakonos – dee ak on os – originally meant “to wait on tables” – to serve

semnos – honorable, sincere – dignified – men of dignity

dilogos – saying one thing to one person and something else to another – intent to lie

dilogos is also translated to the word sincere – Jesus taught what is in the heart comes out in speech –

Matthew 12:34 – You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Prosech – pros ekh o – give attention to, to be devoted to, addicted to

Poly oinos – much wine, a lot of wine

This is not saying alcohol is forbidden, later in 1 Timothy Paul tells him drink a little wine to help with your stomach issues

Or aischrokerdes – ahee skrok er dace – greedy for money, appetite for wealth

2. Sanctification—v. 9 – They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Living above sin, living above self and living above satan – living a life of holiness.

In other words – living out their faith relationship

Echo mysterion ho pistis katharos syneidesis

Echo – to have, to possess, to hold fast to

Mysterion – the mystery, secret, hidden

Pistis – conviction of truth

Katharos syneidesis (kath ar os soon i day sis )– purified by fire, free from corruption, unstained soul or conscience

This is more than “knowing” what the Bible says – it is living it out and as a leader advice, counsel and help only come from Biblical truths

3. Studying—v. 10 – And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

Study before selecting them – the Greek word here is scrutinize them – examine their trustworthiness – they must have a proven track record – when they have proven they are above/beyond reproach, blameless

When there is nothing against them – then they can serve

4. Spouse—v. 11 – Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Also translated – women also must be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy is everything

Phoebe – mentioned in Romans 16:1 – Paul refers to her with the Diakonos label

Romans 16:1 - I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,

Likewise – in the same way – wives of deacons or deaconess need to be dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded, faithful in all things

5. Surrender—v. 12 – Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Dedicated homelife to God. A holy home makes a holy church. The home, the family is our first mission field – if we cannot lead our families in Christ how can we expect to lead a church?

6. Sincere—v. 13 – For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

For those that deacon well as deacons – those that serve well as a servant – will gain

Bathos – dignity, respect for themselves – influence within the church

Parresia – confidence, boldness, cheerful courage in the faith

What is the bathos and parresia that they will gain?

Pistis – the conviction of truth, ability to fully rely on Christ Jesus,

II. CALL TO DEACONS—vv. 14–16

1. Writing—v. 14 – I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

Paul hopes to go to them – but if not – he is writing this – Paul has his plan but submits to God’s Plan – God’s timing – he fully submits to what God desires of him – that Fully Relying on God mind think

2. Warning—vv. 15–16 – if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

But if I am delayed – you may know

Review –

Chapter 1 – Paul’s charge for Timothy – deal with false teachers

Chapter 2 – Worship priorities like prayer protocol and foundational truths

Chapter 3 – Leadership standards and criteria

All aimed at the Church except Ch 1:18-19 – but now turns to address Timothy again

But if I am delayed – you may know – how people ought to behave, live, conduct their lives in the house of God – the church of the living God

And under proper leadership the can be foundational – pillar of truth that people seek

To close, Paul reminds Timothy of the doxology of the church – if you do this then the church will be –