DEACONS: MEN OF THE GOSPEL

Lesson Text: 1 Tim 3:8-13.

I) Lesson 1 Recap

A) Deacon means, “Servant.” One who serves.

B) Sometimes translated, “Minister.”

C) Deacons are not leaders of the church, It’s not a position of authority....

1) Not second in command, not “junior elders,” not stewards/ caretakers of the eldership.

D) Deacons are entrusted with matters of physical/ practical service (Example Acts 6:1-7).

E) The duty of a deacon is critical to the success of the function and work of the church.

F) Remember, if “serving is beneath you, then the kingdom is beyond you!”

II) Deacons Are More Than Just “Custodians of the church,” They must be men of the Gospel! (Eph 6:5-8).

A) Not just Christians, but men whose lives represent the gospel message well

1) “Deacons likewise...” (1 Tim 3:8).

2) “Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” (1 Tim 3:9).

a) The Mystery of the Faith:

1) 1 Tim 3:15-16.

2) Eph 3:1-11.

b) Not one who is a talented worker but struggles with his faith.

c) Rather, deacons must have a solid grasp of God’s eternal purpose and be genuinely committed to living in accordance with it.

d) A deacon’s life and service is motivated by a deep conviction of the gospel! It his guiding compass, his watchword!

3) Let them be tested first, and prove themselves blameless/ beyond reproach (1 Tim 3:10).

1) Trustworthy: In their faith and work:

a) Trial basis (Time determined by the Shepherds).

b) Prior service (Php 2:19-23).