Qualifications for Deacons
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Last time we discussed the qualifications for the Spiritual Leaders within the church.
That being Elders/Pastors.
Today we will discuss Secular leadership of the Church.
Elders are the Spiritual leaders of the church.
They are to be in Prayer, Bible Study, Evangelism, Teaching, and Pastoring
They are to be along side the pastor in casting vision for the church and guiding the church.
Deacons are the “secular” leaders of the church
This does not disqualify them from being Spiritual or a need to be a spiritual
Instead it lists that their duties are more in charge of buildings, fund’s, serving tables, assisting widows
Deacons according to the Scriptures are there to lead the church in more of the business and service manners
Elders lead in the Spiritual guidance and doctrine of the church
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
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.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Deacons must have quality
Deacon Translated directly means Humble Servant
They must be in high regard
Deacons hold a significantly different role than the office of elders
In today’s church we often confuse these roles within the church
Today we will look at the God ordained function of Deacons while also recalling some of the elders duties
Deacons handle the non spiritual tasks of the church which does not denote them as insignificant
The deacons are what keeps the church in terms of business and structure functioning!
Thus they must be dignified
In high regard
They cannot be double tongued
They should be honest
They should not be hypocritical
They should be focused on Godly duties
They should not be addicted to much wine
Wine is not necessarily bad as discussed in the sermon on elders
It should not be done in excess
But we also should be aware of the things we do which could cause others to fall short (Romans 14:21 “21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
It might be best to refrain
At the least be of sound mind
Not greedy for dishonest gain
A deacon must be honest in their gain
Not seeking to steal
All things must be obtained through honest living!
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
The mystery of the Faith (or deep truths of the faith)
Deacon must be a man of the Word of God
A Deacon must hold to the truth of the Scripture
They must understand proper theology and Doctrine
They must be strong in Spiritual understanding
Not just anybody who can work
A deacon must a clear conscience as to how they are living
They should be in understanding of the Word and susceptible to the convictions of the Spirit
Other words
how they act should be in accordance with what they believe
10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
Paul has a specific call here
a deacon must first be tested
This is not a test like on paper
More or less this is a probation requirement before they are promoted to deacon
They are to be tested in their ability to meet these qualifications
Their ability to meet the needs of the church
If they prove themselves blameless then the promotion comes
Deacons are to be seriously vetted and considered!
Do not just take a deacon at their word in the sense but put them to the test!
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
Next Paul says these qualifications apply to the household
Respected
not full of gossip
of sound mind or well balanced
Ability to be trusted
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
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.