The Importance of a Deacon’s Ministry

Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Acts 6:1–7 (NLT)

1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).

6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 (NLT)

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

INTRODUCTION:

According to the word of God in 1 Corinthians 12:14-18, every member of the church body is of vital importance. in verse 18 (1 Corinthians 12:18), we are told,

1 Corinthians 12:18 (NLT)

“ God has put each part just where he wants it.”

Each one of us has been given one or more spiritual gifts to use for the benefit of the whole church. Specialized offices are given to the overall body according to Ephesians 4:11-16. In the local church, two offices are spoken of in particular: pastors (elders/overseers) and deacons (Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 4:11).

Philippians 1:1 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.

Ephesians 4:11 (NLT)

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

In Acts 6:1-7, the first deacons were ordained (hence the laying on of hands in Acts 6:6)

Acts 6:6 (NLT)

6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

The Ministry of each office is vital to the church. The interesting part is that only two offices have requirements listed in scripture. The scriptures detail the importance of the office and the requirements for the men who would fill it. Since we are beginning the process of nominating and electing deacons for our church, it is imperative that we look at this office.

I- THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON. (ACTS 6:1-7)

Acts 6:1–7 (NLT)

1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).

6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

A- The office of deacon is important to proper care of the church. (Acts 6:1-2)

Acts 6:1–2 (NLT)

1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

1- The pastor and staff cannot handle all of the needs in the church and carry their own responsibilities.

a- The apostles (who served as the pastors) were trying to do it all and found that they could not.

2- Deacons are vital in helping to care for the needs of individuals in the church and for the continued growth of church ministries.

B- The men to fill the office of deacon are not to seek the office, but are chosen for it. (Acts 6:3-5)

Acts 6:3–5 (NLT)

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).

C- When deacons fulfill their responsibilities, the church thrives. (Acts 6:6-7)

Acts 6:6–7 (NLT)

6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

II- THE OFFICE OF DEACON IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH THAT GOD SET REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OFFICE. (Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Acts 6:3 (NLT)

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 (NLT)

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

NOTICE THAT THE REQUIREMENTS ARE ALSO PREREQUISITES! (1 Timothy 3:10; Acts 6:3)

1 Timothy 3:10 (NLT)

10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

Acts 6:3 (NLT)

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

A- Well-respected (inside and outside the church) (Acts 6:3 a; 1 Timothy 3:8)

Acts 6:3a (NLT)

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

Acts 6:1 (NLT)

1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

B- Integrity (1 Timothy 3:8 b)

1 Timothy 3:8 (NLT)

8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

C- Live a Spirit-filled life (Acts 6:3)(Galatians 5:22-26)

Acts 6:3 (NLT)

3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

Galatians 5:22–26 (NLT)

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

D- Committed to Christ and His gospel. (1 Timothy 3:9)

1 Timothy 3:9 (NLT)

9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

E- Committed to his family and lead them to follow Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:12)

1 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

*Philip led his household to follow Christ - His daughters were active in proclaiming the gospel and teaching about Jesus. (Acts 21:8-9)

Acts 21:8–9 (NLT)

8 The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food.

9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.

F- Wives who are godly. (1 Timothy 3:11)

1 Timothy 3:11 (NLT)

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

CONCLUSION: