Charge to the deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13

English Standard Version Chapter 3

Qualifications for Deacons

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.

Introduction:

The office of deacon had its beginnings in Acts 6:1–6 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”

The word deacon means minister or servent.

Used unofficialy in Ephesians 6:21 “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:”

and officialy in Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”

I. Set apart Ministry

1 Timothy 3: 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain

1 Timothy 3 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well

A. Must be serious

B. Must be genuine in all aspects of speech.

C. Must be sober

D. Must be faithful in finances

E. Must be faithful in your home

II. Sincere Ministry

1 Timothy 3:9 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

A. Have a Proven Faith- Be Tested

B. Have a Practiced Faith- Be Blameless

C. Have a Persistent Faith- Be Consistent

III. Supported Ministry

1 Timothy 3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things

A. Be Faithful

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Ti 3:11.

IV. Satisfying Ministry

1 Timothy 3:13 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.

A. Gain a Good Testimony

B. Gain a Greater Walk with the Lord

Matthew 20:26 “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Ti 3:13.