Deacon Charge

A segue from what a deacon is to what a deacon is called to do:

Brother Ruben has eloquently spoke to us about the prior:

I am tasked with charging/exhorting you on how one is to do the task of a deacon.

Can we go back this morning and read the passage which narrates that first calling of deacons?

Acts 6:1–7 ESV

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Bro. Ruben spoke of the disputes amongst the Hellenists and the Hebrews.

He reminded us of the ease of going down the path of forsaking the preparation and proclamation of the Word for the day to day tasks.

He also reminded of the Apostles recognition of their need for help.

With that being said, Here is the outflow:

Three Charges for a Deacon:

Care for the Physical Needs of the Church

Acts 6:2 ESV

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

This is not an unimportant duty.

We should be reminded of John 13:35

John 13:35 ESV

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

There is a specific understanding of the importance of Jesus’ words. He is clear that the care for those, even those amongst our own body, is a clear picture of how people will judge whether or not we belong to the Way.

Jesus essentially was saying: “This is the Way, Love.”

What does love look like?

We are constantly reminded of the call of:

Exodus 22:22 ESV

22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

1 John 3:17 ESV

17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

Isaiah 1:17 ESV

17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

In each case, along with at least 79 others, we are reminded of the demand of God to minister to the widow, the orphan, oppressed, and one another.

Encourage Unity in the Body

Acts 6:1 (ESV)

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

Some may ask the question: “Can’t we all just get along?” The answer is: “No” we are mankind.

As long as we are walking around in this flesh and we are walking in this life with others, there is opportunity for disagreement and disunity.

Let’s look at the complaint: One side is saying of the other that their is an inequitable distribution of goods.

In essence, one side seems to be getting more than another...

This is an issue of benevolence.

This is an issue cultural division.

This is an issue that could easily fester and cause a further hindrance to the Gospel.

Think about how this issue could halt the teaching exhorted by Jesus in John 13:34-35.

There is a great requirement in this that the men serving in this capacity by excited about/happy with what God is doing inside the church, His body.

Last night, we were at the 7-11 in town checking the air in Lorelai’s tires before she heads back to college today. As we checked the tires, a truck started up with and it was extremely loud. Someone had take the original exhaust and mufflers out to replace them with a specific exhaust designed to sound like a hotrod. They wanted it to be loud and almost startling.

Deacons are not supposed to be like glass packs. (One of the loudest exhaust systems out there.) Deacons are called to be people who muffle the noise. Who encourage calmness. Who lead out in drawing people together.

Deacons should not be those who are trying to move things in their way, impose their will, or lobbying for their way.

The task here is to serve the needs of the body as a whole. There will absolutely be times when they advocate for a few, but the idea is to draw towards the unity of the whole body.

These men like all in the church should be about he building up of the body.

Just as Paul exhorts the church in 1 Corinthians about the need to desire that which builds the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV

12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Care for the physical needs of the church,

Encourage unity in the body,

Thirdly,

Support the Teaching of the Word

Acts 6:3–4 ESV

3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Yes the deacons care for the physical needs

Yes the deacons encourage unity.

But in doing these two tasks they accomplish the third: Supporting the teaching of the Word.

If we are mindful of the tasks of the deacons established in Acts 6, we recognize these men were not legislatures nor were they a power block.

If we are mindful of the calling and tasks displayed in Acts 6 these men were servant who in completing their duties provided the assistance to the main teachers. In essence, because they did their jobs well…the apostles could do theirs well.

You have an important task ahead… as a supporter, an encourager, one who stands in the gap.

If you, as a body, do what you are called to do well…by far you will be a blessing to the pastors, the church as a whole, the kingdom of God, and Christ.

Walking Away, But In...

Care

Encourage

Support