Recognizing a Servant

Deacons:

Today just like in the early church and throughout church history Elders have set apart for them men qualified and worthy of being deacons. Pastor’s throughout the life of the church sees the necessity of having deacons to work along with them in providing for the church.

Deacons allow for the pastors and elders to concentrate on ministering the word, devoted in prayer, and seeing the spiritual oversight of the church is well.

Deacons do not have the same authority of Elders/Pastors/Overseers. But, they still must meet qualifications. Their role is to be carried out under the Elder’s oversight.

Just like the Apostles who appointed the seven to be deacons in , the elders appoint men to be deacons and the church affirms this appointment with an ordination service.

Today at C3 we have the honor of doing the first ordination service of a deacon, Bob Goodman. But, before we ordinate anyone for deaconship they must first qualify. These men will already be doing the work of a deacon, the elders will be watching them and talking to them as they gather information to use for consideration.

Qualification:

Deacons are the second office of the church. Paul uses the word “Likewise” to explain the qualifications of deacons in verse 8.

Likewise: same, similar, or like manner.

The qualifications of church leaders, therefore, are extended to a new group.

Deacons: they are servant set apart for the ministry of serving those in the church and the pastors.

Diakonos: in Greco-Roman times was used to describe a “waiter” someone who served tables and customers. Deacons are those who wait upon the congregation through ministering to them, taking care of the needs, and doing visit with them.

Men of Dignity: worthy of respect.

Deacons are to take their responsibility seriously and use their office not just fill it.

Philippians 4:8–9 CSB

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Not doubled tongue: sincere, being honest and un-hypocritical.

Listen to

Proverbs 11:13 CSB

A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

1 Corinthians 3:3 NASB95

for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?

Addicted to much wine: this goes beyond just drinking, “It is an attitude to over-indulgence, turn one’s mind to, or occupy oneself with.”

Greedy for dishonest gain: He must not ever use his office to make money.

Judas stole from the funds that were meant to help the widows and orphans. Deacons during that time handled the money for those in need like widows and orphans. Therefore, they need to be free from any love of money which could compromise their honesty and integrity.

Mystery of Faith: Incarnation of Jesus Christ, indwelling of the Holy Spirit sent by Christ to believers, unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, salvation through Christ alone, and the powerless of the law for salvation.

Philippians 1:27 CSB

Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel,

Clear conscience: Holding to the mystery of the faith without any doubt or reservation.

Hebrews 13:18 CSB

Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything.

Closely examined: they should already have proven themselves by doing the work of a deacon before they are ever approached.

Deacons will continuously be examined throughout their entire time as a deacon.

Prove blameless, beyond reproach: means “not arraigned” as in a court.

Deacons differ in function to the elders in that the elders are the primary teachers while the deacons help in applying their teaching. If they are not applying it in their lives then they become reproachable.

Husband of one wife: Paul is talking about Polygamy which was running rampantly throughout Rome’s Empire.

Deacons or elders cannot be someone who has multiple wives or a recent divorcee. Paul is not saying that a man who has been divorce can never serve as a elder or deacon. There are biblical divorces set forth by Christ and Paul.

Good managers of their children and household: teaching everyone in their house about Christ. Managing their money and possessions that brings honor to God, not being lovers of it.

Matthew 6:24 CSB

“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Conclusion:

Those who serve these offices well attain for themselves good standing among both church and community. But, they also show great boldness in the Faith of Jesus Christ.

This is an honor and privilege to be a deacon, it must be meet with much prayer and devotion to God’s Word. Living it out daily not for show but for Christ in you.

I am now honored to bring forth to you Bob Goodman!