Men's Leadership & Discipleship Class 1 Tim 3:8-16

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The office of Deacons v8

Intro: Every Men’s relationship with Christ should always be progressing. It should be aimed, it should be with a goal and purpose.
From salvation to daily fellowship, daily fellowship to congregational fellowship, from congregational fellowship to serving, from faithfully serving to deacon, from deacon to elder, from elder, those who are called to Pastors and missionaries.
The church in America has a great disconnect with what should be happening with each of us, and that should not be so.
--The main problem continues to be the WIIFM or “What is in it for me.” Often we fail to see the large picture and rather focus on the current benefits of, sleeping in, living life without eternal aim, staying and living just like you are.
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Many times it is because you have never seen or felt the impact in our lives of God using us for His Glory.
So we stay stagnate, we don’t grow, soon our marriages begin to feel that impact, our children begin to do the same, and yes you may be very well be saved, but nothing to show for it. You are saved, but never got to live the life God intended for you here on the earth. A blessed life filled with His guidance and protection.
(NLT) 8 The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
(NLT) 19 Godly people find life; evil people find death.
Especially not amongst us in this church.
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1 Timothy 1. Deacons, the Practical Servants of the Church (8a)

Likewise deacons: An example of the appointment of deacons is in Acts 6:1–6, where the apostles saw the need for those to distribute the daily assistance to the widows among the church, yet did not have the time to distribute the aid themselves. They chose men to act essentially as deacons in that church.

Jesus’ payment for our lives should be enough. But on top of that we are promised a blessed life here on the earth and heavenly rewards awaiting for us,
--Deacons, the practical servants of the church
Likewise deacons: An example of the appointment of deacons is in , where the apostles saw the need for those to distribute the daily assistance to the widows among the church, yet did not have the time to distribute the aid themselves. They chose men to act essentially as deacons in that church.
--Their qualifications are much the same as those for “overseers/ church leaders”; practical service (especially when recognized by an office) is leadership also

The Qualifications

respected

Reverent: Showing proper respect towards both God and man.

have integrity.

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Not double-tongued: A man who speaks the truth the first time, with no intent to deceive.
--A deacon with a double tongue is dangerous because anyone involved in spiritual leadership who can’t control his tongue will say things that distract people from Jesus Christ
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They must not be heavy drinkers

Because judgment is not as greatly needed in the ministry of a deacon as it is in that of a pastor or elder, wine is not forbidden for a deacon.
—although in our culture, I personally think the wisest choice is always to stay away from intoxicants.
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or dishonest with money

If you’re involved in the physical needs of the fellowship—whether it be waiting on tables or tending to business matters—you cannot be one who has sticky fingers.
If you’re involved in the physical needs of the fellowship—whether it be waiting on tables or tending to business matters—you cannot be one who has sticky fingers.

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

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These are those who can adhere to proper good doctrine, out of sincere conviction.
Deacons as well as Church leaders and Pastors we are all called out to live out or faith through our actions, not only through the things that we say:
We are called to be examples that others can follow, specially when it comes to what is right before God’s eyes.
EX>> In the past we had people who wanted to serve, wanted to be involved, but whose life was not right before God. & that stopped them from serving God fully.
That is why the following verse is so important:
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Testing

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

A man demonstrates his fitness for office in the church by his conduct. --Deacons and church leaders are more recognized than appointed.
That is why, those who serve and help the body in any way they can—be it teaching Sunday school, watering plants, cleaning—prove themselves as those who are potential deacons or pastors.
EX>> When we think about the great men God has used throughout History. The great common denominator amongst them is Faithfulness. Faithfulness to the Lord, to fellowship, to Serving, and prayer.
Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 1379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
APP: How are you doing in the area of faithfulness… at Home, at work, at church, in service?
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Family Life

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.

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.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Ti 3:11). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
This is an appropriate request for those who will serve as Deacons. It is appropriate because a man’s leadership in the home can be evaluated, in part, by his wife’s conduct.
Is she reverent, not [one of the] slanderers, and faithful in all things?
--Not slanderers: “Literally, not devils. This may be properly enough translated slanderers, backbiters, tale-bearers, for all these are of their father, the devil, and his lusts they will do.” (Clarke)
EX>> Jesus said, that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the church, but gossip, slander, and backbiting surely has the power to divide any church.
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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.

For those who serve well… God remembers their faithful service, even in tasks which some would consider menial.
There is little doubt that you will see more deacons with a great reward than bishops or pastors.
Another thing to notice is, “If you use the office of a deacon well, you purchase boldness/increase confidence,” says Paul. He’s right—Stephen, the first martyr, was a deacon.
And Philip, the first evangelist, was a deacon. These guys were dynamic. They were bold. And they began simply by serving tables ().
APP: Don’t you ever underestimate the powerful influence a deacon can have. Just look at Stephen’s short but powerful ministry that led to the salvation of Paul, who in turn God used to change the world.
In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
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In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 1379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 1379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 1379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you. Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 1379). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
​
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
​

14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

EX>> In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
sdf In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly. The important thing is that they believe in something.”
Dennis replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles. It’s two o’clock in the morning. Your car breaks down. You get out. You hear footsteps. You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you.-- Would it make a difference if you knew they had just come from a Bible study?”
It does matter what people believe! And praise be to the Lord that we are a part of the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.
​
And because it is the House of the Living God, Paul’s reminder to Timothy in regards to our conduct in it is so important.
Now this is not exclusively speaking of the building we are in right now, but rather the body of Christ.
In the ancient Greek language, “church” was a non-religious word for a group of people called together for a purpose.
The living God has called us, His people together for His purpose. To spread the Gospel, to live for Him and serve one another.
So when you are gathered with other believers, our brothers sans sisters, we need to be very conscientious that this is the place where the Living God is. And that is what makes this group of people special; remember:
The Church is God’s house because …
• He is the Architect:
• He is the Builder.
• He lives there.
• He provides for it.
• He is honored there and He rules there.
Lastly I want you to notice this:
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This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

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The church isn’t the foundation for the truth, but rather, the church holds up the truth so the world can see it.
the church is the foundation for the truth, but that the church holds up the truth so the world can see it. “Pillars also were of ancient use to fasten upon them any public edicts, which princes or courts would have published, and exposed to the view of all; hence the church is called, the pillar and basis, or seal, of truth, because by it the truths of God are published, supported, and defended.” (Poole)
“Pillars also were of ancient use to fasten upon them any public announcements, rules etc, which princes or courts would have published, and exposed to the view of all;...
...hence the church is called, the pillar and basis, or seal, of truth, because by it the truths of God are published, supported, and defended.” (Poole)
So we are called to be pillars of the truth, every where we go, in everything we do, in the things that we say:
But I bet, that at this point, some of your spirits might be sagging as you think, “Oh, men, as I go through this list, I realize I’m so far off from where I should be.
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C Nelson.
>>> But then we read of the mystery of our faith, the mystery of godliness.…

16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body

and vindicated by the Spirit.

He was seen by angels

and announced to the nations.

He was believed in throughout the world

and taken to heaven in glory.

Every other philosophy and religion tells people how to live (Muslims, Buddhist) and I can only say, “Good luck.”
But look here, it says that great is the mystery that God came (In Human body), dwelt among us, died for us, and sent His Spirit to live within us.
It wasn’t us reaching up to God, it is all the way God reaching down to us. There is no role reversal at any point. That is the great news about the Gospel, it is all Him.
When we understand it fully and clearly, there is nothing more to say to God than, here I am Lord, I want to be your herald, your newsboy.
I want to tell others about what you have done in me and for me and what you are doing through me.
a
Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of these descriptions of Christian character. And here is reality, we can trust that Jesus will transform our life according to the same character, (How?) as we put our focus on Him.
We sometimes want religion to build this character in us; but truly, relationship with Jesus is what really does it in us.
APP: And if you have fallen asleep in the wheel of your walk with the Lord, wake up, focus in your relationship with Jesus. If you put Him at the center, everything else will flow from there.
Perhaps you say, but I am nobody, I have no special skill, I have nothing to offer, I am just… me…
EX>>The story is told of an auctioneer who was trying to move an old beat up violin one afternoon.
He first said: who will give me $50 for this violin? No one raised their hand. --It went down to $5. Not a single person in the room acknowledged that they wanted it…
Finally an elderly gentleman stood up in the back of the room, made his way to the front, picked up this old violin, blew the dust off of it, tuned it, pulled out the bow and began to play an incredibly complex classical piece of music.
The beautiful music filled the room. The people were stunned by how this violin sounded. Then this obviously very gifted musician took the violin, set it back down and went back to the back of the room. The auctioneer stood up and said who will give me $1000 for this violin. They sold it for $1500.
One man came up after the auction was over and said the auctioneer and said “I am confused.” --A few minutes ago you couldn’t get $5 for it and you sold it for $1500. Why did that happen?”
The auctioneer said “that is easy my friend. It was the touch of the master’s hand. He took something that was flawed and old and beat up and showed what it could do when it was in the right hands.
My friend, that is the Story of every man God has used greatly for His glory, beginning with the twelve Apostles, until today. The only thing that sets them, sets us apart from the rest, is our willingness to surrender our lives to the Master.
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