Deacons: Serving the Lord By Serving the Church Part 2

On October 20, 1968, 21-year-old Oregonian Dick Fosbury wins gold—and sets an Olympic record—when he high-jumps 7 feet 4 1/4 inches at the Mexico City Games. It was the first American victory in the event since 1956. It was also the international debut of Fosbury’s unique jumping style, known as the “Fosbury Flop.”

A deacon must practice what he professes.

His words and his walk should reflect the gospel.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 ESV

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 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.

His words and walk should help clarify the gospel not confuse it.

1 Timothy 3:11 ESV

Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

How do we deal with a difficult text?

We deal with a difficult text prayerfully.

We deal with a difficult text carefully.

We deal with a difficult text humbly.

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

I understand this qualification as deaconesses.

1. The language implies deaconesses. The word their in some translations is supplied by the translators but is not in the original.

“Women—in like manner ...” (1 Timothy 3:11, YLT)

2. It would be inconceivable for Paul to establish a criteria for the wives of deacons but not that the wives of pastors.

3. We find evidence in the scriptures of women serving in this capacity.

Romans 16:1 ESV

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,

The word for Servant in the church is Diakonos. Same term used for deacons.

Romans 16:1 NIV

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae.

Romans 16:1 NLT

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.

What about 1 tim 2:11-12

1 Timothy 2:11–12 ESV

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

John MacArthur states,

The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 3

Paul likely here refers not to deacons’ wives, but to the women who serve as deacons.

He must be a faithful man.

1 Timothy 3:12 ESV

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

The husband of one wife = One-woman Man

How can a deacon be the husband of one wife if he has never been married?

This is not about marital status or marital history.

This qualification is not primarily about issues of divorce and remarriage.

This is about moral and sexual fidelity.

Paul is not making a point about how often you can be married.

Nor is his point about what constitutes a legitimate marriage.

His point is how one conducts himself in his marriage.

A man can be married to one woman without being a one woman man.

John MacArthur

Many men married only once are not one-woman men. Many with one wife are unfaithful to that wife. While remaining married to one woman is commendable, it is no indication or guarantee of moral purity.

What is a one women man?

A one-woman man is a sexually pure man.

1 Timothy 3:12 NLT

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

This speaks of singular devotion.

He must be faithful as a father.