The Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8–13 NASB95

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Intro: This week we continue in our series called “For the Sake of the Church.” We’ve been talking about our goal of Guarding the Gospel and a couple weeks ago, I put myself in the hot seat as we addressed the character qualities of the pastor/ elder. Today, even as you hold ballots in your hands for deacon election, we will be looking at the right character of a deacon.

If you have been wondering what it takes to be a deacon, today is your lucky day!

Before we get too involved, I want to make sure we are all on the same page. So...

First we need to define “deacon.” We can look back to Acts 6 and see the first deacons who were nominated and called. There was an increasing number of believers and among them a number who were widows, orphans, and needy. Those preaching and teaching recognized the need for co-laborers to help meet the physical needs of these folks so that they could continue in faithful study and teaching. We call them deacons (diakonos) which literally means “servant”.

Deacons were assumed. While early on in the Christian church, it was the practice of churches to set apart these servants of the church. So, Paul is not arguing the need for deacons nor is he attempting to give a job description. That would be left to the local church to establish. Rather, because it is so vital to Guard the Gospel, Paul directs us to the necessary character of deacons.

We see the word “likewise” here in v. 8 which helps us connect the directive regarding the pastor/ elder to the deacons as well.

After all, and I’ve seen this happen, how much more dangerous is false teaching when it comes through a deacon?!

So, today, we will look at 4 points of character for the deacon. Again, this is so that both Timothy and the church at Ephesus would have an understanding of what to expect of a deacon’s character in order to hold them accountable and guard the gospel.

Discuss: What is a deacon?

A Deacon’s Integrity (8, 11a)

I’ve heard it explained that integrity is doing what is right even when no one is looking. The word here is different, but carries the same idea.

In v. 8, Paul uses the positive descriptor, “Dignity” and contrasts it with 3 negative phrases. Dignity means worthy of respect/ noble/ honorable.

The contrasted phrases are:

“Double-tongued” which refers to someone who says one thing to your face and another thing behind your back, or who promises one thing, but is not reliably true to his word.

“Not addicted to much wine” - which, like with the office of pastor, is speaking about the vices and habits that can harm his witness. Alcohol is one, but there are many.

“Not fond of sordid gain” - means that he is properly motivated. He isn’t going to be bribed or tempted to treat some better than others.

These negative descriptors help us to better understand what it means to be a person of dignity or integrity.

These same descriptions are echoed in v. 11. We should note that Paul gives a mirrored exhortation to “women.” Some translations say wives others say women. The Greek word leaves some ambiguity in translation, but whether this refers to the wives of deacons or to women serving in that role, the point is that godly character that must be evident. So, while we could have a conversation about the role of women serving in the church, Paul is not making an argument either way here.

He is, however stressing the significance of integrity in that role. If a deacon who is set apart to serve the church, lacks integrity… and that would include whether his wife is following his leadership in the home- it is a poor witness of the church and in itself demonstrates a false gospel as it reflects a character contrary to Christ’s.

A deacon MUST be someone with integrity.

Discuss: What are the dangers of a deacon who lacks integrity?

A Deacon’s Faith (9, 11b)

By the way, these character qualities cannot be in themselves separated, but rather must be looked at as a whole. For each point of character builds upon and is intertwined within the others.

Deacons are not just servants to fill a job responsibility. They are not simply filling a physical gap, even though a lot of WHAT they do is that. Instead, deacons are reflecting the church - in deed they are reflecting the character of Jesus Christ in WHO they are as they serve. Therefore, deacons must be men of sincere faith. (Read v.9)

Here’s what Paul is saying:

A deacon must be authentically surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, having truly repented of his sins and walking in the light of the gospel so that in the physical act of service, he relays the love and mission of God while modeling grateful servitude.

Sometimes I think we minimize the requirement of faith because we need a body in a role. We pick deacons based on popularity or willingness to take the position. But friend, we need deacons whose faith is sure- whose feet are firmly planted in the Word of God and who live fully convinced of the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. We need deacons who are filled with the Holy Spirit and committed to the mission God has called the church to.

Discuss: Describe what faith ought to look like in a deacon’s life.

A Deacon must have integrity, and a sincere faith. But also, we must look at

A Deacon’s Testimony (10)

Paul says that a deacon must first be tested, then let him serve.

Now, of course, we might automatically think about a written exam or an ordination council, but what Paul is likely referring to is his proven character over a period of time.

It would be really tragic to have a deacon who lacked consistency in his character and faith.

How does he respond in times of trial or persecution? How does he act when he is faced with adversity? How does he handle his role? Is he power-hungry? Does he seek God or does he seek recognition?

A deacon is not qualified to serve until he has been tested and has shown that he is consistent in his walk.

Paul says he should be “beyond approach”, which is familiar with what we saw regarding the office of pastor/ elder, and means that he is free from any legitimate criticism or blame. He’s not a hypocrite. He’s not fake. Nobody can raise legitimate concerns about their life because they are striving for holiness in all areas.

And let me just point this out, Paul says “Let them serve”

There is an assumed desire to serve that goes along with this role of deacon. Just as we spoke about the desire or passion that one has to be a pastor, so should men desire the role of deacon.

When a deacon is elected, it ought to be that he serves out of genuine desire for the Church, not out of obligation or guilt. Deacons, I pray that you approach your role as one who GETS to serve Christ by serving the church.

Discuss: Is your testimony consistent enough to qualify you for the role of deacon?

A Deacon must have integrity, sincere faith, a proven testimony, and finally we see Paul address...

A Deacon’s Fidelity (12)

Much like with the pastor, a deacon must first be committed to his family, modeling God’s love for the Church in his own marriage and through his parenting. He must lead his family, helping them, guiding them…He must not disregard his wife, but should love her as Christ loves the church. He must bring order and proper discipline and instruction to his children while expressing the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father.

This means that you can be a super nice guy, talented in many ways, generous with your time and money, and willing to serve at any level in the church, BUT if you are neglecting your responsibility to lead your family, you are disqualified to serve. If your wife or kids are placed below the service to others, you have missed it.

Your primary role is to lead your family well. BTW, men, this is true whether or not you ever serve as a deacon… but we talked about that a few weeks ago. If you missed it, go back on Youtube catch it there.

In today’s age, it is easy to focus on other things- men, we can get more applause from our co-workers than our family. We can feel more useful to a neighbor than we do in our home. We can be thought of more highly if we occupy a certain role in the church, BUT God has called us to a family. Don’t get tricked into thinking you are doing more for God when you are on a mission trip than you are when you are faithfully and consistently loving and leading your family!

Discuss: What does it take to be a deacon?

Do you recognize what it takes to be a deacon? We have discussed the requirements for a deacon - He must have integrity, a sincere faith, a consistent testimony, and leads and loves his family well.

Now maybe you are thinking this message is not for you today- you may not be a deacon nor desire that role. So, let me give you a few points to take with you today:

As a church body, we are responsible for ensuring those who serve as deacons are qualified- we are called to Guard the Gospel in this way. This vote that you place today is more than a popularity contest. As you fill out your ballots today, vote based on what you have observed to be true of their character. And pray for these men- all of our deacons - for you know what they are aspiring to.

For those of you who are ordained deacons, I have yet to read in Scripture where deacons retire. You may not be serving “actively”, but you are still a servant of the church and are thus set apart to model godliness in these ways that we have spoken about. And while there are physical responsibilities asked of you, the most important aspect of your role is your character. Let us strive together to live out that which we’ve been called to.

Finally, Paul says that for those who serve well as deacons, there is a reward. (Read v.13) This means that you will have a good standing place on the day of judgment. It means that you will have solid footing in the hope of salvation found in Christ as you stand before the throne of God. On that day, you can boldly proclaim the blood of the Lamb because you have lived out your faith in Christ according to God’s own Word as a servant of His Church.

What a day that will be. Let’s Pray.