Untitled Gordon (4)
CHRISTIAN DEACONS
1 Timothy 3:1–16
I. CHARACTERISTICS OF DEACONS—vv. 1–7
1. Call—v. 1. Desire to be a Christian worker, you have a good desire, if you stay humble.
2. Character—v. 2. Character of Deacons:
a. Perfection—“Be blameless”—Matthew 5:28
b. Purity—“Husband of one wife.”—Exodus 20:14
c. Prayerful—“Vigilant, sober.”—1 Peter 5:8
d. Plan—“Good behavior.”—1 Timothy 4:12
e. Personal—“Given to hospitality.”—Hebrews 13:2
f. Preaching—“Apt to teach.”—Matthew 28:19, 20
3. Consecreation—v. 3. (a) Lovable, (b) Lust—free from love of money, (c) Love—not covetous.
4. Control—vv. 4–5. Must be able to control his own family, or cannot control church matters.
5. Condemnation—vv. 6–7. Importance of a mature Christian. A young Christian may become proud.
II. CHARACTER OF DEACONS—vv. 8–13
1. Steadfast—v. 8. Faithful. No love for money.
2. Sanctification—v. 9. Living above sin, self and Satan. Living a life of holiness.
3. Studying—v. 10. Study before selecting them.
4. Spouse—v. 11. The wife of a deacon should have good Christian character.
5. Surrender—v. 12. Dedicated homelife to God. A holy home makes a holy church.
6. Sincere—v. 13. They will be respected by man and rewarded by God.
III. CALL TO DEACONS—vv. 14–16
1. Writing—v. 14. Paul writes, helping and encouraging the people.
2. Warning—vv. 15–16. Paul shows what type of deacons to choose. Living for Christ shows us how to be a better and stronger Christian.
