Thinking Biblically About Deacons

Though not often featured in discussions about “how the west was won”, I would argue that were it not for axle grease, the United States as we know it would not exist.

Think about it with me.

As settlers were moving in wagons across the plains, every single wagon had on it a bucket, bag, or container of some kind full of grease.

In good conditions, the axles on a wagon or cart needed to be greased every 40 miles.

In hot, dry conditions they would need grease more often.

This means that about every other day someone had to grease the axle in order for the family to keep moving forward.

We could also talk about the revolutionary war as well as the civil war and the grease that had to be used on wheeled canon mounts, wagons, and carts.

Axle grease made America what it is today.

That statement is ... probably an oversimplification, but the fact still remains that axle grease played a vital role in the development of our nation.

So. Why are we talking about axle grease.

I mentioned last week that we are going to spend some time talking about being

A Church That Functions Biblically

Last week we discussed thinking Biblically about elders.

Today we discuss

Thinking Biblically About Deacons.

If we were to think about a wagon traveling across the prairie, the elders would be like the mules or horses pulling it.

They lead, they provide the direction and power to move forward.

Church members are like the family sitting in the wagon.

Deacons, deacons are the axle grease.

Deacons are the ones who keep everything running smoothly!

We do not get anywhere without the service of deacons.

Just like with elders, if the deacons are not healthy, the church cannot be healthy.

As we did last week, we can sum it up this way.

Christ desires His church to be healthy.

A healthy church requires healthy leaders who raise up healthy members.

Today we deal with the second aspect of church leadership which is deacons.

Next week we will deal with church members.

While not as much detail is given about deacons as there is about elders, Scripture still clarifies this topic for us.

Principle:

Healthy deacons are necessary for the local church.

Guidance:

There are two pieces that connect to form a healthy deacon.

Outcome:

Where there are healthy leaders there will be a healthy church.

Two pieces that connect to form a healthy deacon.

Piece #1…

1. A Healthy Deacon Is Qualified - 1 Timothy 3:8-13

The Olympics happened not that long ago.

One of the things about the Olympics is that not just anyone can enter.

In whatever sport you want to compete in, you have to do what is called qualifying.

This means that there is a minimum standard that must be met or exceeded in order to be able to compete.

Basically, the idea is that before someone can compete in the Olympics, they have to demonstrate that they are able to do so.

This same idea is present when we consider the qualifications of elders and deacons.

There is a standard that must be met before they are able to serve.

This does several things.

First, it gives a goal to those who want to serve.

Second, it protects those who want to serve from frustration if they are put in a position for which they are not qualified.

Third, it protects the church from have someone unqualified serving in a position of leadership.

There are three truths about qualification that Paul explores in 1 Timothy 3.

Truth #1…

a. Qualification must be tested vv. 8-10

1 Timothy 3:8–10 NKJV

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

The word “likewise” here connects this discussion to elders.

In the same way that there are qualifications for elders, there are qualifications for deacons.

The first is that they must be reverent.

Reverent - worthy of esteem or respect.

Not double-tongued - this isn’t talking about lying, it is talking about saying two different and opposing things.

The idea is of being hypocritical in our speech.

A deacon is the kind of man who means what he says and says what he means.

Not given to much wine - Not devoted to large quantities of wine.

As with elders, the deacon is not to be greedy for money.

The greed pictured here is a desire for money that does not care how it is obtained.

Even if the method is illegal or unethical.

v. 9 reveals what a deacon ought to do.

Mystery - something previously unrevealed but now made know.

The faith - the body of doctrine we believe in.

So we are to hold everything that has been revealed to us in Scripture with a pure conscience.

A deacon knows the truth, believes the truth, and clings to it like a lifeline.

Truth is the foundation upon which he builds his life!

Because of what a deacon is to avoid and embrace, they need to be tested according to verse 10.

Tested – δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) examine; test; approve. to be scrutinized v. — to be or become examined critically or searchingly, or in minute detail (whether genuine or not). Finite verb, present, passive, imperative, third person, plural.

Tested – δοκιμάζω (dokimazō)

Deacons are not placed simply because there is a position to fill.

A deacon must be qualified.

Part of that qualification involves testing.

After being tested, the deacon is to get busy being a deacon.

What does that mean?

Serving.

As they serve, they are to be blameless.

Above reproach, unaccusable, unable to be charged with wrongdoing.

This is not a position to be lightly taken.

Being a deacon is a serious calling.

The Greek word Paul uses for testing here is also found in 1 Peter 1:7.

1 Peter 1:7

1 Peter 1:7 NKJV

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

The testing we endure is always to bring praise, honor, and glory to Jesus Christ.

It is not testing intended to fail us.

It is testing intended to display the wisdom, grace, and power of God in using us for His glory.

Only the tested deacon is truly able to serve.

Repeat - read aloud.

Testing is not something to be avoided, it is something to be embraced.

Is that how we view it?

Three truths explored by Paul here.

Truth #1: Qualification must be tested.

Truth #2…

b. Qualification enables service vv. 12-13

We are going to skip over v. 11 for now and come back to it in a moment.

1 Timothy 3:12–13 NKJV

12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Just like with elders, the deacon is to be a one-woman man.

Due to the volume of information on elders, we didn’t go very far into this explanation last week.

I want to spend a little bit more time on this concept today.

While the KJV and NKJV translate this as “husband of one wife” the Greek is literally “a one-woman man”.

This is a present active verb phrase.

This is not suggesting that no elder or deacon can ever have been divorced or widowed and remarried.

Why not?

Because this is not talking about the past.

This is talking about the present marital relationship of the elder or deacon.

In his present relationship, is he a one woman man?

This covers a wide range of behaviors.

Is he a flirt?

Does he have relationships with women who are not his wife that cross emotional or physical boundaries?

Is he addicted to pornography?

In his attitude, words, and actions does he consistently portray the reality that his heart belongs to his wife alone?

That is what it means to be a one-woman man.

That is the standard that we are holding elders and deacons to.

Ruling their children and houses well.

The idea here is that he is to manage his household correctly.

This is not a call to perfection, it is a call to consistency.

While our children will not be perfect, and our responses to them will not either, do we make things right when we sin?

Do we treat our children with grace, mercy, love, and truth?

This is how a deacon treats his family.

All of this is important because, according to v. 13, a deacon receives something special for his service.

When a deacon serves well, meaning in a good and proper manner, he receives two blessings.

First, he obtains a good standing.

The idea here is that of a good reputation in the church and community.

When a deacon serves well, he is respected.

Second, he obtains great boldness in the faith.

Boldness is the idea of confidence, a willingness to take risks.

When a deacon serves well he is confident in the faith and able to take risks for Christ!

A deacon who serves well does so with bold confidence in Christ.

The deacon who serves faithfully is blessed abundantly.

Repeat - read aloud.

It is possible for every deacon to serve well.

When we depend on the Lord, He enables us to serve.

Three truths explored by Paul here.

Truth #1: Qualification must be tested.

Truth #2: Qualification enables service.

Truth #3…

c. Qualification must be applicable v. 11

Now we are going to go back to v. 11 because we are going to make the case for deaconesses.

1 Timothy 3:11 NKJV

11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

This is a debated verse for a number of reasons.

Rather than get into all the controversy, I am just going to explain the verse as Grace Church believes it to be rightly interpreted.

The word translated “wives” here is translated “woman” or “women” in almost every other instance in the book of 1 Timothy.

The only exceptions are found in vv. 2, 12.

I would argue that those two instances would also be better translated “woman”.

That would make this the only exception in the entire book and we would have to have a significant reason for that departure.

We don’t have a significant reason.

The argument against deaconesses is rooted in the fact that many churches have an unbiblical view of deacons.

If the deacons in a church are essentially serving in the position of elders, this would make it wrong for a woman to serve as a deacon.

If, however, the deacons are functioning Biblically, there is nothing within the duties or responsibilities of deacons that prevent a woman from serving in that role.

Added to that fact is Romans 16:1-2.

Romans 16:1-2

Romans 16:1–2 NKJV

1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

Phoebe is a feminine name but she is called a servant and the masculine form of the word servant is used.

Why? Because servant or deacon was her role.

Phoebe served as a deaconess.

There is definitely more that could be said on this, but I think those reasons make the case fairly clear.

Back in 1 Tim. 3:11.

I believe that this verse is giving us the qualifications of a deaconess.

What are those qualifications?

Reverent - behave in a manner worthy of respect.

Not slanderers - literally this is saying “not a devil”. Satan is called the accuser of the brethren. The idea here is of someone who attacks the reputation of others.

Temperate - they are not extreme in their behavior. They are self-controlled.

Faithful - trusting. Relying on the Lord in all things.

This is how a deaconess is to behave.

To serve the Lord well a deacon must trust the Lord.

Repeat - read aloud.

Do we trust the Lord?

Do we trust His Word?

God has revealed, through His Word, the qualifications of a deacon.

We submit ourselves to what God has revealed.

For the church to be healthy, it needs healthy leaders.

This means we need elders and deacons who are living in obedience to God and His Word.

To serve as a deacon, there are qualifications that must be met.

Two pieces that connect to form a healthy deacon.

Piece #1: A Healthy Deacon Is Qualified.

Piece #2…

2. A Healthy Deacon Actively Serves - Acts 6:1-7

If you hired someone to do a job, and they never did it, would that make you question if they were ever qualified to do the job in the first place?

Scripture gives us the qualifications of church leadership, but it always assumes that those who meet the Biblical qualifications to be a leader, will be engaged in leading.

Elders teach the Word and Shepherd the flock.

Deacons serve.

What does it mean to be one who serves?

That is what we are going to discover next.

As we consider the active service of a deacon, three questions need to be asked and answered.

Question #1…

a. Where does a deacon serve? vv. 1-2

Acts 6:1–2 NKJV

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

This is where a deacon serves.

A deacon serves in the realm of practical needs.

This is early in the life of the church, there was a physical need for widows to be cared for.

There was a need to divide and conquer to properly care for the body of Christ.

This is where the roles began.

Elders care for the Spiritual needs of the church while deacons attend to the physical needs.

This does not mean that elders never do physical things and deacons don’t do spiritual ones.

We will see that clearly a little later.

The bottom line is that a team of leaders are needed.

Some to specialize in one are, and the rest in another.

The physical needs of the body of Christ are a full-time job.

For this reason, we need those whose burden and passion fits with the meeting of physical needs.

1 Timothy 5:9-10 gives us a glimpse into the work involved in just one area of the life of the church body.

1 Timothy 5:9-10

1 Timothy 5:9–10 NKJV

9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

Let me point out the various tasks mentioned here.

There is a list of widows that the church was caring for.

Someone has to create and maintain that list.

They also need to check out those who are on the list.

They have to check age, marriage history, activity in the church, philosophy of child raising, hospitality, service in the church, provision of aid, and general conduct.

That’s a lot of work!

When we multiply that out based on other tasks needed for the care of the body of Christ, we have a truly daunting amount of work!

It is too much for one person.

If someone was doing all that and trying to preach too, they would fail!

The Biblical model is for there to be teams of elders and deacons who do this work.

Elders and deacons do not work independently.

The elders and deacons work together to care for the body of Christ.

The jobs are dependent on one another.

A deacon serves to meet the practical needs of the local church.

Repeat - read aloud.

This is the task of every deacon.

They serve where there is a physical need.

Three questions about the active service of deacons.

Question #1: Where does a deacon serve?

Question #2…

b. How does a deacon serve? vv. 3-4

Acts 6:3–4 NKJV

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Even in this situation, deacons were not chosen based on popularity or availability.

Deacons were chosen according to gifting.

These are qualified and gifted men, chosen to serve the church and meet practical needs.

They had to already be a part of the local body.

They had to have a good reputation.

They needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

They needed to be filled with wisdom.

They needed to be able to oversee the physical needs of the body.

Basically, Those serving as deacons needed to be qualified, and they needed to be gifted.

What types of gifts would a deacon have?

Go with me to Romans 12:6-8.

Romans 12:6-8

Romans 12:6–8 NKJV

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

A deacon could have any of these gifts.

Prophecy, ministry or service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading or administration, mercy.

The idea, like with elders, is that A deacon is going to serve according to his gifting.

We just mentioned the list that many early churches had of widows they were caring for.

Someone with an administrative gift would be great at managing that list!

Someone with the gift of giving, not so much.

People with either one of these gifts can serve as deacons, but that service will look different.

Let’s look at one more list of gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:28-30.

1 Corinthians 12:28-30

1 Corinthians 12:28–30 NKJV

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helps, administration, tongues etc.

Again, a deacon could have any of these gifts!

There are some gifts that we normally would associate with an elder, but a deacon may have them.

Why wouldn’t he serve as an elder then?

He has to desire the office of elder.

If someone doesn’t want it and is content to serve as a deacon, let them!

What we have in the church are a variety of people given diverse gifts all for the benefit of the body of Christ.

The vital piece is the attitude.

Does the person in question have a heart for service?

If so, let them serve!

At the same time, understand that because every person is different, their service will look different.

This is why there needs to be a plurality of deacons.

A deacon serves according to the gift and call of God.

Repeat - read aloud.

Your gifts were not given to you by accident!

God gifted you intentionally and He is calling you to use those gifts in His service.

How will you use your gifts to serve Christ in the local church?

Three questions about the active service of deacons.

Question #1: Where does a deacon serve?

Question #2: How does a deacon serve?

Question #3…

c. What does a deacon look like? vv. 5-7

Acts 6:5–7 NKJV

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

A deacon looks like someone who is serving the Lord by serving the church.

When deacons serve well, the church is blessed and benefitted.

There are not a lot of deacons specifically mentioned in Scripture.

I do, however, want to look at three.

The first is right here in the end of chapter 6 and throughout chapter 7.

Stephen

Stephen is described in v. 5 as being full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

Read with me the rest of chapter 6.

Acts 6:8-15

Acts 6:8–15 NKJV

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

As the story goes on in chapter 7 Stephen preaches a powerful sermon and is ultimately stoned to death as the first martyr.

From being one of the first deacons, to being the first martyr.

The point I want to make is that A deacon can still powerfully proclaim the gospel!

Now flip forward to chapter 8.

Here we find out more about Philip.

He is often called Philip the evangelist because we see him preaching Christ throughout this chapter.

Look at verses 5-6.

Acts 8:5–6 NKJV

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Now jump down to verses 12-13.

Acts 8:12–13 NKJV

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Philip, one of the first deacons, powerfully preaches Christ and many people are saved!

In the end of this chapter is the well known account of Philip proclaiming Christ to an Ethiopian eunuch.

He then preaches the gospel in Azotus and all the cities from there to Caesarea.

Again, here is the point.

Deacons do far more than physical work.

Though that may be their primary realm of service, they are still to be sharing the gospel and using their gifts for the good of the body and the glory of Jesus Christ.

The last thing I want to do here is take us back to Romans 16:1-2.

Romans 16:1–2 NKJV

Phoebe serves the church.

She conducts business and helps people.

This is the heart of a deacon or deaconess.

So, what does a deacon look like?

A deacon has a heart to serve people and point them to Jesus.

Repeat - read aloud.

This is what it means to think Biblically about deacons.

A deacon is someone who is in the trenches.

They are dependable, willing, and joyful servants who bless the body of Christ through their service.

Conclusion

To think Biblically about deacons, we must know what Scripture says about them.

Deacons are a team of servants who meet practical needs in the body of Christ.

This means they have gifts, talents, and abilities that enable them to do this.

It also means that a deacon is able to recognize needs.

The meeting of physical needs is the heartbeat and passion of a deacon.

A deacon is qualified, tested, and active in service.

As with the elders, the description of a deacon comes with some truth for each of us to apply.

Every believer is called to serve.

We all must use our gifts for the good of the body and glory of Jesus Christ.

We need to be dedicated to the Lord, living pure, holy lives as we grow in our relationship with Christ.

One of the big things about deacons is that they must have a grasp of, and dependence on, the truth of Scripture.

Does that describe us?

COMMITMENT:

I will build my life on the Word of God and use my gifts to serve the church.

Repeat - read aloud.

I want to close with four exhortations.

Know the Biblical qualifications of a deacon.

Serve in the role as you are able and called.

Meet the practical needs of others.

Above all else.

Be full of wisdom, faith, and the Holy Spirit and live for Jesus Christ alone.

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