Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
Axle Grease.
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
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
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.
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