1 Timothy 3:8-13   

Message 19      The leadership in the church –

      e.   Positions                   1 Timothy 3:1-13

Qualifications for the two offices in the church are set forth in this chapter, the first being that of the –

        1).      Bishops                       1 Timothy 3:1-7

Today, we turn to the second office, that of the –     

 2).    Deacons            

It is very important that every believer understand the offices of Pastor and Deacon.  The church member is required to follow the leadership and pray for their pastor and therefore should be well acquainted with the purpose, the position, and the person of their pastor.  Likewise, every church member should understand the office of the deacon as this man will be ministering to their needs as directed by the pastor.  This will be explained in more detail as we look into the Word of God, the Bible, and learn what God has instructed us to know about the office of the deacon.

As we begin, we should learn some background information on the word ‘Deacon’.

          a).  Diakonos is translated deacon, servant, minister according to the context.

            (1).  The office of Deacon.

Along with the office of Deacon, there are other uses, such as –

            (2). Born-again deacons.

1 Thessalonians 3:2  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

            (3). Ungodly deacons       

2 Corinthians 11:15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

            (4). Men deacons     

Colossians 4:7  All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

            (5). Women deacons                  

Romans 16:1  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

            (6). Deacons under authority     

Matthew 22:13  Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

            (7). Deacons in authority.

Romans 13:4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

    b).  Diakonos as viewed in the time of Christ –

        (1).  The Gentiles

              (a).        Property

              (b).       Their existence is for the pleasure of the masters.

        (2).  The Pharisees 

                  Essentially the same as the Greeks. (servants – property, less                   worthy in their being)

          c).  Diakonos as viewed by God.

              (1).  Jesus was a deacon. 

Mark 10:45   For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

     Romans 15:8  Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

              (2).       All Christians.

 2 Corinthians 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.                    

John 12:26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

          d).  Diakonos as the office in the church.

            (1).     Deacon is not called of God into the office.

            (2).     God gave four office gifts to the church. The office of deacon is not among these gifts.

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

             (a).    There were deacons that were not evangelist.

             (b).    Could not be an evangelist, an apostle, prophet, or a pastor-teacher unless you were a deacon. (servant)

             (3).    The Apostles instituted the office of deacon. Acts 6:1-7

               (a).  The reason for the office is stated.  Acts 6:1,2

               (b).  The method in choosing the deacons is stated.  Acts 6:a

                      “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men…”

               (c).  The qualifications for the office are stated.  Acts 6:3b

                       “…full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom…”

Interesting that being full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom can, and should be, known by those around you.

               (d).  The work of the deacon is stated.  Acts 6:3c

                       “…whom we may appoint over this business.”

Making sure the church members who were in need were cared for.

              e).      Diakonos qualifications.    1 Timothy 3:8-13

      f. Performance                        1 Timothy 3:14-16