The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying Paul's pastoral Epistles (Letters) to his proteges, Timothy and Titus.
Everything rises or falls with leadership, whether it be a family or a local church. In session 7 we started looking at the 16 qualifications that Paul said a pastor, bishop or elder should meet in order to hold the office of pastor, bishop or elder, of a local church. which according to the New Testament, are synonymous titles or terms for the same office. The last couple of weeks we have looked at the qualifications of the pastor, elder, or bishop. These are names for the men who are the spiritual leaders of the church. We talked about the 16 qualifications that Paul told Timothy these men should possess before assuming the role of spiritual leadership.
In session 9 we look at the qualifications for deacons and the rest of us, the believers that make up the local church which is the household of God, and those "called out". The church is the pillar and solid ground of God's truth to the world as it testifies and witnesses that. Christ Jesus Jesus was God manifested in the flesh.
The last couple of weeks we have looked at the qualifications of the pastor, elder, or bishop. These are names for the men who are the spiritual leaders of the church. We talked about the 16 qualifications that Paul told Timothy these men should possess before assuming the role of spiritual leadership.
According to the New Testament, the terms “bishop,” “pastor,” and “elder” are synonymous. Bishop means “overseer,” and the elders had the responsibility of overseeing the work of the church. “Elder'' is the translation of the Greek word presbutes, which means “an old man.” Elders and bishops (two names for the same office, were mature people with spiritual wisdom and experience. Finally, “pastor” means “shepherd,” one who leads and cares for the flock of God.
But these men had to be qualified. It was good for a growing believer to aspire to the office of bishop, but the best way to achieve it was to develop Christian character Paul gave sixteen qualifications for a man to meet if he expected to serve as an elder/bishop/pastor.
Those qualifications are:
Blameless
Husband of one wife
Vigilant or temperate
Sober or sober-minded
Of good behavior (orderly of organized in his thinking and his living)
Hospitable
Able to teach
Not given to wine (does not drink to excess)
No striker (not violent)
Not greedy of filthy lucre (not greedy for money)
Patient (gentle)
Not a brawler
Not covetous (not greedy)
A godly family
Not a novice
A good testimony outside the church
Today we are going to start looking at deacons.
The English word deacon is a transliteration of the Greek word diakonos, which simply means “servant.” It is likely that the origin of the deacons is recorded in Acts 6. The first deacons were appointed to be assistants to the apostles.
Acts 6:1-4 NIV [1] In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. [2] So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. [3] Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them [4] and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
In a local church today, deacons relieve the pastors/elders of other tasks so that they may concentrate on the ministry of the Word, prayer, and spiritual oversight.
We don't have deacons as such with the title, but we do have deacons by their actions. Even though deacons are not given the authority of elders, they still must meet certain qualifications.
So now let’s look at the qualifications for a deacon.
Here I am going to include women because scripture and even Paul who wrote this letter to Timothy recognized women deacons.
Romans 16:1-2 NIV [1] I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. [2] I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Also let's take a good look at
1 Timothy 3:11 NIV [11] In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
This verse is right in the middle of Paul’s discussion about deacons.
The word used here is gynaikas, which could be translated as either “wives” or “women,”. In the translations that say wives it doesn't say their wives meaning the deacon's wives so he must be referring to women.
In addition, the character qualities of these women are the same as for the male so it appears here that an official capacity is intended.
Women therefore may serve as deacons because they the act in the capacity serving, not leading. Deacons don’t teach and exercise authority, but rather help in the church’s ministry.
Deacons (3:8–13)
1 Timothy 3:8-13 NIV [8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. [9] They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. [11] In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. [12] A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. [13] Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Grave (worthy of respect) (v. 8a).
1 Timothy 3:8 NIV [8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
A deacon should be worthy of respect, a man or woman of Christian character worth imitating. A deacon should take his or her responsibilities seriously and use the office, not just fill it.
Not double-tongued (sincere)(v. 8b).
1 Timothy 3:8 NIV [8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
He or she does not tell tales from house to house; he or she is not a gossip. He or she does not say one thing to one member and something entirely opposite to another member. You can depend on what he or she says.
Not given to much wine (v. 8c).
1 Timothy 3:8 NIV [8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
We talked about what this means when we discussed the qualifications for elders.
Not greedy of filthy lucre (v. 8d).
1 Timothy 3:8 NIV [8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
We talked about this also but for deacons it's a little different in that deacons often are the ones who handle offerings and distribute money to needy people in the church. It may be tempting to steal or to use funds in selfish ways.
Doctrinally sound (v. 9).
1 Timothy 3:9 NIV [9] They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
Some translations say mystery rather than truth but the Greek word means “truth once hidden but now revealed by God.” The great doctrines, or truths, of the faith are hidden to those outside the faith, but they can be understood by those who trust the Lord.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV [14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, [16] for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Deacons must understand Christian doctrine and obey it with a good conscience. It is not enough to sit in meetings and decide how to “run the church.” They must base their decisions on the Word of God, and they must back up their decisions with godly lives.
I know from experience that some church officers know their church constitutions better than they know the Word of God. While it is good to have bylaws and regulations that help maintain order, it is important to manage the affairs of a church on the basis of the Word of God. The Scriptures were the “constitution” of the early church! A deacon who does not know the Bible is an obstacle to progress in a local assembly.
Simply because a church member is popular, successful in business, or generous in his giving does not mean he is qualified to serve as a deacon.
Tested and proved (v. 10).
1 Timothy 3:10 NIV [10] They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
This implies watching their lives and seeing how they conduct themselves. In most churches, a new member or a new Christian may begin serving God in visitation, ushering, helping in Sunday school, and numerous other ways, but not as a deacon.
Here's a biblical principle that I think applies here
Matthew 25:19-23 NIV [19] “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. [20] The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ [21] “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ [22] “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ [23] “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
It is worth noting that quite a few leaders mentioned in the Bible were first tested as servants. Joseph was a servant in Egypt for thirteen years before he became a second ruler in the land.
Moses cared for sheep for forty years before God called him. Joshua was Moses’ servant before he became Moses’ successor. David was tending his father’s sheep when Samuel anointed him king of Israel. Even our Lord Jesus came as a servant and labored as a carpenter; and the apostle Paul was a tentmaker. First a servant, then a ruler.
Godly homes
1 Timothy 3:12 NIV [12] A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
This scripture is talking about wives. If the deacon is a man, deacon’s wife is a part of his ministry, for godliness must begin at home. It’s the same qualification if the deacon is a woman. The text also states that deacons should be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs.
The idea was that the deacon must come from a well functioning family in order to be the leader of the larger "family" of a church congregation. Though deacons are not required to be "able to teach" as are elders, they are required to have a solid family reputation. This verse does not explicitly exclude single men or women. The emphasis is on the person’s current family status being of high character among the church and community.
A willingness to work (v. 13).
1 Timothy 3:13 NIV [13] Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
They are to use the office, not just fill it.
When it says that they will receive excellent standing or as in the KJV purchase to themselves good degree, the Greek word translated degree means rank (as in the army). So, this means a possible promotion. In this case it would be spiritual promotion giving him or her more and more respect among the local believers, which means greater opportunity for ministry. A faithful deacon has a good standing before God and men and can be used of God to build the church. He has a spiritual boldness that makes for effective ministry.
It is a serious matter to serve the local church. Each of us must search his own heart to be certain that he is qualified by the grace of God.
We have talked about pastors, elders, and deacons now what about the rest of us, the believers.
The Believers (3:14–16)
1 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV [14] Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. [16] Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Paul gave three pictures of the church.
(1) The house of God (v. 15a).
1 Timothy 3:15 NIV [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
God’s church is a family, so “household” might be a better translation. When a sinner believes in Jesus Christ as Savior, he immediately is born again into God’s family.
Romans 8:16-17 NIV [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Ephesians 2:19-20 NIV [19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Matthew 12:46-50 NIV [46] While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. [47] Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” [48] He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” [49] Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. [50] For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
A family or household must be fed and it is the responsibility of the elders or pastors to feed the family the Word of God because it is their family.
Matthew 4:4 NIV [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV [12] In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! [13] Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. [14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
A church does not grow by addition, but by nutrition.
Also like a family, a church needs discipline in love. Children who are not disciplined become rebels and tyrants. The spiritual leaders of the assembly should exercise discipline. Here’s an example.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 NIV [1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? [3] For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. [4] So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, [5] hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
On the other hand family members also need encouragement and examples.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-11 NIV [7] Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, [8] so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. [9] Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. [10] You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. [11] For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 NIV [5] If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. [6] The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. [7] Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. [9] Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. [10] Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, [11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Spiritual leaders must have gentleness and yet strength.
Paul pictured the church as a household of family he also pictured the church as the assembly. The Greek word translated church is ekklesia (ek-klay-SEE-a), which means “assembly.” or actually means “those called out.” Ekklesia referred to the political assemblies in the Greek cities.
The word ekklesua it is used about one hundred times in the New Testament to refer to local churches, assemblies of believers.mPaul wanted Timothy to know how to “conduct himself” as a leader of a local assembly.
And finally, the church is pictured as the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 Timothy 3:15-16 NIV [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. [16] Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
This is an architectural image that would mean much to Timothy at Ephesus, because the great temple of Diana had 127 pillars and that temple required a strong foundation or solid ground. The local church is built on Jesus Christ the Truth
John 14:6 NIV [6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
But the local church is also itself a pillar and fortification for the truth.
1 Corinthians 3:9-15 NIV [9] For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. [10] By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, [13] their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. [14] If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. [15] If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
The pillar aspect of the church’s ministry relates primarily to exhibiting the truth of the Word so the world can see it.
The main truth to which a church should bear witness is the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Verse 16 may be from an early Christian hymn.
1 Timothy 3:16 NIV [16] Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Jesus Christ was God manifest in the flesh, not only at His birth, but also during His entire earthly ministry. Though His own people as a nation rejected Him, Jesus Christ was vindicated by the miracles He performed and His resurrection from the dead.
Seen of angels suggests the many times that the angels were associated with the life and ministry of our Lord.
Matthew 4:10-11 NIV [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 28:2-7 NIV [2] There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. [3] His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. [4] The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. [5] The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. [7] Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
At the ascension, He was received up in glory and He will return one day to take His church to share that glory. What an exciting challenge it is for your local church to witness of Jesus Christ to lost sinners at home and around the world!
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