DEACONS

Introduction:
   1. 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12.
   2. Greek word translated deacon occurs about 30 times in the New
      Testament, but only a few times as an official designation.
   3. "To minister," "to serve," "to help."

  I. AN EXAMPLE:
     1. Acts 6:1-6. Seven men appointed in Jerusalem.
     2. Not called deacons, but appointed to serve the church.
     3. Phil. 1:1 -- first mention of deacons.
     4. 1 Tim. 3:8-10 -- Paul gives instructions concerning the
        qualifications of those who do serve as deacons.

 II. QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON:

     1. GRAVE: (sober-minded)
        a. Of sound mind with mature judgment; prudent; not flippant;
           not flighty.
        b. Capable of conducting ones self wisely.

     2. NOT DOUBLE-TONGUED:
        a. Not two-faced.
        b. Not one who spreads gossip, but dependable in words.
        c. Words are reliable.
        d. Does not carry idle words about.

     3. NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE:
        a. Could Deacon have a little wine???
        b. 1 Tim. 5:23 -- use of wine for medicinal purposes.
           NOTE: Paul had to encourage Timothy to use wine for this
           purpose, thus indicating clearly that Timothy refused to
           use wine. Wonder why??
        c. Is one suggesting that one who is a deacon could drink a
           little wine, but if and when he becomes an elder, he must
           refrain from it?
        d. Passages which condemn social drinking: 1 Cor. 6:19-20;
           6:12; Rom. 14:21.
        e. Can one be "sober-minded" who partakes of wine or beer?


     4. NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE:
        a. No lover of money.
        b. Elders given the same requirement.
        c. Not covetous in his giving, setting an example.
        d. One who loves Christ more than material riches; Christ
           comes first in his life.

     5. HOLDING THE MYSTERY OF THE FAITH IN A PURE CONSCIENCE:
        a. Sound in the faith, grounded in the truth.
        b. NOTE: Elders must be "apt to teach," able to teach.
           Deacons are not required to be ~apt" to teach, but must
           have a good knowledge of the truth.
        c. Settled, not wavering.

     6. MUST BE PROVEN:
        a. Elders not to be a novice, Same with deacons.
        b. In the church long enough to recognize responsibility.
        c. Proven to be dependable, trustworthy.

     7. BLAMELESS:
        a. Without reproach, well spoken of.
        b. Morally fit, upright, character irreproachable.

     8. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE:
        a. Not a bachelor, not a polygamist.
        b. Marriage and home offers no reflection.
        c. Same requirement of elder.

     9. RULING THEIR CHILDREN AND OWN HOUSES WELL:
        a. Must have home that respects his leadership.
        b. NOTE: Slight difference here from elder. Elders children
           are to be believers, obedient to the gospel, but children
           of deacons must be under submission to the father.

III. FUNCTION OF DEACONS:

     1. Their work suggest more of the physical, rather than the
        spiritual, as the elder.
     2. They labor under the oversight of the elders, since elders do
        have the spiritual oversight and the responsibility of the
        congregation.
     3. 1 Tim. 3:13 -- Deacons are to serve well.
     4. Elders -- Watch over the souls.
        Deacons -- Physical properties, needs, etc.

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