Sermon Title: The Servant's Character Part 2
Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Sermon Purpose: To call the hearer to examine the biblical qualifications for God's household servants.
Sermon Proposition: There are 3 qualities related to household assistants who are deacons.
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. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 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. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NKJV)
Definition of terms:
Diakoneo - means to be a servant; to serve, to minister to one. In Mark 10:45, note that Christ's example was one of serving. He came to minister. (Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.")
Diakonia - means service; ministering, especially of those who execute the commands of others. (1 Timothy 1:12 "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,")
Diakonos - means minister, servant, deacon - generally denoting servant or slave within the household whose duties consist of waiting on his master at the table and sometimes doing marketing for him. (1 Timothy 3:8-13 "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. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 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.")
One in the designated position of deacon is appointed by God to perform various functions beneficial to the church. (Philippians 1:1 "Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: )
The qualities of a faithful male deacon. v.8-10;12
Deacons must be men of good reputation. v.8
Deacons must be men full of the Holy Spirit. v.9 (Galations 5:22-25)
Deacons must be men who are proven. v.10
Deacons must be men full of wisdom. v.12
The qualities of a faithful female deacon. v.11
The word likewise (adverb) serves to introduce a new but related case or category.
The term woman would have sufficiency to direct attention to female candidates for the position.
While it is true that the Greek term (gune') can refer to "women or wives", if wives of the deacons was meant, it would have been more common to indicate this with either a possessive pronoun or the definite article.
The absence of a parallel instruction to wives of overseers makes it still less likely that the wives of the deacons would be singled out.
The reference in Romans 16:1 to "Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchrea" (IoiBnv...diakonos) demonstrates both the existence of women deacons and the use of the masculine term to refer to a female deacon, was used because there was no feminine term.
Finally, the understanding that deacons were not required to be able to teach, and it was not a final position of authority, therefore it does not violate the instructions in 1 Timothy 2:9-15.
Deacons must be women of good reputation. v.11a
Deacons must be women of faithfulness. v.11b
The qualities of a faithful rewarded deacon. v.13
Rewarded deacons are those who serve well. v.13a
Rewarded deacons are those who gain acceptance. v.13b
Rewarded deacons are those who have great boldness. v.13c
Conclusion:
Responsibilities of the Deacon
There are several aspects about the functions of deacons in the local church that New Testament scripture makes unquestionably clear.
Deacons must recognize that they are appointed to serve as opposed to being appointed as an authority figure.
The deacon's service is to the elders and is demonstrated to the congregation through the variety of areas being served.
Although the deacon is a recognized office in the church, there is no mention of this group as a "board," but instead as a "service".
The job description of the deacon changes from time to time or from task to task as needed to assist the elder.
As a servant, the deacon becomes the chief organizer and administrator of service given to the entire congregation. Therefore, the number of deacons needed is commensurate with the tasks required to meet the needs of those being served.