2. Deacons (servants) Their Role in the Local Church Acts 6:1-6 Phil. 1:1 1 Tim. 3:8-13

3. Why are there qualifications?   Deacons act as representatives of the church.   Unbelievers can form opinions of the church based on the deacons’ behavior.   A deacon’s work requires a certain character and proven ability.

4. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   “Deacons likewise …” (v. 8)   There are similarities in qualifications of deacons to those of elders.   Both are public figures with important responsibilities to the church

5. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   Men of dignity [reverent] (v. 8)   Worthy of respect   Shows respect for authority   Nature of the work requires maturity

6. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   Not double-tongued (v.8)   Sincere, honest, not hypocritical   Not saying one thing to one person and another thing to someone else   The deacon’s work will often involve him closely in the lives of brethren. He needs to be trusted by brethren.

7. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   Not addicted [given] to much wine (v.8)   Duties will require sobriety and self control   NOT saying okay to be given to a little wine o o Elders are not to be “beside the wine” o o Deacons are not to be “given to much wine” (same meaning) o o Typical wine mixed 5-1 w/ water – ½ % - 2 %

8. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   Not fond of sordid gain [greedy] (v. 8)   Has reputation as an honest laborer o o work ethic and occupation is honorable o o likely will be in charge of funds in some way

9. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   Holding to the mystery of faith… (v.9)   Has a good knowledge of the truth o o Has moved into the meat of the word o o Able to discern good from evil (Heb 5:12-14)   Men who serve as deacons will set the finest example. They are to know and practice the way of righteousness.

10. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   …with a clear conscience (v.9)   Our conscience is our own   Men, you need to search your heart o o Are you truly living according to your faith? o o Do you say one thing, but live differently?

11. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   “must also first be tested” (3:10)   tried and proven – not a formal test o o Don’t appoint a man and then HOPE he will grow into a servant of good character

12. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3   “then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach” (3:10)   The results of the test, “beyond reproach” o o No sustained accusations of conduct unbecoming of a Christian

13. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3  Husband of one wife  A faithful, married man o Not single, not a polygamist, not a womanizer o Does not forbid a remarried widower

14. Qualifications of wives – 1 Tim. 3:11  Wives likewise…  Similar to the qualifications of deacons  Similar to Titus 2:3-5 for older women  Need to look at family of the man

15.  Dignified  Same word used of deacons  Worthy of respect  Not silly, takes work seriously Qualifications of wives – 1 Tim. 3:11

16.  Not malicious gossips (slanderers)  Will hear about the work of the deacon  Must NOT have tendency to tell others  Temperate  Literally, “well-balanced”  Not given to extremes of emotion or behavior Qualifications of wives – 1 Tim. 3:11

17.  Faithful in all things  Generally expresses “trustworthiness” o She is a “faithful servant” – you can count on her to keep her word, do her job, and live her life righteously, in accordance with her commitment to the Lord and to the church. Qualifications of wives – 1 Tim. 3:11

18. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3  Good “rulers” of their children …  Requires children o “children” means “offspring” and includes one or more o none of his children can reflect poorly on his ability to raise them well

19. Qualifications – 1 Tim. 3  Good “rulers” of their households  Family under control?  Managing family-life well? Budget, time, etc.  Duties in the church will be similar  Taking care of physical needs of members  Being entrusted with funds to meet needs

20. The deacon’s reward (1 Tim 3:13)  A high (good) standing  We respect those who accomplish their duties  We appreciate those who serve  Great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus  Increased reliance on Christ  Knowledge of God’s ability to see them through

21. Deacons (servants) Their Role in the Local Church Acts 6:1-6 Phil. 1:1 1 Tim. 3:8-13

22. Will You Become A Christian? Hear The Gospel (Rom. 10:17) Believe That Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24) Repent of Your Sins (Acts 17:31) Confess That Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10) Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Sins (Acts 2:38) Live Faithfully Until You Die (Rev. 2:10)