UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TESTAMENT DEACON I. INTRO  Read 1Tim 3:8-13. II. WORKS OF SERVICE III. THE ACTS 6 MEN IV. A SUPRACULTURAL AND CULTURAL SEQUENCE V. WHY THE NEED FOR OFFICIAL SERVANTS

VI. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEACONS AND SHEPHERDS VII. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS  Paul gives five areas in which a deacon must be qualified. P ERSONAL C HARACTER “Dignity” “not double-tongued” Not “addicted to much wine” not be “fond of sordid gain”

S PIRITUAL L IFE  Read 1Tim 3:9. ~ “Mystery” refers to revealed truth previously hidden, but now manifested (cf. Rom 16:25; Eph 3:3-6; 6:19; Col 1:26). ~ The mystery of the faith is the New Testament revelation. ~ A deacon must hold to it with a clear conscience, that is, a conscience that does not accuse him.

~ It is not enough merely to believe the truth (cf. Jas 2:19), deacons must also live it. ~ 2Cor 1:12 C HRISTIAN S ERVICE  Read 1Tim 3:10a. ~ Deacons are to be continually tested before they officially serve as deacons.

~ The test in view here is the general assessment of a believer’s service by the church. M ORAL P URITY  Read 1Tim 3:10b, 12a.  must be “beyond reproach” ~ The Gk. word means “not arraigned” (as in a court), or “unblamable.”

~ Deacons must not have any blot on their lives, nothing for which they could be accused, arraigned, and disqualified.  “must be husbands of only one wife” ~ They must not be unfaithful to their wives either in their actual conduct with other women, or in their minds. ~ The issue is moral character, not marital status.

~ They are models of sexual purity. H OME L IFE  Read 1Tim 3:12b. ~ Deacons, must prove their spiritual character in the home. ~ They are to be good managers not only of their children, but also of their money, possessions, and everything associated with their own households.

VIII. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONESSES  Read 1Tim 3:11.  The following points show that women in general, not necessarily deacons’ wives are in view here. “likewise” (cf. 1Tim 2:9; 3:8; Titus 2:3, 6) – argues strongly for seeing a third and distinct group here in addition to elders and deacons 1) “likewise” (cf. 1Tim 2:9; 3:8; Titus 2:3, 6) – argues strongly for seeing a third and distinct group here in addition to elders and deacons

2) no possessive pronoun or definite article connecting these “women” with deacons. 3) no qualifications for elders’ wives so why would he do so for deacons’ wives? 4) “deaconesses” not used because there was no such word in the Greek language; masculine form of diakonos used of both men and women (cf. Rom 16:1).

5) their qualifications parallel those of the male deacons  “dignified” ~ Female deacons must lead serious lives. ~ People should hold them in awe because of their spiritual devotion.  “not malicious gossips” ~ Deaconesses must control their tongues. (Cf. Titus 2:3)

 “temperate” ~ They are not to be drinkers, but sober in judgment, having a clear focus in life, self-controlled and moderate.  “faithful in all things” ~ They must be absolutely trustworthy. ~ Women who were not faithful in every dimension of responsibility could not be trusted with this privileged service.

IX. THE REWARDS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE  Read 1Tim 3:13. Two rewards:  First, they “obtain for themselves a high standing.” ~ used metaphorically to speak of those who are a step above everyone else ~ used metaphorically to speak of those who are a step above everyone else

~ Faithful deacons will be respected and honored by those they serve.  Second, they will gain “great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” ~ Successful service breeds confidence and assurance among the people served. ~ Those who serve God well and see His power and grace operative in their lives will be emboldened for even greater service.