Sunday, October 5, 2014 am
THE WORK OF DEACONS
Last week it was announced that one of our men be considered to serve as
a deacon. Ever since I have
been here, we have had both elders and deacons.
Sometimes, we take these works for granted.
But at times like these we are reminded of the importance of
their works. With that in
mind, this morning we want to examine what the Bible says about the
deacon and his work.
a.
The word
deacon in the Greek is
διάκονος (diakonos). It is a
word that describes a servant.
Specifically, it is one who serves under the direction of
another. An attendant,
helper or minister.
W.E. Vines in defining this word distinguishes it from the Greek word,
doulos (a bondservant or slave), noting that while dulous generally
refers to one’s relationship to his master; diakonos refers to his
relationship to his work. In
other words, it describes one who serves.
The word is used about 30 times in the NT, with it being translated
minister(s) about 17 times,
servant(s) about 10
times, and deacon 3 times
(NKJV translation).
b.
It is an office –
i.
While the word servant
is a general term, what we are referring to is actually an office or
appointed position. While
ALL Christians are to be servants (Col. 3:24, Rom. 12:11 – we serve the
Lord; Gal. 5:13 – through love we serve one another; etc.) there are
passages that make a distinction between deacons and other “saints”
ii.
Phil. 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:”
iii.
In 1 Tim. 3:8-13, a
passage we will briefly examine, we find a list of qualifications which
differentiates a deacon from all Christians.
By listing these qualities it makes it an office.
c.
By NT usage, as you
examine the work of the church, deacons serve under the oversight of the
elders. In other words, you
cannot have deacons without elders.
d.
Acts 6:1-7 describes how
7 men were chosen among the saints in Jerusalem to tend to Hellenist
widows who were being neglected.
This was under the direction of the apostles who needed to tend
to spiritual matters (ministry of the word) and thus the “serving of
tables” was to be delegated to qualified and faithful men.
7 men were chosen.
WHILE these are not described as deacons, they give us an example of how
deacons work under the oversight of elders.
A study of the work of elders shows that it is spiritual work – looking
out for the spiritual welfare of the local congregation.
But in every congregation there are administrative that need to
be carried out. Elders can
appoint faithful men (deacons) to carry out these tasks.
a.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 is the
only passage that gives us a list of qualities required for one to serve
in this office. Let us
briefly notice each of these qualities
b.
Likewise (just as elders
have qualifications, deacons must:
i.
Be reverent
– having fitting behavior, with dignity and respect.
They are required to be serious – mature.
IT is work for grown-ups that requires a level of maturity
showing they are dependable and take their responsibilities seriously.
From time to time, deacons are going to be given responsibilities that
require the respect of their brethren in carrying these tasks out.
Thus they need to demonstrate virtue and integrity.
ii.
Not double-tongued – unhypocritical.
Their conversation needs to be consistent.
Consistency is demanded in Christian life, including our speech.
This describes one who keeps his
word and speaks consistently and honestly.
When entrusted with a task from the elders, they need to be able to know
that he will do what he says he will do, and that it will be done
properly. One whose speech cannot be trusted is also one whose actions
cannot be trusted.
There is a reasons Jesus said believers should not need to swear to one
another – our word is our bond.
Matthew 5:37, James 5:12.
This would include the ability to keep your mouth SHUT!
Sometimes, deacons might be given tasks that involve confidential
instructions. Those who
execute their duties need to keep that confidence!
iii.
Not given to much wine – Christians need to be sober at all times.
1 Peter 1:13, 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:6-8.
This means we will be brought under the influence of substances
such as alcohol or drugs. We
need self-control. It is
fundamental to our lives as Christians.
A deacon needs to be in a state of mind where he can properly carry out
his assigned tasks. Consider
Isaiah 28:7, “But they also have erred through wine, And through
intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have
erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They
are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they
stumble in judgment.” In this text, the priests were
condemned for misleading the people by FAILING to be sober.
It was one of the causes that led to the downfall of Judah. While
this applies to elders in teaching, it would also apply to deacons in
carrying out their assigned tasks.
iv.
Not greedy for money –one who is not driven by the craving to make money.
Christians are to be content with what they have (Phil. 4:11, 1
Tim. 6:8). We are to be
willing to share and not miserly.
1 Tim. 6:10 says the love of money is the root of all kinds of
evil.
One entrusted to serve as a deacon must prove himself to be genuinely
concerned about the affairs of the congregation.
Often the tasks he will be entrusted with will involve money or
other resources of the church.
The elders and brethren ought to be able to confidently trust him
with these resources.
You don’t serve in a leadership capacity in the Lord’s church for the
sake of selfish gain!!!
v.
Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience
– a deacon needs to be firm in his convictions.
He needs to believe in what he is doing.
He needs to have genuine faith that is demonstrated in his life.
If one does not truly believe the Lord’s church is the Lord’s church, he
will not act in her best interest.
NOTE: This expression does NOT say he has to be a skilled teacher
(something required of elders).
vi.
First tested, and then serve as deacons
– this is not saying he is appointed on a trial basis, but rather he has
been a Christian long enough to prove himself.
His manner of life and the work he has done is his test.
The maturity of elders is not required, but there needs to be a degree
of experience and understanding to properly carry out the work.
vii.
Blameless –
like elders (Titus 1:6-7), he needs to have lived a life where he can be
trusted. AND, in carrying
out his “testing” he is proved to be of virtuous character.
NOTE: This does not mean one has to have a perfect past, but in his
service he has to have a character where when accusations are made they
“do not stick”. That is
something that is developed in one’s character overtime.
In Acts 6:3, the men chosen to help were “of good reputation.”
Again, we can see the importance of this in the work he will be engaged
in.
viii.
Husband of one wife (vs. 12) - a deacon must be a scripturally married man.
There may be tasks he is assigned which requires the assistance
of his wife. This excludes
single men from serving! The
importance of one’s household is seen in the qualifications of elders (1
Tim. 3:5, Titus 1:6). You
demonstrate leadership qualities in your home.
ix.
Ruling their children and their own house well
– the requirement is that one have children.
This demonstrates that one has been married for some time and has
children old enough to understand instructions and to follow them.
The children must demonstrate a degree of control.
NOTE: Unlike elders, this says nothing about the children being
believers, however a degree of respectful conduct is implied.
The Bible teaches that the husband is the head of the house (Eph.
5:22-23, Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21).
If he cannot control his house he cannot be entrusted to execute
the affairs of the church.
x.
Vs. 11 – their wives
must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate and faithful in all things.
This verse has been the source of much controversy, of which we do not
have time to adequately address it now.
The word for “wives” can be translated women or wives, and this
has led to some advocating women serving in the office of deaconess.
I do not believe it teaches that.
In this context, the wives of deacons (and probably elders as well) is
to be exemplary. For a
husband to serve as a deacon, he needs a wife that will support him in
his work. One who is also of
a godly character and can be trusted to not betray confidence
and will support the work of the church and her husband.
a.
Unlike elders, where we
are given specific instructions and examples of their work in scripture,
the work of deacons is not specifically outlined.
But that doesn’t mean we cannot determine what their work is.
We can deduct their work based upon the qualities needed and some
examples of servants in scripture.
b.
It is not necessarily
“future elders in training” though often times one who is striving to
become an elder will qualify to serve as a deacon while he is
developing. But to describe
the work as “elders in training” would exclude some men who for varying
reasons will never qualify to serve as elders, but they DO have the
qualities required to serve as deacons.
c.
The work of a deacon is
found primarily in the definition of the word – a servant.
He serves the flock.
He assists the elders in carrying out assigned tasks.
He might deal with material matters so that the elders can deal
with shepherding the flock.
d.
It is not his job to
teach publicly beyond that of any Christian, though he may also be a
teacher (or preacher).
a.
1 Tim. 3:13 says, “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.”
Because you are faithfully doing
what you can, it will build you up spiritually.
b.
In Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus taught that those who desire to be great must be servants
(diakonos). God wants us to
all be servants. If you
qualify and faithfully carry out your responsibilities as a deacon, God
is well pleased.
c.
One final verse to
consider, 1 Thess. 5:12-13 says, “And we urge you, brethren, to
recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and
admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s
sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”
We are commanded to honor our elders (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
This verse also calls for us to recognize ALL who labor among us.
That would include those serving as deacons.
Conclusion: The work of a deacon is an important role in a mature
congregation of the Lord’s people.
He will help the flock to grow by facilitating things that need
to be accomplished under the direction of the elders.
It is a noble task and one that our young men should aspire to as
they grow in the faith.
May we not take this work, or ANY work of the Lord’s body
lightly. Think on these
things.