The Deacons' Ministry

Ethan Sayler

Lennox Ebenezer Presbyterian Church

1 Timothy • Sermon • Submitted 9 months ago • Presented 9 months ago

1 Timothy 3:8–13

Deacons

Church

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1 Timothy 3:8-13

The Two Offices of the Church

The Origin Story

Recap of Acts 6 - Crisis in the Early Church

Rapid Growth - the Hellenist Widows were overlooked in the distribution of the bread - feeding the needy

Both are essential: 1) Preaching the Word and Prayer; 2) Feeding the hungry. They would not neglect one for the other

Set aside 7 men to serve the table -

Deacon = Servant

The title, “Deacon” literally means, “servant.”

60+ times in the NT - only 3 times translated “Deacon,” the other times minister or servant.

Not a lesser calling, but a vital one: Called not to preach the word, or administer the sacraments, but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor.

Our BCO - “The office is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need.”

Deacons Lead in Service

As Elders lead the Church in following Christ, Deacons lead the church in serving one another:

All Christians are called to serve one another in the love of the Lord, and Deacons are those men we set apart to lead us in service, so we honor them and pray they fulfill their ministry.

The Deacon’s Ministry

Called to Serve Like Christ

He came to serve… so must every Christian

John 13 - he washed their feet

Phil 2:7 - he took the form of a servant

Mt 20:27 - he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

All in Christ, men and women, are called to service, Deacons are called to lead in service

Deacons are called to use the office, not just fill it… always looking for ways, anticipating needs

A good waiter - knows what you want before you ask, is there with refills before the cup is empty…

Ways of Serving

Caring for the members in need

To minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.

Practical application: those having trouble financially, the deacons help pay their bills, establish a budget; those who are going hungry; those whose homes are falling apart

Caring for the church

Deacons are entrusted with the property of the church, to ensure that we have a place to gather, that it is furnished well, and that the members of the church can be free from worldly concerns as we gather to worship and serve.

Encouraging generosity

The deacons are to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed.

The Deacon’s Work

The elders, as leaders, are forward facing, guiding us in the direction we are to go, the deacons are inward facing, caring for those on the journey.

The elders have the map, and are driving the bus, the deacons make sure the bus has gas, tires, and seat for all on the trip

It isn’t the deacon’s job to do all of this himself - but to see the needs of the church, and provide opportunities for the church to meet those needs.

The Deacon’s Qualifications

Quality of Character -

Very similar to that of the overseer/elder

Dignified - serious, grave

Not Double-tongued - insincere - or hypocritical, saying one thing and doing another

No addicted to too much wine

Not greedy for gain - handling the money of the church

A husband of one wife - managing his household well

The Deacon’s wife is also mentioned -

Nothing is said here about being a skilled electrician, or a banker or builder.

The qualifications for deacon are not so much about what you do, but who you are.

Holding Fast to the Mystery

What is the mystery of the faith

A mystery, for Paul, is not a riddle we have still to figure out, but something that was hidden for ages, but has now been revealed in Christ.

Eph 3:6 - “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

The mystery - Christ has come to save sinners… from every nation, race, tribe, and tongue.

Deacons must hold to the truth of the gospel in order to serve in the gospel

Every deacon should know be reading the scriptures, studying the faith, growing in knowledge and understanding.

Elders are called to teach, this isn’t a requirement for deacons, though they are not excluded from teaching

Look to Stephen, who preached and witnessed and was a martyr.

The Deacon’s Reward

A Good Standing

Tabletalk Magazine - “The idea here is that the work of the deacon should not be despised even though it may involve “menial” jobs like mowing the elderly widow’s lawn, doing the laundry for the severely-ill single mother or other such things. Deacons who serve well will be greatly esteemed in God’s kingdom, not ignored.”

Mt 20:26 “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant…”

Mt 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Let us honor, encourage, and bless the deacons

Great Courage in the Faith

Assurance and service: No greater confidence that you are walking with Christ than when you are loving and serving like Christ

Jn 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Conclusion

All Christians are called to serve one another in the love of the Lord, and Deacons are those men we set apart to lead us in service, so we honor them and pray they fulfill their ministry.

May the Deacons be encouraged in their ministry: That the members would be well-cared for.

May we pray for the deacons and bless them: That more men would have a servant’s heart.

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