Sermon Tone Analysis

The office of Deacons v8

Intro: Every Men’s relationship with Christ should always be progressing.

It should be aimed, it should be with a goal and purpose.

From salvation to daily fellowship, daily fellowship to congregational fellowship, from congregational fellowship to serving, from faithfully serving to deacon, from deacon to elder, from elder, those who are called to Pastors and missionaries.

The church in America has a great disconnect with what should be happening with each of us, and that should not be so.

--The main problem continues to be the WIIFM or “What is in it for me.”

Often we fail to see the large picture and rather focus on the current benefits of, sleeping in, living life without eternal aim, staying and living just like you are.

Many times it is because you have never seen or felt the impact in our lives of God using us for His Glory.

So we stay stagnate, we don’t grow, soon our marriages begin to feel that impact, our children begin to do the same, and yes you may be very well be saved, but nothing to show for it.

You are saved, but never got to live the life God intended for you here on the earth.

A blessed life filled with His guidance and protection.

(NLT) 8 The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

(NLT) 19 Godly people find life; evil people find death.

Especially not amongst us in this church.

Likewise deacons: An example of the appointment of deacons is in Acts 6:1–6, where the apostles saw the need for those to distribute the daily assistance to the widows among the church, yet did not have the time to distribute the aid themselves.

They chose men to act essentially as deacons in that church.

Jesus’ payment for our lives should be enough.

But on top of that we are promised a blessed life here on the earth and heavenly rewards awaiting for us,

--Deacons, the practical servants of the church

Likewise deacons: An example of the appointment of deacons is in , where the apostles saw the need for those to distribute the daily assistance to the widows among the church, yet did not have the time to distribute the aid themselves.

They chose men to act essentially as deacons in that church.

--Their qualifications are much the same as those for “overseers/ church leaders”; practical service (especially when recognized by an office) is leadership also

The Qualifications

respected

Reverent: Showing proper respect towards both God and man.

have integrity.

Not double-tongued: A man who speaks the truth the first time, with no intent to deceive.

--A deacon with a double tongue is dangerous because anyone involved in spiritual leadership who can’t control his tongue will say things that distract people from Jesus Christ

They must not be heavy drinkers

Because judgment is not as greatly needed in the ministry of a deacon as it is in that of a pastor or elder, wine is not forbidden for a deacon.

—although in our culture, I personally think the wisest choice is always to stay away from intoxicants.

or dishonest with money

If you’re involved in the physical needs of the fellowship—whether it be waiting on tables or tending to business matters—you cannot be one who has sticky fingers.

If you’re involved in the physical needs of the fellowship—whether it be waiting on tables or tending to business matters—you cannot be one who has sticky fingers.

9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience

These are those who can adhere to proper good doctrine, out of sincere conviction.

Deacons as well as Church leaders and Pastors we are all called out to live out or faith through our actions, not only through the things that we say:

We are called to be examples that others can follow, specially when it comes to what is right before God’s eyes.

EX>> In the past we had people who wanted to serve, wanted to be involved, but whose life was not right before God.

& that stopped them from serving God fully.

That is why the following verse is so important:

Testing

10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined.

If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

A man demonstrates his fitness for office in the church by his conduct.

--Deacons and church leaders are more recognized than appointed.

That is why, those who serve and help the body in any way they can—be it teaching Sunday school, watering plants, cleaning—prove themselves as those who are potential deacons or pastors.

EX>> When we think about the great men God has used throughout History.

The great common denominator amongst them is Faithfulness.

Faithfulness to the Lord, to fellowship, to Serving, and prayer.

Courson, J. (2003).

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p.

1379).

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

APP: How are you doing in the area of faithfulness… at Home, at work, at church, in service?

Family Life

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others.

They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others.

They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others.

Tyndale House Publishers.

(2013).

Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Ti 3:11).

Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

This is an appropriate request for those who will serve as Deacons.

It is appropriate because a man’s leadership in the home can be evaluated, in part, by his wife’s conduct.

Is she reverent, not [one of the] slanderers, and faithful in all things?

--Not slanderers: “Literally, not devils.

This may be properly enough translated slanderers, backbiters, tale-bearers, for all these are of their father, the devil, and his lusts they will do.”

(Clarke)

EX>> Jesus said, that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the church, but gossip, slander, and backbiting surely has the power to divide any church.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

For those who serve well… God remembers their faithful service, even in tasks which some would consider menial.

There is little doubt that you will see more deacons with a great reward than bishops or pastors.

Another thing to notice is, “If you use the office of a deacon well, you purchase boldness/increase confidence,” says Paul. He’s right—Stephen, the first martyr, was a deacon.

And Philip, the first evangelist, was a deacon.

These guys were dynamic.

They were bold.

And they began simply by serving tables ().

APP: Don’t you ever underestimate the powerful influence a deacon can have.

Just look at Stephen’s short but powerful ministry that led to the salvation of Paul, who in turn God used to change the world.

In a debate with Dennis Praeger, a believer, atheist Oxford University professor Jonathan Glover, said, “It doesn’t really matter whether a person has a belief system that is biblical or godly.

The important thing is that they believe in something.”

Praeger replied, “Imagine, Professor Glover, that you’re in downtown Los Angeles.

It’s two o’clock in the morning.

Your car breaks down.

You get out.

You hear footsteps.

You turn around to see ten big young men walking toward you.