January 19, 2025

Office of Deacon #

1 Tim 3:8-13

Introduction

Every year in the business meeting, we vote on deacons, of the church. The office of a deacon is clearly laid out in Scripture for us. I want to teach about the office of the deacon tonight. God has blessed us with good deacons over the years, and we are very appreciative of that. Sometimes, in some places, there is a lot of confusion about what a deacon is, and what a deacon does.

Who can be a deacon? What does a deacon do? Why do deacons exist? What is a deacon?

I. Reason for Deacons (Acts 6:1-4) #

The Book of Acts is NOT a book to take doctrine from.
The Book of Acts supports a lot of doctrines we believe.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 6 - Reason for deacons.…

A. Problem (Acts 6:1) #

1. The Grecian widows were neglected #

2. Jewish widows, prioritized over Greek widows. #

3. It was a dispute of physical needs. Administration. #

B. Pastoral Duty (Acts 6:2) #

1. Physical vs Spiritual (Spiritual table v Physical Table) #

Matt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2. Spiritual Responsibilities #

- Study - (Acts 6:2)

2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

- Supplication (Prayer) (Acts 6:4)

C. Proposition (Acts 6:3) #

1. Choose men, honest report (Testimony, H.G., Wise) #

2. Serve Tables! #

Their church was large! (Acts 2:41, in 1 day +3000)
- 1 deacon for 428 people. 1 deacon for 100 people (there is no Biblical mandate for number) As needed.

II. Requirements for Deacons (1 Tim 3:8-15) #

1. "Likewise" 1 Tim 3:8 #

In 1 Tim 3:1-7 - The qualifications for a Pastor are listed! - Many overlap and are the same for a deacon

A. List Personal qualities #

1. grave - worthy of respect, sound, not a goofball! #

2. "not doubletongued" - consistent in speech #

James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

3. "not given to much wine" #

Prov. 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Proverbs 23:29-35

Prov. 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

4. "not greedy of filthy lucre" - money #

1Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Office of Deacon