The Work of Deacons The New Testament Church

The Work of Deacons The New Testament Church 2017

What is a Deacon? • From διάκονος (diakonos) • A servant, attendant, helper or minister • Used about 30 times in NT, mostly translated ministers or servants (27 x) • Distinguished from δοῦλος (doulos) referring to one’s relationship to his master; διάκονος is relationship to his work

What is a Deacon? • A deacon is a qualified and appointed servant entrusted with certain works in a congregation, so that the elders can give their time to shepherding the flock.

What is a Deacon? • It is an office! • While servant is a general term, this is an office distinguished from simple service (All Christians are servants – Colossians 3: 24, Romans 12: 11, Galatians 5: 13, etc. ) • Philippians 1: 1 • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13, qualifications imply a distinction. • NOTE: Like elders, always plural

What is a Deacon? • Deacons serve under elders (if an office with authority, this is a must) • Acts 6: 1 -7, 7 men appointed to help the apostles relieve needy widows. While not called deacons, they serve as examples entrusted with work under spiritual leaders.

Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 • Reverent – fitting behavior, with dignity and respect. One who is serious and mature. • A deacon must be dependable and take his tasks seriously

Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 • Not double-tongued – not a hypocrite. Consistent in their lives. He keeps his word and is honest. (cf. Matthew 5: 37, James 5: 12) • A deacon must have the confidence of the elders and congregation to do his tasks. He must also be able to keep quiet when needed.

Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 Isaiah 28: 7, But they also have erred • through Not given to much wine – a need wine, And through intoxicating for sobriety times. drink are out ofat theall way; The priest and Demonstrates self-control. the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed 1 Peter 1: 13, 5: 8 up by wine, They are out of the way • through A deacon must be able to do his intoxicating drink; They err in tasks they wellstumble and with good vision, in judgment.

Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 • Not greedy for money – content, one who is not corrupt and cannot be bribed. Not a craver of money. Philippians 4: 11, 1 Timothy 6: 8, 10 • A deacon will very likely be dealing with resources of the congregation. He must be trustworthy and unselfish in this.

Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3: 8 -13 • Holding the mystery of the faith with a good conscience – he needs firm convictions. Genuine faith that is demonstrated in his life • A deacon must genuinely believe in what he is doing and love the Lord’s church he is serving. NOTE: This does NOT say he has to be a skilled teacher!

As with the work of elders, the work of deacons is important. May we never take this (or any) work lightly!