A Deacons Yardstick
Next week we will nominate those men we see as meeting the qualifications of a Deacon.
Today we are going to look at a measure of a person who makes the grade of being a Deacon, A yardstick if you please.
The term “Deacon” is a term which is our English transliteration of the Greek word diakonos. This Greek word is found 29 times in the NT. It is usually or generally translated either as minister or servant(s). It is translated in our English Bibles as “deacon” three times – these are found in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8 and 12.
It is imperative to understand that when God calls people to serve in His church, He looks for those whose hearts are right with Him.
The Three fold expectation of this office is that they are:
1. To be servants to the faithful.
2. To be defenders of the faith.
3. To be standards before others as they live their faith.
But today we only look the qualifications of that position of service.
In Scripture it says this…
Acts 6:1-6
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
We are going to look at 9 things He, the one who is to be chosen to be a deacon is to be.
Acts 6:3
3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
1. Full of the Holy Spirit. VS 3
He should posses the fruit of the Holy Spirit as we see in scripture.
Galatians 5:22-26
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
To be full of the Holy Spirit is to be full of His fruit, which is, Love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (talk about each briefly)
Acts 6:3
3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
1. Full of wisdom. VS 3 ( of Acts 6 )
One who has not only knowledge but one who can put it into practice. Or one who knows his limitations.
He is one who can do the job or knows someone who can. In other words, he sees the job gets done, sometimes by delegation of the work to someone who can meet that need.
Lets see what scripture says even more about the deacons qualifications.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:8
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
3. Worthy of respect. VS 8
One who is worthy by his life and actions, not by demanding he receive it. Remember respect must be earned it can not be demanded.
He is to have a good reputation, a highly regarded character by those both in and out of the church.
1 Timothy 3:8
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
4. Sincere VS 8
This describes a serious minded man, who will not make light of the sacred things of God. SINCERITY The personal quality of living life from a pure motive without deceit. Associated with words or ideas like “truth”, “genuineness” .
His word should be as good as his bond, there should be no need of ever doubting his statement.
5. Not a drunk.
One who does not over indulge in any alcoholic beverages.
What it does not say is someone who does not drink. We must remember to keep to Gods word not adding or taking away from it.
Let us see what else we can discover about the qualifications of a deacon.
1 Timothy 3:9
9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
6. One who can keep hold of His faith with a clear conscience VS 9
Not only sincere, deep-rooted, faithful man but one who has convictions in the faith and the courage to stand his ground in love to those convictions.
1 Timothy 3:10
10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
7. To be tested Vs 10
He must be a Christian who has matured enough to be strong enough to endure the meat of the gospel. He can live the life not just talk the talk but walk the walk. He is tested by the life he leads.
LET US CONTINUE ON
1 Timothy 3:12
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
8. The husband of one wife VS 12.
Like the elder, the deacon is to have only one wife. From the time he has become a Christian, it does not apply to him before he became a Christian. We must remember any thing that happened before one becomes a Christian has been forgiven and forgotten, it is gone forever. If God has done this we must abode with it and to Gods will.
9. Rule his household well VS 12.
The children of the deacon are to be nourished and brought up in the faith, and so be trained to develop self-control. His family life will show how this man rules, with love or pressure, with self-control or force, in fairness or indulged.
You see we need to KNOW the men well who we chose to be our deacons, so we know if they meet these qualifications or not.
Next week when we nominate those men remember what they must be. It will be for the KINGDOM OF GOD as they serve here. We need to pick the best for His Kingdom, not just anyone.
