Scripture Introduction
A guy dies, arrives at the Pearly Gates, and (as always in stories like this), St. Peter is there and asks him to relate a good deed he had done. He thinks for a moment then says, “Well, there was the time I was driving down a road when I saw a group of hoodlums harassing a girl. I stopped my car, grabbed a tire iron, and walked up to the leader of the gang. He was huge—6 foot 4 inch, 260 pounds, with a studded leather jacket, tattoos, and a chain running from his nose to his ears. As I approached him, the others circled me and told me to get lost or I’d be next. So I grabbed the leader’s chain, ripped it out of his face, and smashed him over the head with the tire iron. Then I yelled at them, ‘Leave this girl alone! You’re acting like a bunch of animals! Go home before I teach you a lesson in pain!’”
St. Peter, impressed, says, “Wow! When did you do all that?”
“Oh [looking at his watch], about three minutes ago.”
Sometime you get killed for doing what is right, don’t you? Stephen, the first deacon, told people about Jesus, and so they killed him. But that is not really the point this morning (so you considering this office can breathe easy). Instead, we will see how critical the deacon’s ministry should be. Please listen as I read. [Read: Acts 6.1-15. Pray.]
Introduction
New businesses usually begin small and through the early years a few leaders oversee and control virtually every detail. As the business grows, however, work must be delegated and structures created to manage a larger and more complex organization. The same is true in the church.
In this library which we call The Bible, the book of Acts describes the continuing work of God through the church. In chapter one, there are twelve on the leadership team and about 120 in the congregation. (Those are worldwide numbers—all the church members that exist.) But soon the ranks swell to three thousand and by chapter four, there are five thousand men—probably twenty to thirty thousand total.
Not surprisingly, the twelve cannot keep up, and soon overlook ministry that should be a priority. Therefore, in chapter six, the leadership proposes the election of “deacons,” godly men entrusted with mercy ministry and money management.
We continue to use this simple Biblical structure. (We certainly are not the only ones using this pattern, but many churches and denominations have developed other structures. Whether such is good or helpful is not my place to comment this morning.) What we do discover is why deacons are needed and how they benefits God’s people.
1. Because Problems Are Great, We Need Godly Deacons (Acts 6.1)
A long time ago, in a land far away, God grieved over the rampant wickedness of mankind, noting that every thought and imagination of his heart was polluted. Among all the people, only Noah found favor, only Noah was righteous; he alone was a “man after God’s own heart.”
So God ordered Noah to build an ark, a mammoth boat in which Noah and his family and all species of land animals would be carried for a year while a flood eradicated evil from the earth. Here would be a new beginning with everything washed clean. Now we can make a godly civilization, a land without crime, without poverty, without problems. As Noah and his family step from the ark, the world is new and fresh and a rainbow signals God’s promise never again to destroy with flood. You can feel the excitement.
The next paragraph explains that Noah planted a vineyard, got drunk, and passed out naked in his tent. His son, Ham, thought this was hilarious and ran, laughing, to tell his brothers. In retaliation for mocking his misery, Noah curses Ham’s children and grandchildren. There are only eight people on the planet, yet already we have a mess!
With so many animals boarding, the stowaway was easily missed. Like a cocklebur hooked in the fur of a farm animal, sin hitched a ride from the old world into the new. Now it escapes to despoil with its presence and power.
By the time we arrive in Acts 6 we are 90% of the way through the Bible. Yet the story is the same as in Genesis 6—the new church is infested with sin.
Specifically, complaining—the same word describes the murmuring by Israel in the desert against Moses—a sin for which some were “destroyed by the Destroyer” (1Corinthians 10.10). But it is not simply complaining; the “Grecian Jews” (Hellenists) make a charge against the “Hebraic Jews.” One group accuses the other of racism, favoritism because of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
John Stott, The Spirit, The Church, and the World, 121: “There had always, of course, been rivalry between these groups in Jewish culture; the tragedy is that it was perpetuated within the new community of Jesus who by his death had abolished such distinctions (e.g., Galatians 3.28; Ephesians 2.14; Colossians 3.11).”
A Hollywood group once asked Julian “Groucho” Marx to join their club. He famously declined by saying, “I don’t want to join any organization that would have me as a member.” That insight applies to the church. She is full of people and therefore full of sin—jockeying for position and preferences, selfish attitudes and self-serving behaviors.
Three applications for us.
First, some of us are too easily discouraged over the church’s problems. Maybe your expectations of a place free from trouble are unreasonable; maybe you simply want all pleasant and happy. Whatever the cause, some Christians exude grumpiness and negativity; they are frustrated or angry or irritated because they cannot have a perfect church. You need to know that problems will remain as long as there are people. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” is the prescription given by Paul in Romans 12.21.
Second, the apostles listen to the concerns and take action. They are not too proud to admit their inadequacies in addressing the needs and they are willing to share authority and responsibility. A church with godly leadership does not avoid difficulty, it addresses it. Please do not expect leadership perfection which prevents problems from appearing; expect difficulties to reveal where leaders need to equip you to serve and overcome evil with good.
Third, the deacons are elected and empowered because of a real and serious problems. We do not need men to fill slots and attend meetings. We need deacons to lead us in facing ministry challenges. As an example, our deacons have scheduled a planning retreat in October, because the problems facing our building are great, the difficulty serving the people around us is significant, and the need for a plan for mercy ministry is real. Solutions are not unattainable; they do require thoughtful and creative work by godly and wise men.
We need godly deacons because the problems are great.
2. Because Preaching And Prayer Must Be Thorough, We Need Godly Deacons (Acts 6.2,4)
Sometimes pastors give the impression that they are too good for “lowly work.” That was certainly not true of the Apostles. They did all of the mercy ministry until they could not physically keep up. Acts 4.34-35: “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
So Acts 6 does not describe men who feel they are above serving tables, but men overwhelmed by other work. In fact, though it does not translate well into English, the Greek clearly shows that the Apostles’ willingness to practice humble service.
The Greek word, from which we get the title, “Deacon,” is [diakonia]. It means “one who serves.” A deacon is, most literally, a “servant.” That word occurs 3 times in the first 4 verses of Acts 6. It is the last word of verse one: “their widows are being neglected in the daily diakonia.” Then in verse 2, the verb: “we should not give up preaching the word of God to diakonia tables.” Now verse 4: “We will devote ourselves to prayer and the diakonia of the word.”
The apostles insist that they are also deacons—it’s just that they serve in another work. (By the way, this is why the title “minister,” came to be used of preachers. The Latin word, “ministro,” means, “to serve.” I minister the word, I diakonia the word, just as our deacons minister mercy and money.)
John Stott: “There is no hint whatever that the apostles regarded social work as inferior to pastoral work, or beneath their dignity. It was entirely a question of calling. They had no liberty to be distracted from their own priority task.”
This tells us two things.
First, the work of a deacon is no less important or spiritual than that of the apostles. They are critical in addressing the sin of complaining and the threat of division over racism.
Second, though the pastor’s job duties of prayer and serving the word are not better than the deacons’ duties, they must be done thoroughly through devoted service. (A few months ago the elders reminded me that though I am gifted at administration, and though church needs me to do some of that work, I must not be distracted from prayer and the word. If the apostles are not able to do both, then surely I am not either.)
We need godly deacons for significant service, so that I, for your sakes, devote myself to prayer and the Word.
3. Because People Are Important, We Need Godly Deacons (Acts 6.3,5-7)
In the 1950s, Stanley Arnold was asked to develop a marketing campaign for Remington Shavers. He went to his stock broker and purchased one share of every single stock listed on the New York Exchange. There were 1098 companies and the final bill was a little over $42,000. Arnold carried his diversified portfolio into a meeting of Remington Rand’s board of directors, where he presented the idea for a sweepstakes campaign with the top prize called, “A Share in America,” one share from each company. The board was very conservative, its chairman was retired General Douglas MacArthur, and they were not used to such wild ideas. Finally, one of the men said, “But Mr. Arnold, we are not in the securities business. We are in the shaver business.”
Arnold answered: “I agree that you are not in the securities business; but you ought to realize that you are not in the shaver business either. You are in the people business.” Remington Rand bought his idea.
The church is in the people business; and because people are important, we need godly deacons. Not just anyone will do, as if it were critical to have a godly pastor and godly elders, but the deacons can do fine without just business sense. They need business sense—they direct the ministry of money. That is one reason the people chose men of good repute. A good reputation comes from careful and prudent behavior in managing all the affairs of life.
But money and mercy are both about people, and people need godly leaders. Not perfect men, they must love God, be wise, and full of the Spirit and faith. Caring for people’s physical needs is a great privilege and holy calling, and one that requires special sensitivity, compassion, understanding, care, and deep love for people—we need godly deacons.
4. Because Of Persecution Against Jesus, We Need Godly Deacons (Acts 6.8-15)
One of the first times I attended a Deacon meeting, I read this text and told the men that when I had taught on being a deacon I had always stopped at verse 7. I had never thought about the implications of the first deacon, Stephen, being martyred for preaching Jesus. Obviously, I am glad that deacons are to die instead of the pastors, but that is probably not the main meaning.
Here is one thing it proves: the Evil One always wages war against the church. Being a deacon is no more a safe place to hide than any other position of leadership. Satan attacks those who seek to serve God’s people and advance his kingdom. Simon Kistemaker begins his commentary on this passage by saying, “Satan opposes God’s people by either deceit or violence. He employs both against Stephen.” Because of the reality of the spiritual battle, we must have godly deacons.
5. Conclusion
Six words to take as application.
5.1. Recognition and Respect
A couple of week’s ago I was studying in my office when I heard a voice from above shout: “Pastor, you will tell the congregation to always obey their deacons.” I said, “Yes, Lord.” Of course, God has a southern accent, but not a South African accent, so I knew it was Marius.
But notice, please, what happens in verse 6: “…they prayed and laid their hands on them.” The people picked their servants; the apostles prayed over and ordained them. This is the same method Moses began for designating people to fulfill certain roles. The Apostles use it to recognize these seven as worthy of respect and obedience.
Matthew Henry: “Having by prayer implored a blessing upon them, they did by the laying on of hands assure them that the blessing was conferred in answer to the prayer; and this was giving them authority to execute that office, and laying an obligation upon the people to be observant of them therein.”
I’m not sure of his method, but Marius is right—we have an obligation to support our deacons in the work they call us to do.
5.2. Responsibility and Authority
We never read again in Acts of the Apostles’ involvement in mercy ministry. They fully give away both the ministry and the power to get it done. This allows the first deacons to lead, to make mistakes, to learn and to grow.
In the same way, our elders will be looking to give away both responsibility and authority to your deacons. So to our church, nominate and elect men that are worthy of respect and eager to fulfill the calling.
5.3. Division of Labor and Delegation to Others
I have noticed a man or two walk into a kitchen and pretend he is lost, having no idea of how to provide food for himself. Soon his wife runs in and rescues him.
Sometimes we do that in the church, don’t we? Rather than get stuck doing more than we want, we pretend that we are not very good at it. The saying then arises, “It’s easier to do it myself.”
The apostles do not accept that answer. They get busy with prayer and preaching, and they expect the congregation to get busy electing men, and the men elected to get busy organizing the ministry which the apostles have delegated.
Someone said, “I would rather put 100 people to work than to do the work of 100 people.”
The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly through the leadership of the deacons and the hard work of every member. Could it not be the same for us? You think about that. Amen.
