Title: DEACONS: God’s Ministering Servants
Text: Acts 6:1-6, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Introduction: God is the God of organization and structure.
‒ It is seen in the universe around us.
‒ It is seen in nature.
‒ The human body itself is so structured.
‒ The church is no different.
‒ Listen to (Ephesians 4:11-12 NCV) "And Christ gave gifts to people--he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. {12} Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger."
‒ Because God is a God of organization, it is necessary for us to be organized in the church.
‒ We may not like structure to a degree, but God has ordained that it be this way.
1. The concept of deacon is one that we don’t think about much. We make many assumptions based on the “way we have always done it.” So, to help us with the concept, I hope today to explore three things.
1. The meaning of the word “deacon.”
2. Some misconceptions concerning deacons.
3. The Practical application of this sermon is to draw some conclusions about how we at Creekside need to go about having and employing deacons.
1. The word “deacon” is really a transliterated word (EXPLAIN) that comes from the Greek word “DIAKONOS” derived from “diakon” meaning one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master; he is a servant, attendant, minister.
A. In general sage
1. Referred to those who would serve the king.
2. Referred to servants who would wait on tables.
B. It was translated into other words in most places in the New Testament
1. As “Servant”
1. (Matthew 23:11 KJV) "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (diakonos)."
2. As “minister”
1. (Colossians 4:7 NCV) "Tychicus is my dear brother in Christ and a faithful minister (diakonos) and servant with me in the Lord...."
3. As “deacon”in only two passages in the Bible.
1. (Philippians 1:1 NCV) "From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. To all of God’s holy people in Christ Jesus who live in Philippi, including your elders and deacons:"
2. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (What we call the “qualifications” of a deacon)
3. Because of these to passages, we understand that there was distinction made concerning deacons, but not so much as we might have thought. They were ministering servant in the church to hep with the menial tasks of everyday church function.
2. Misconceptions of the word “deacon.”
A. It is an “office.” Many perceive the deacons as having a “position” or an “office.”
1. The reason for this is that the King James calls this the “office” of a deacon. (1 Timothy 3:10 KJV) "And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless." This is a mistranslation. The (1 Timothy 3:10 NASB) "And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach." The literal translation of the passage reads, “...let them minister....”
2. The reason this is a poor translation for us today is that when we think “office” we automatically think of an authority structure or position, and this leads to other misconceptions about being a deacon.
1. In 1611 when the KJV was translated, the word translated “office” did not have to do with an authority structure, but has to do with function. In other words the meaning is “let him function as a deacon (servant)
2. (Romans 12:4 KJV) "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" If the word “office” meant authority structure then would mean that all members of God’s church would have some kind of office. This passage simply means that we do not have the same function.
3. The word translated “office” simply means function, ministry, or service.
1. The problem with this concept.
1. It brings pride into the picture.
2. It makes a deacon someone “higher” than others. Although there is a distinction made in the New Testament between deacons, elders, and others, this does not mean it ought to be used as a hierarchy.
Transition: It also leads to the second misconception.
B. It is for life. We think, “Once a deacon always a deacon.” We say, “If he is serving in an office, it would stand to reason that he would always be a deacon, unless he does something of reproach to cause him to have to step down.”
1. In Acts 6 we see a situation that arose where a special need for helping Grecian widows was needed. The text reads: (Acts 6:1-5 NCV) "The number of followers was growing. But during this same time, the Greek-speaking followers had an argument with the other Jewish followers. The Greek-speaking widows were not getting their share of the food that was given out every day. {2} The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "It is not right for us to stop our work of teaching God’s word in order to serve tables. {3} So, brothers and sisters, choose seven of your own men who are good, full of the Spirit and full of wisdom. We will put them in charge of this work. {4} Then we can continue to pray and to teach the word of God." {5} The whole group liked the idea, so they chose these seven men: Stephen (a man with great faith and full of the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (a man from Antioch who had become a Jew)."
1. Though these are never called “deacon” in an official sense, there work was surely that of a deacon.
1. The words “to serve tables” in verse two is the word “diakonia.”
2. Their task was that of servant.
2. When their task was done they did not continue as “deacons” in name only.
1. Nowhere will you find in the scriptures of a deacon “resigning.” Why?
1. It was because when the task was finished, they no longer were called a deacon or servant for that particular role.
2. There are times when a deacon’s role will change and that is fine.
C. It is a stepping stone.
1. Deacons are not junior elders who are using this position as a stepping stone to a perceived “higher” position.
D. It is not spiritual matter
1. Listen to the list of characteristics of a deacon: (1 Timothy 3:8-13 NCV) "In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others. {9} With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us. {10} Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them. {11} In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything. {12} Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families. {13} Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus."
1. Must be respected by others
2. Must not say things they do not mean.
3. Must not be addicted to wine.
4. Must not try to get rich by cheating others.
5. With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us.
6. Must have only one wife.
7. Must be good leaders of their children and their own families.
8. They will be very bold in their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. This list proves that they must be men of a deep spiritual character.
1. Just because the task may be menial does not mean the man is.
Conclusions: I think that we can conclude with a certainty the following things about being a deacon.
1. All members serve, but deacons serve in a particular area of responsibility.
A. Just like the men in Acts 6, there are particular things in the church that need to be addressed.
1. Shepherds need to tend to the spiritual needs and let the deacons deke.
2. One of the problems in the past with the appointment of deacons is that the church appoints them and then the shepherds do not empower the deacons to do their work.
1. When deacons don’t “deke” and the elders don’t shepherd, we cease to function as God wants us to in our place.
2. This is a two way street. Deacons must take their responsibilities seriously.
3. Shepherds need to get out of the way and let them work and take own their own God-given role as shepherds to take care of spiritual needs of the people.
2. Deacons need to take their responsibility seriously and with humility.
A. Pride is a dangerous thing when it comes to leadership roles.
1. We do not need, power hungry, mean spirited, prideful men in the role of a ministering servant of the church.
2. There was a man in the New Testament named Diotrephes who had a pride problem. (3 John 1:9 NCV) "I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be their leader, will not listen to us."
1. (James 4:6 NCV) "But God gives us even more grace, as the Scripture says, "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble."
3. Jesus, as usual, says it best. (Matthew 23:11 KJV) "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (diakonos)."
3. When men decide that they want to aspire and desire to become a deacon (ministering servant) in the church, they need to prepare their lives for the work.
A. How desperately do we need men to step up to the plate in their spiritual walk with God!!
B. The church will grow beyond our wildest dreams when our men decide to strive to what God has asked of them...
1. In the work place.
2. At home.
3. At church.
4. At play.
**When the congregation puts your name up for a specific task and the elders call on you, will you be able to respond in positive way?
