The Deacon’s Fitness-1

The DEACON’S FITNESS-I—1Timothy 3:8-13

Paul related the moral qualifications for deacons of the Church.

Character traits for deacons of the church are definitive/unequivocal.

?What character traits define the deacon’s fitness for office?

?How is the deacon’s fitness determined?

Characteristics by which an deacon’s fitness for office is decided.

The deacon’s fitness is decided by...Collaborative/Collective ...

1— The deacon’s fitness is decided thru...

His REVERENCE(:8a)

Explanation:(:8a)

:8—“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,”

Paul now shifts to revealing the qualifications for “deacons.” “Likewise” very tightly ties the qualifications of the previous verses(:1-7) with what follows here.

Thus many of the same characteristics which are to distinguish bishops/overseers(:1-7) are also directly & indirectly applied to “deacons.” The list is also comprised of both positive & negative qualities as with the bishops/overseers.

These verses also describe the fact that particular people were openly & authoritatively recognized as “deacons.” Judging by the following wording & qualifications, these “deacons” must have held office within the local(& beyond?) church. Thus as with bishop/overseer, the one who desires to effectively serve in the capacity of “deacon” also “desires a good work”(7:1).

In the same manner(“likewise”) as are overseers/bishops, “Deacons” are expected to exhibit a character which exudes “reverence.”

“Reverent” is unqualified but is instead listed concisely as a character trait.

**In other words, deacons must approach all others(in general) & all situations with a “reverence” or proper regard, which bespeaks the same regard Christ has towards them/it. This of course can only be done by the saved sinner when he allows himself to be controlled by the Spirit of God.

“Deacons”[See :8]—diakonov—One who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister.—1a)The servant of a king- 1b) A deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor & has charge of & distributes the money collected for their use, 1c) A waiter, one who serves food & drink. Diakonov represents the servant in his activity for the work; not in his relation, either servile, or more voluntary. Diakonov may designate either a slave or a freeman, it denotes a servant viewed in relation to his work. Strong—probably from an obsolete diakw(to run on errands; compare diwkw); An attendant, i.e. (genitive case)A waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially--A Christian teacher & pastor(technically, a deacon or deaconess).

“Reverent/Grave/Men of Dignity/Men worthy of Respect”[See :11 & :3—semnothv]—Adj.—semnov—August, venerable, reverend; 2) To be venerated for character, honorable— 2a) Of persons 2b) Of deeds. Semnov is that which inspires reverence or awe. In classical Greek it was often applied to the gods. But frequently it has the lower idea of that which is humanly venerable, or even refers simply to externals, as to that which is magnificent, grand, or impressive. Strong—from sebomai[an apparently primary verb; To revere, i.e. Adore] Venerable, i.e. Honorable. Used 4X.

Argumentation:

Acts 4:32-5:13—“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart & one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, & brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, & laid them at the apostles’ feet; & they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, & brought the money & laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, & brought a certain part & laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit & keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down & breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose & wrapped him up, carried him out, & buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, & they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet & breathed her last. And the young men came in & found her dead, & carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church & upon all who heard these things. And through the hands of the apostles many signs & wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.”