Sermon Central
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Why We Have Deacons
Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Jan 13, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Have you ever wondered why we have deacons? I mean really wonder, you know if every one was doing what they were supposed to do would we really need them?
A New beginning
Why we have Deacons
Have you ever wondered why we have deacons? I mean really wonder, you know if every one was doing what they were supposed to do would we really need them?
Well the answer is still yes. We see in Acts 6 why they chose deacons.
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.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the
faith.
1 We need deacons so every ones needs can be met!
A. Those who are doing ministry of Gods word, preaching, teaching and praying. Staying focused on what they are called to do. VS 2&4
B. As needs arise there is someone there who can see and take care of those particular needs.
C. So there is someone focused on watching out for needs.
D. So someone can handle the needs with out needing to call meetings or comities together to see what to do. Their responsibility not someone who watches over them, theirs.
2. God says to take care of needs of others.
26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
RELIGION A relationship of devotion . The cognate terms translated “religious” and “religion” can indicate positive reverence for God. particularly ritual practice. In Acts 26:5 Paul referred to Judaism as “our” way of evidencing reverence for God. According to James 1:26-27, one who thinks himself religiously observant but who cannot control the tongue will find religious observance worthless.
James continued that the religious observance God cares about is not a cultic matter but an ethical matter, care of the helpless of society. . The term in Acts 13:43 is rendered “religious” , “devout” accentuates the linkage with an obedient life. The term RSV translated as “religion” (1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:5) and “religious duty” in 1 Timothy 5:4 is generally translated “godliness” or “piety.” The emphasis is again on conduct. The Greek roots suggest freely chosen worship ( “will worship”, “promoting rigor of devotion”)
Now how about pure religion?
Most New Testament uses of words for purity relate to cleanness of some type. Old Testament meanings are often reflected. Perfection is the meaning in Mark 14:3; this is mixed with religious purity in Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 3:3.
Ethical purity dominates in the New Testament. The person who is in right relationship with God is to live a life of purity (2 Tim. 2:21-22; Titus 1:15 and references to a pure heart—Matt. 5:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 9:14; Jas. 4:8; 1 Peter 1:22). Purity is also listed among virtues (2 Cor. 6:6; Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 4:12.
See God says to have a right religion we need to see the needs of others are met, expressly widows and orphans. VS 27 and Acts 6:1
A. our actions speaks of where our heart is.
If our heart is on following God we will always put others
first.
Jesus said it is by our love we will be known as His
disciples. It takes action, pro-action. Knowing others well
enough to see needs, sometimes even before they are
reveled to us.
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
