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Deacons & Their Qualifications Introduction: Last week we looked at the role of deacons in the church. They are servants of the church under the oversight of the elders. In this lesson we want to look at their qualifications. 1 Timothy 3.8-13 I) At First Glance A) Like those of the elders they are necessary characteristics for the man to possess in order to become a deacon B) They are fair 1. Qualities most Christian men should either possess or be striving to possess. The only exceptions referring to marriage and having children. 2. They are fair in that they are used in other passages referring to qualities Christians are to have. Let us use the same definitions and harmonize them with those other passages. C) This list is not as long as those of the elders and there are some differences 1. Suggesting their role is different 2. Also these men may or may not be younger than the elders II) A Comparison Between Elders & Deacons Qualifications A) 1 Timothy 3 Chart compares qualifications of elders and deacons B) Qualifications of deacons in particular 1. Blameless -- without reproach, without rebuke or not open to censure a. Of honest report, "good reputation" in Acts 6.3 b. All Christians are to be lights in their community 2. Husband of one wife -- same idea that that for an elder a. Cannot be a bachelor or a polygamist b. All Christians must respect God's law on marriage. 3. Reverent -- grave a. Serious, dignified, honorable b. Opposite would be irresponsible. All Christians must be honest and honorable, 1 Timothy 2.2; Phil. 4.8. 4. Not given to much wine a. Often the assumption that the wine is intoxicating drink. b. But drunkenness is forbidden, 1 Corinthians 6.10; Galatians 5.19-21. c. The process of getting drunk is also sinful, Ephesians 5.18 d. A passage that forbids excessiveness does not permit anything short of that excessive point. Passages that forbids adultery does not justify anything short of that (lascivious conduct, unchaste handling and touching). e. The point being that even the wine which would not produce drunkenness must not be consumed to the point of "much wine." 5. Not greedy for money -- not greedy for sordid gain or filthy lure a. Not a lover of money, 1 Timothy 6.10 b. Must not use the office as a means to "fleece the flock" c. His work requires time and money which could be lost. 6. Ruling his house and children well a. Must have a wife and children b. All Christian men are to teach and discipline their children, Ephesians 6.4 c. Ruling their children is different than having believing or faithful children 7. Not double tongued a. Not deceitful in speech, not saying one thing to one person and another to another person. b. Perhaps the idea is that when he says something, when a promise is made, you can count on him to keep his word. Matthew 5.37 8. Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience a. All Christians are to study so as to understand God's will, Ephesians 5.17 b. All are to contend for the faith, Jude 3 c. A deacon must be willing to hold to the truth and not violate his conscience. 9. Must first be proved a. First means in order of time. Before they can become a deacon they must have first proved themselves to be qualified. b. Don't make a man a deacon who is not qualified. c. All Christians are to be examine themselves to see if they are in the faith, 2 Corinthians 13.5. III) Wives of deacons A) The wives of elders are not mentioned but those of deacons are mentioned 1. Why? Perhaps because of the nature of deacons and their work the wives may be called upon the help; they will have access to information other members will not have. 2. The point is that the wife can make a man unqualified to serve as a deacon. B) The character 1. Grave-- reverent or dignified. Same idea expressed earlier. 2. Not slanderers -- not gossips or busy bodies. This is mentioned in 1 Timothy 5.11-13. No Christian should be guilty of slander or gossip. 3. Sober -- serious minded, sound in their thinking; self control. Titus 2.2-4 the older women were to teach the young to be temperate and sound in the faith. 4. Faithful -- she must be a believer but also faithful in all things. a. A faithful wife, mother, sister, etc. b. Faithful in her worship and work. c. This is true of all Christian women but especially so for deacons. Conclusion: 1 Timothy 3.13 points out the rewards a deacon receives from serving as a deacon. He obtains a "good standing" and "great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. It is by doing we grow as Christians; we learn as Christians; and we please God. While not everyone will be qualified, everyone willing to do God's will can serve Him. Tonight Jesus calls for souls to be saved and serve Him.
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