Blessing of Godly Deacons Part 2
Blessing of Godly Deacons Part 2
THE QUALIFICATION FOR DEACONS
1 Timothy 3:8-13>
Some of us may have dismissed this subject a lot of times because we are not deacons and not wanting to become one anyway.
But we need to know this role as we are being overseen by deacons.
It matters because they serve us and we are supposed to serve them as well. We are called to serve one another.
We have to appreciate this role as they protect the ministry of the preaching of the Word. Also, this role is most crucial as this represents Christ's mercy (practical service) toward us.
1. (Verse 8 ) Dignified - high degree of social credibility, responsible, respectable, trustworthy
2. (Verse 8 ) Not to be double-tongued - honest, sincere, not biased, not people-pleasers, not hypocritical
3. (Verse 8 ) Not indulging in much wine - self-control, not seeking worldly pleasures,
4. (Verse 8 ) Not pursuing dishonest gain - not greedy for money, etc
5. (Verse 9 ) Hold the mystery of faith with a clear conscience - embrace, believe and love the truth, they need to know the right doctrine.
6. (Verse 10 ) They must be tested first - long enough to prove they are blameless, above reproach
While it is impossible to be blameless in the eyes of God, we can be blameless in the eyes of people, with nothing obviously sinful.
TWO DANGERS
1. If you are not a deacon, that you would fail to see that these are the same standards that apply to every single Christian.
2. If you are deacon, that you think that you don't have the same level of grace that can forgive you. You must remember that we are all in right standing before God only because of what Christ has done.
Pray for your deacons and elders.
***List to be continued next week.***