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I.    Introduction
      A.  We continue our look at the leadership roles in the church.
      B.  The need for this type of leader arose in he very early days of the church. (Acts 6:1-6)
           1.  There was a need for leadership in the daily work of the church.
           2.  The apostles dealt with this situation by issuing a call.
           3.  This set a precedent for a role of leadership in service: the deacons.
      C.  The New Testament established the role of deacons in the church. (Philemon 1:1; I Timothy 3:8)
           1.  As with elders, we see references to the deacons in the New Testament epistles (Philemon 1:1)
                a.  ”doulos” – bondservants, slaves (like Paul and Timothy in the same verse)
                b.  ”oiketes” – house servants (Luke 16:13; Romans 14:4)
                c.  ”diakonos” – table servants – Here, a reference to an office, role in the church.
           2.  As he did with elders, Paul related to Timothy the qualities for those in this role. (I Timothy 3:8-13)
           3.  Let us examine the role of the deacon: its duties, its qualifications, and its rewards.
II.   The Duties of Deacons
      A.  There are physical needs to be met in the church.
           1.  The needs of its members
           2.  The business needs of the church
           3.  The organizational needs of the church
           4.  The outreach of the church
      B.  These are critical duties to be performed, and require leadership in carrying them out.
           1.  The church always has a need for capable deacons
           2.  Those who have the heart of a servant
           3.  Those who are responsible, dependable.
      C.  The service of deacons enables the church to operate efficiently.
           1.  ”Musical chairs” in duties within the church
           2.  When deacons are empowered to do their work, the church benefits.
III.  The Qualifications of Deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13)
      A.  The men who serve must be representative of the standards of Christian living.
           1.  They are visible as those authorized by the church.
           2.  The church deserves quality leaders in service
      B.  Deacons are to be men who exempplify Christian service.
           1.  Dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain (8)
           2.  Hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (9)
           3.  Husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well (12)
           4.  To be tested first, prove blameless (10)
      C.  Wives of deacons (11)
           1.  Dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded, faithful in all things
IV. &nbspThe Benefits of Service (I Timothy 3:13)
      A.  Good standing
           1.  True greatness (Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:35)
           2.  As all true servants of Christ, the will be exalted (John 12:26)
      B.  Confidence in the faith
           1.  Service leads to spiritual development
           2.  It enhances talents in continued service to God and men.
V.   Conclusion
      A.  We can be thankful for our deacons
      B.  How is your service to God?

Glenn Record
February 8, 2009