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“Role of Deacon – Servant”
Introduction: In Exodus 17:8-16 we have a battle being fought between Amalek and Israel. Joshua was in the valley leading the fight against Amalek. Moses was on top of a hill with the ROD OF GOD. Would you follow me as I read Exodus 17:11-13 ?
“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
Now the point I want you to notice is when Moses' arms were heavy, God placed AARON on one side; HUR, on the other, each lifting up one of Moses' arms. When his arms were lifted, the battle was won. When his arms were lowered, the battle was lost.
In I Samuel 10:26 it is said of Saul, the first King of Israel shortly after he was anointed that he, "…went home to Gilbeah; and there went with him A BAND OF MEN, WHOSE HEARTS GOD HAD TOUCHED." King Saul had a group of men who stood with him and around him; who aided him in his work and ministry.
Even our Saviour, during the last three years of His earthly ministry, chose TWELVE MEN, called Disciples who worked with our Lord to walk with Him and learn from Him.
In the New Testament there are two officers of the church that are set aside in ORDINATION, by what the Bible calls "the laying on of hands." They are the Pastor and the Deacon.
In Philippians 1:1 we read, “…to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi, with the Bishops and Deacons:” This church at Philippi was made up of SAVED and BAPTIZED believers. When this church was organized it had a Pastor and Deacons. This church was simply following the pattern for New Testament churches.
For 43 years I have filled the office of Pastor; 35 of those years as a Senior Pastor. I have never gotten used to it. To me it's the most fulfilling position in the world. Yet on the other hand, it is the most humbling position to be an under-shepherd of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we studied in our last message, in the divine calling of the Pastor, three titles in the Word of God describe your Pastor. These three titles ELDER, PASTOR, and BISHOP all refer to one man, the Preacher.
The title “ELDER” is the Greek word PREBUTEROS, describing the spiritual maturity and dignity of the office, an elder.
The title “BISHOP” is the Greek word EPISCOPOS, which means an OVERSEER. The pastor is the one who oversees the entire work of the ministry as the Superintendent of the Church. That means in every area of the church ministry your pastor has oversight. Nothing goes on without his knowledge or approval. God has given him that awesome task.
The title “PASTOR” is the Greek word POIMAN sometimes translated by the word “Feed, or shepherd or Pastor.” Your pastor is the shepherd of the church. He is the one who tends to the sheep, protecting them and feeding them.
The other office in the Bible is that of a DEACON.
It is a tremendous HONOR to fulfill the office of a DEACON.
It’s a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
It is a position that only godly men should fill.
These men are APPOINTED to help me, and aid the church in the work of the KING.
That's why it is a serious ministry. Over the years I have been very thankful for the DEACONS who have served the KING well by helping me.
In his pastoral theology book, Dr. W.A. Criswell, long time pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas Texas, spoke of the Pastor and the Deacons in this way:
"Separated, they are like two hemispheres that bleed themselves white. Together, they are the strength and the power of the Lord. When they are one in Christ, they make an unbeatable team. Like a pair of scissors – one blade will not work. Two are needed. They sharpen each other. Happy is the church that has a wonderful pastor. Blessed is the pastor who has a group of consecrated deacons whose hearts the Lord has touched. Marvelous is the life of the congregation when they can behold love and harmony in the two.”
The Greek word for DEACON is "DIAKONOS", which means SERVANT. One Bible scholar said, "When describing a deacon in the New Testament as a servant of God, you are describing one who ministers to the people, one who stirs up the dust because he is busy running for God." A DEACON is a SERVANT, who humbles himself to serve the people and serve the Pastor.
In order to examine this New Testament Greek word “Diakonos,” let’s consider the following passages:
Mark 10:45, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered (diakonos), but to serve (diakonos) and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Mark 15:41 speaking of the many women who followed the Lord, “Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed Him and ministered (diakonos) unto Him…”
John 12:26, Jesus speaking said, “If any man serve me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also my servant (diakonos) be: if any man serve (diakonos) me, him shall my Father honor.”
Now turning in your Bible to I Timothy 3:8-13 the Apostle Paul supplied a list of 10 qualifications for Deacons. Here we read,
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10) And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (13) For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
When evaluating a man for the office of Deacon, it is essential that he possess each qualification. However, while he serves it is likely that he will become more godly as a result of these qualities becoming more firmly ingrained. Let’s look at each in more depth:
First: In I Timothy 3:8 Grave: These are men of dignity, serious minded men. They have a high standard of conduct. Their behavior is not frivolous, shallow, superficial, or silly. This doesn’t mean they don’t have any fun or possess a sense of humor. But they demonstrate determination, commitment and stability.
Second: In I Timothy 3:8 Not double-tongued: In Bible times as now, double-tongued means one who says one thing and means or does another. A deacon is one who should not be talking out of both sides of his mouth.
His walk should match his talk as a Christian.
He has a SINGLE tongue dedicated and sanctified to the truth.
He is trustworthy and able to discern what to keep to himself and what to share.
Third: In I Timothy 3:8 Not given to much wine. A person under the influence of alcohol can’t adequately serve the body of Christ. He can’t have clear Christ-like thinking or model God-honoring behavior. He should not be given to alcohol at all.
Fourth: In I Timothy 3:8 Not in the ministry for monetary gain. Since Deacons handle offerings and distribute the same, there must be a spiritually honest attitude toward the handling of ministry funds.
Fifth: In I Timothy 3:9 Doctrinally Sound. In other words, they are deeply spiritual, Bible believing men, who have spiritual depth to their understanding of the Word of God. A deacon is a Bible student,
Who knows God’s Word.
Who believes God's Word.
Who is able to explain God’s Word.
Who will defend the great theological truths of the Word of God.
It is not enough just to be able to sit in meetings and decide how to "run the church." Deacons should be able to back up their decisions based on the Word of God. A DEACON who does not KNOW the Word of God, nor LIVE by the Word of God, cannot manage the CHURCH of God.
Sixth: In I Timothy 3:10 They are not novices. “They must be first proved or tested…” A new Christian should not be considered for the position of Deacon. He needs to prove himself before the congregation as one fitting the office of Deacon. This statement is true: “Deacons have more to do than to fill a slot and pass the plate. Testing deacons is needed today. They should not be appointed without consideration of their doctrine and their Christian life.” This is the reason that I watch a man for a period of a year or two, before I even approach Him to take a position as a Deacon.
Seventh: In I Timothy 3:10 They are to be blameless. The word blameless carries the idea of a slippery barrel; there is nothing you can hold against him. First, his testimony in the Church must be good, and his testimony outside the church must also have good standing.
Eight: In I Timothy 3:11-12 They must be men of fidelity. “Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”
From the phrase “the husband of one wife” I firmly believe that a deacon must be married. No single man should be chosen as a deacon. He must be loyal to his wife. I also believe this phrase indicates that no divorced man can serve as a deacon.
From the phrase “ruling their children and their own houses well” apparently a deacon must have children to prove his ability to be a good manager of his children and his household. A deacon who exercises godly authority in the home with a servant’s heart will bring those same qualities to the church, in managing the House of God.
Ninth: In I Timothy 3:11 A Deacon’s wife must also have her person in order as there are qualifications she should meet. A man whose wife is BOSSY, BACKBITING and a TALE-BEARER should not be elected to the office of DEACON. On the other hand a wife who qualifies can be a tremendous help to her Deacon husband by encouraging him, sharing his burdens, praying for him, and lightening the load he carries for the glory of God.
Tenth: In I Timothy 3:13 They purchase a good DEGREE. That means they gain good standing in that office. Deacons set an example in leadership.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to be in the house of God if they are not. Deacons need to be faithful in church attendance, including Sunday School, as well as both Sunday morning and evening services and the Wednesday service.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to tithe if they don't.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to win souls and get them into the house of God, if they don't.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to have their homes in order, if they don't lead their family and have their house in order.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to be separate in their living according to II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, if they are not.
Deacons need to be loyal to the church program and the doctrines of the church.
Deacons cannot expect the congregation to be loyal to the Pastor and the ministry, if they are not. Deacons need to be loyal to God, loyal to their family and loyal to the Pastor. Now loyalty does not mean that they are blind, yes, men. Certainly there is to be a check and balance to the ministry. But I do expect loyalty and I will give loyalty.
It all begins with me, your Pastor. I must set the example and the standard based on God’s Word. Attitudes and decisions then flow down to the staff and deacons, and then from the deacons to the congregation.
Turning to Acts 6:1-7; we find the first mention and illustration of what a Deacon is and what a Deacon does. Here we read,
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (6) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (7) And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
This office was created in order to give the Apostles, who were acting as overseers, the needed time to stay focused on the primary ministry of prayer and the teaching of the Word of God.
According to Acts 6:7, this beautiful team effort between the deacons and the apostles caused the Word of God to increase and many people were saved. Because the work of the Lord was being done by appropriate personnel, the COMPLAINING decreased, and the CONVERSIONS increased.
Please turn with me to Acts 6:3. Here there are FIVE other basic qualifications given for the office of Deacon. Before we look at these, let me briefly give you the background surrounding this list.
As a result of Pentecost and the increased preaching of the Word of God, thousands were being saved. The Christians were multiplying. History tells us that in Jerusalem there were over 100,000 believers in the early days of the church.
Keep in mind there were at least 16 different nationalities represented according to Acts 2:8-11, and many of these people did not go back to their own countries. As a result, there were many needs as you read in Acts 6:1, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” With the number of people getting saved and baptized and becoming a part of the church and with all their multitude of needs, there arose some complaining.
Instead of concentrating on and caring for the spiritual needs of these people, the disciples found themselves “spinning their wheels” and failing to properly handle the business affairs of the church.
The Greek word for TABLES in Acts 6:2 did not carry the idea of someone serving food. The word has the idea of one who sat at a table to conduct business.
The disciples needed men who could handle the business affairs of the church. The meaning is verified by the wording in Acts 6:3, "… whom we may appoint over this business."
As a result of this urgent need, the Disciples called a congregational meeting. Seven men were chosen to lift the load of the Apostles. As a result, the Word of God was preached and more people were saved. PRAISE THE LORD FOR FAITHFUL DEACONS who lift the load and give the PASTOR THE TIME TO PRAY AND PREPARE THE WORD OF GOD.
Now here are the five qualifications given:
First: They were to be men of Honest Report. They were men who had proved themselves in the community and in the church.
Second: They were men full of the Holy Spirit. They were spiritual men. They were men who really understood that this was not a secular endeavor but a spiritual ministry, and as such they did God's business while being controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Third: They were men of Wisdom. They were men, who could wisely apply themselves to finding the solution to problems. Who needs wisdom more than a DEACON?
There are business matters that have to be discussed.
There are decisions to be made concerning the financial matters of the ministry.
There are decisions to be made concerning the church programs and all of its ministries.
Here at Green Street Baptist Chapel, we recognize that we do not have the human talent, nor wisdom for these matters, SO WE NEED TO ASK THE LORD FOR WISDOM. This reminds me of James 1:5 which says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally."
Fourth: They were men full of FAITH. They were men who walked by faith not by sight. They understood that Christian ministries are run by FAITH, faith in God’s ability.
Fifth: They were soul winners. I say this because the first individual soul winner in the New Testament in the Book of Acts was a Deacon by the name of Philip. We read in Acts 8:5 that he preached the gospel in the godless city of Samaria and then in Acts 8:35 he led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ.
I want you to think about this. Three whole chapters in the Book of Acts deal with DEACONS.
In chapter 6, they are chosen and appointed.
In chapter 7, Deacon Stephen became the first MARTYR of the Christian church.
In chapter 8, Deacon Philip led a revival and soul-winning ministry.
I want you to notice one more very significant area concerning the DEACONS. It's found in verse 6. Notice the phrase "and when they had prayer, they LAID HANDS ON THEM." The laying on of hands is a Biblical custom, done for at least 5 different reasons:
a. As an act of BENEDICTION (Genesis 48:14- 20 ),
b. For the purpose of HEALING (Mark 5:23),
c. As a symbol to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17, 19),
d. For the purpose of IDENTIFICATION (Numbers 8:12),
e. For the purpose of ORDINATION.
In Deuteronomy 34:9 we have the first mention of the laying on of hands. "And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him…"
In Acts 13:3 Paul and Barnabas were being sent out from the church to the mission field. The church gathered around them and laid hands on them. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
In I Timothy 4:14 the laying on of hands was performed on Timothy. “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” The laying on of hands is a Biblical practice.
Do not think of this ceremony as some sort of ritual. It is more than that.
Do not think of it as some kind of official declaration to become a deacon. It is more than that.
It allows godly men to pray for you. It entreats the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and power for the job that is before you.
These are God's instructions concerning the DEACONS. Yes, they have been chosen from among the congregation to be set apart, to help me and you as servants to the King. They need your support, your prayers, and your encouragement. May God bless both us and them as, together for the Glory of God, we minister one to another here at the Green Street Baptist Chapel!
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If God has spoken to your heart after reading the sermon “Role of Deacon – Servant” then right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you.
Do you have the assurance that one day you will go to heaven? If you have no assurance that you know Jesus Christ, then I trust you will decide to accept Him as your personal Savior. The Bible tells us in
Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This prayer is here for those who need to ask Jesus to be their personal Savior: “I do want to go to Heaven. I know I am a sinner, and I do believe Jesus Christ died for me. I realize I cannot buy this great salvation, nor can I earn it. Knowing Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave to pay my sin debt and to purchase my salvation, I do now trust Him as my Savior, and from this moment on I am completely depending on Him for my salvation.”
If you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior let me know? Please send an e-mail to, pdmikBBM@aol.com and I will send you some literature that will help you in your Christian life.
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In His Amazing Grace,
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