1 Timothy 3:1-13
1 Tim. 3:1-7
gives us the spiritual qualifications of those called to lead the church. Paul
gave insight into the call, the personal life, the family life, the church
life, and the testimony of the one called to lead the church.
1 Tim. 3:8-13 we look at those who are called to serve the church, the office of
Deacon. When God raises up a man to serve His church, He looks for hearts right
with him, not talents, not human abilities, not social status, or occupation, but
He raises up a spiritual men.
Lets take a few seconds to
look at this word “deacon” and its many variations. Originally it meant
performing menial tasks such as waiting on tables [Acts 6]. It grew into any
service in the church. The word means “servant, minister, ministry, or
service.” He is to be “kicking up the dust" in service.
What are the duties of a
deacon? They assist the pastor in caring for the spiritual and temporal needs
of the church under the pastors oversight. They carry out whatever tasks are
assigned to them by the pastor or needed by the church.
The office of deacon is one of two ordained offices in the church and serve alongside the pastor meeting the temporal and spiritual needs of the congregation.
Pastors who lead and deacons who serve perform different functions, but the spiritual qualifications are almost identical except for 2 clear differences:
(1) The pastor is to be "apt to teach” [v.2].
(2) The pastor leads, gives
oversight, and superintends the work of the church. The deacons serve the
pastor and church in the work of the church (vs. 4-5, 8).
W.A. Criswell says, "There is no such thing as a "Deacon Board" but a "Body of Servants." Board has to do with a business or corporation. They are not managers but ministers.
