I Timothy 3:8-13
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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," I Timothy 3:8-13. Lord willing, we will wrap up the biblical qualifications of a deacon today. These qualifications come from the Scriptures. It is amazing how many people do not know that the bible gives us qualifications for who can and cannot be a deacon. If we deviate from the Scriptures, then we are compromising the Word of God, which will lead to more compromises which will end up in misery for the local church. Only those who are biblically qualified should be ordained as deacons. Please keep this in mind that the deacon is a model servant. He is one that others look to on how to be a servant in the Lord's church. There are also women who are model servants in the Lord's church. Let us pick up by looking at the role these ladies have.
"Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things," I Timothy 3:11. This speaks of a woman servant, a woman diakonos, a woman deacon. We would call them a deaconess. For clarity, a woman cannot hold the official office of a deacon (I Timothy 2:9-12; Titus 2:3-5). For a woman to have this office over men would go against the role of men and women given to us by God. This does not mean that a woman cannot serve (Romans 16:1, 2). Keep in mind that the deacon is a model servant. A man is not to model himself after a woman, and a woman is not to model herself after a man. We each have a biblical role. Regardless of gender, our roles in the church are very important. For someone to say they will not serve because they can't have the title to an office shows they are not qualified for that office. Women are very important in the church. Their role is not lessened just because they are women. Because they are women their role is magnified. As men and women have different roles in the family, men and women have different roles in the church.
Notice the qualifications for a woman servant, "grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things." Grave means honest. As with men, women are also entrusted with money. They are entrusted with going to other's homes and ministering to the sick and shut in, they are entrusted with other's children; people will come and confide in them and seek godly counsel.
They are not to be slanderers which means a false accuser. Women must be able to control their tongue. Don't pass on information that has been entrusted to you. Don't slander others who have come to you with something personal. Don't be like the devil and proclaim others faults and don't make up lies about others and don't spread rumors. Don't be a gossiper. When that phone call comes to you it stops with you; when that text message comes to you it stops with you; you aren't involved with the sins of others, on the sinner-net or by other means. "Sober" is to be circumspect: to abstain from wine (keep sober). "Faithful in all things" means faithful in duty to yourself and to others; especially of servants and ministers who are faithful in the performance of their duty. Ladies, be faithful in your service. When you do this, you glorify God. Too many men abuse the office of a deacon, eyes are on you when you are serving also. Many churches are known for the slanderers women that go there. May we be known for women who love our Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him.
"Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well," I Timothy 3:12. This goes back to the qualifications of an elder. The deacon is to be committed to his wife in mind and heart. He is to govern his home well. A deacon's kids are known to be some of the most rebellious kids. What provokes this is a deacon who is one way at church and another way at home. Kids know a hypocrite. This applies to everyone, not just deacons. A deacon is a model servant at home, and every where he goes. Just like all whom the Lord has saved are Christians at home, and every where we go. This simply means we should conduct ourselves as such.
"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," I Timothy 3:13. Those that have used the office of a deacon well are those who are qualified, and continually are qualified. These are known for their service and how they serve. They earn for themselves a good degree. "Good" in this verse means choice, excellent, valuable, virtuous, and beautiful. "Degree" is a step. We are not to exalt ourselves, and good deacons do not exalt themselves, but because of their life service, they are exalted. They are respected and honoured.
They also have "great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." When they speak others listen. Boldness of the faith is speaking of the right or authority to speak boldly. Because of their service for the Lord, they have earned this. This is given to them by God. With this boldness they help further the Kingdom of God by instructing others and being the example to follow.
I hope we see the importance of having spiritual people in leadership positions. Many of you have come from other churches where the people in leadership roles were not qualified, and it showed. Some of you come from other churches where the people in leadership roles are qualified, and you know the difference. When we are obedient to the Word of God, we will reap the blessings of God; but when we are disobedient, we will reap pain and sorrow. What we do matters presently, but it matters more to the next generations. Let's purpose to do right according to the Bible, and then do right. We are thankful for the servants the Lord gives to His churches. What a blessing to be a servant in Christ's church. Please send questions and comments to richardsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com. To God be the glory.
