Introduction:

1. Special group in church known as "deacons", spoken of along with elders and distinguished from saints in general Phil 1:1
2. KJV uses word "office" in reference to deacons 1Tim 3:10,13
   1. ASV says "Let them serve as deacons" v 10
   2. And "They have served well as deacons." v 13
3. Office of deacon, like elder is a work
   1. Word "office" has nothing to represent it in Greek in 1Tim 3:1 in reference to elders. Phrase "office of a bishop" better translated "overseership"
   2. We sometimes make something out of word "office" Scriptures never intended. It is work or area of service to Lord in special way.

I. The Meaning And Use Of Word "Deacon"

1. From Greek "diakonos", which means "one who executes the commands of another, a servant, an attendant, minister" (Thayer).
   1. The primary meaning is "servant".
   2. In this noun form "diakonos" is found 31 times in the KJV.
   3. Translated "deacon" 3 times; "servant" 8 times; "minister" 20
2. diakonos - used in special/official and in general/unofficial sense.
   1. Special sense refers to particular class of servants called deacons Phil 1:1 - Anglicized word from translators to distinguish between work of these qualified men and general servants in the church
   2. In general sense includes several classes of workers - (All deacons are servants, but not all servants are deacons.)
      1. Christ Rom 15:8
      2. The apostles 2Cor 3:6
      3. Evangelist 1Tim 4:6
      4. Civil authorities Rom 13:4
      5. Satan's servants 2Cor 11:15
      6. Servants at a feast Jhn 2:5
      7. Women servants of the church Rom 16:1
      8. Any and all faithful Christians Jhn 12:26
3. First account of special or official use of word is in Acts 6:1-6
   1. Not called "deacons" but work indicates such
   2. Were to serve tables to relieve apostles of this duty
   3. Generally accepted by Bible scholars as first deacons in church.
4. First account of use of word as special designation in Phil 1:1 where mentioned with bishops (overseers).
5. Deacons not elders/overseers since mentioned along with them.
   1. They have no authority - contrary to denominational thinking
   2. They do not oversee They do not rule Not Jr elders
   3. Not suggesting elders can't/shouldn't consult with deacons or any brother/sister when choose. Responsibility of Overseers to tend

II. Qualifications Of A Deacon

1. A deacon must be grave 1Tim 3:8
   1. Notice "likewise" - same way as - just as others already mentioned
   2. "To be venerated for character, honorable" (BDB/Thayer)
   3. Also rendered serious, honorable, dignified, serious demeanor
2. Not double tongued 1Tim 3:8
   1. Literally saying the same thing twice, repeating
   2. "Double in speech, saying one thing with one person, another to another (with intent to deceive)" --Thayer
   3. Old Indian saying: "speak with forked tongue."
3. Not given to much wine 1Tim 3:8
   1. "Given" - to set ones mind to
   2. "Much" - adjective of degree
   3. "Wine" - (Oinos) general word for fresh or fermented grape juice
   4. Strong Drink was always condemned in Scripture.
   5. This qualification simply serves to show that this individual's mind set is not on the things of the world but on spiritual things.
4. Not greedy of filthy lucre 1Tim 3:8
   1. Same as instruction to the elders
   2. No lover or worshipper of money
5. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience 1Tim 3:9
   1. Holding to the truth sincerely similar to Tit 1:9-11
   2. Not having any doubts
6. Blameless 1Tim 3:10
   1. Same as elder, w/out reproach, unrebukeable, not open to censure
   2. "Not arraigned" one against whom no charge can be substantiated
7. Husband of one wife 1Tim 3:12
   1. Cannot be a bachelor or polygamist
   2. Also rules out adulterous relationship as found in Corinth
8. Ruling their children and their own houses well 1Tim 3:12
   1. Believing children not required, must have children in subjection
   2. Thus younger men with younger children may serve as deacons

III. First Be Proved 1Tim 3:10

1. Prove - to test with the expectation of approving
2. As become Christians after obey (meet qualifications/requirements), men become elders and deacons after have been proven qualified
   1. Some have been appointed in hopes they will "measure up"
   2. They must "measure up" before appointment
   3. Does not mean have grown and developed all they are going to, any more than we had at point of becoming a Christian
3. God (Holy Spirit) makes men elders Acts 20:28 upon their meeting qualifications and being appointed/ordained Tit 1:5. The same applies to deacons
4. One qualified for office (work) of deacon has shown his desire and ability to 'do the work' beforehand

IV. The Work Of Deacons

1. Very little given in NT as to nature of work of deacons. Only three sources from which may reach conclusions as to work
   1. Qualifications in 1Tim 3:8-13 indicate will be dealing with congregation, maybe in confidence, and have financial dealings
   2. Meaning of Greek "diakonos" (servant) which is translated deacon
   3. Application of same word to seven men appointed to look after Grecian widows in Acts 6:1-6
   4. From these must conclude deacons are to serve in whatever capacity elders think will best serve congregation
   5. They are servants of church under oversight of elders.
2. Suggestions as to work deacons might do under oversight of elders
   1. Look after physical needs of members in want.
   2. Visit those whom elders ask them - physically sick and need special attention or spiritually sick that need special attention elders believe deacons could supply
   3. Look after ordering of class material and help elders in looking after teaching program.
   4. See after meeting place and make sure its prepared for assembly
      1. Is lot, lawn, building presenting proper image to the community?
      2. Do the doors work? Is the heat working? Is baptistery clean?
   5. Serve as the treasurer for the congregation, etc.
   6. See proper maintenance is done on house and building
3. Office of deacon is work to be performed 1Tim 3:13
   1. It is not an "honorary" office
   2. Elders need to assign special and regular duties to deacons and deacons must perform these duties faithfully
   3. Only appoint deacons if there is a work for deacons
4. Members of congregation should show appreciation for work of deacons and cooperate with and assist them in doing work they do.

V. The Reward Of Deacons

1. "Purchase to themselves a good degree" - denotes a step or a good standing (Thayer) a grade of dignity and wholesome influence in the church. 1Tim 3:13
   1. Deacons work not "proving ground" future elders; not "Jr elders"
   2. Opportunity to serve and develop a good influence in congregation
2. "Great boldness in the faith" - absence of fear in speaking boldly; hence Confidence cheerful courage, boldness, w/out any connection necessarily with speech. Assurance. 1Tim 3:13

Conclusion:

1. In functioning of any congregation, many things to be seen after which elders could not attend w/out help - hence Lord put some "helpers" or "attendants" in functional arrangement of His church.
2. Long as they function in proper relation to rest of church, may be assigned any responsibilities elders deem needed by circumstances.
3. Members should realize purpose, qualifications, work of deacons
4. Recognize qualified deacons who are serving as being faithful, willing servants of church and good examples of Christianity.

Invitation:

1. Each of us must remember these responsibilities also apply to every Christian
   1. Must be serious, honest, honorable 1Tim 2:2
   2. Not double tongued Jas 1:8; 3:9,10
   3. Must abstain from drunkenness Eph 5:18; 1Cor 6:9,10
   4. No lover of money 1Tim 6:9,10
   5. Must be stable in the faith Heb 13:9; Eph 4:14
   6. Must be blameless 1Cor 1:8; Phil 2:14-16
   7. Every man is to have his own wife 1Cor 7:2
   8. Children subject parents; husband head of wife Eph 6:1-4; 5:22,23
   9. Can be a Christian and not be married or have children

Outline compiled by Daniel Lee Henderson Jasper 12/1999