10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. In fact, the word deacon is simply a transliteration of the Greek word for table servant or waiter. Dr. W. A Criswell offers this helpful definition: The word in the New Testament for deacon is diakonos. It is rooted in the Greek word diakanos, which is translated as deacon, minister, or servant (1). 20:20, 24). I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. Y They made sure that the help given was equitable. Peter says that we are to use whatever gifts we have in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. At a pastors conference, Bill Mills told about a time when he was speaking to some missionaries in South America. As the New Testament church developed, the office of deacon (= servant) became official. 12:28) or service (Rom. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Almost everything I learned about deacons in a practical sense, I learned while growing up. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. Self-controlled. Later, when Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he addressed his letter to the overseers and deacons (Phil. The deaconesses were often connected with the widows whose role was prayer and acts of godly service. 2:5-11). Instead He chose a poor carpenter and his wife! Whatever youre doing or wherever youre at, youre a servant of the Lord who rescued you from eternal judgment. Blog, A 4. The ESV translates, not greedy for dishonest gain. This is also a qualification for elders (Titus 1:7). I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. In that day we will discover that Jesus considers deeds of kindness done to the needy to have actually been done to him personally! Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. C 3. Since a deacons duties often involved the distribution of money and gifts to the needy, there was always the temptation for embezzlement. Either A or C are most likely. The deacon receives the gifts of money, bread and wine. The word in classic Greek referred to the servant (slave) of a king, especially one who acted in the capacity of a waiter, serving food and drink. Matthew 20:24-28. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. His hands were not the soft hands of royalty, but the rough, callused hands of a carpenter. You can find the devotionalsby clicking here. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Often I hear deacons express an uncertainty about what is expected, and what their role actually is. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And there are plenty of other ministry needs that could use help. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. 1. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Those with the gift of service are like the linemen on a football team. Q. Thus. You would think that after Jesus comes in His glory and everyone is subject to His rule, He would shed the servants role and demand that everyone serve Him. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 09.24.2014. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Larger Text. Do you wash dirty feet? Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 1. Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God suppliesin order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.. So throughout the Gospels, we see them jockeying for power. Maybe someone criticized them or, people didnt appreciate what they were doing. To me, he was the epitome of what a deacon should besomber, serious, well-dressed, very old (anybody over 30 was old to me), a man you never dared to speak to unless he spoke to you first. Q But when Jesus comes again, He says that He will have His followers recline at the table and He will wait on them (Luke 12:37)! 2 Timothy 1:7. S 9. Many believed. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). Paul never specifically mentions what deacons were supposed to do. They assisted the apostles by serving in the practical matter of distributing the food fairly so that the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). Is it not the one who reclines at the table? High qualificationsGodly men filled with the Spirit, 3. They are to teach what is good. Deacons encourage people. They are a blessing, and I pray that you and your church appreciates them like I do. But Jesus set the counter-cultural example and calls us to follow Him. That means helping with jobs that need to be done. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. S 2. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. R Let us earnestly pray for God to raise up such godly men and women so that we may properly recognize them as true deaconsservantsof the Lord Jesus Christ. Clear conscienceNothing in his conduct that is inconsistent with what he professes to believe. 1. During seminary the church I attended had 2 elders and 10-12 deacons, but I cant get a clear picture in my mind about what the deacons did. Ability clearly demonstrated over a period of time. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Since men and women were often separated in the early church (following the pattern of the synagogue), deaconesses were needed to minister in ways that would not be appropriate for male elders. 4. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Carry it to the dumpster and put in a clean bag. November 10, 2017. Read through the biblical references of Deacons to learn more about its meaning and significance. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. What is a deacon? Are they shorthanded at cleaning up after a church social? The Best Calls to Worship When an Ordination orInstallation Is Included in a Worship Service. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. So throughout eternity, Jesus is our supreme example of servanthood! 9 Love must be sincere. One who performs lowly service on behalf of another. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 7. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. I am among you as one who serves. (lit, I am among you as a deacon.), 3. A faithful servant can go boldly before the Lord in prayer, knowing that he has a clear conscience and is doing Gods will. Another passage from the Passion Week. Criswells Guidebook for Pastors, pp. In the broad sense, all Christians are called to be deacons or servants.. D Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 2. 8. Bible scholars are generally agreed that the office of deacon finds its roots in Acts 6:1-7, where the early church selected seven men to assist the apostles in caring for the needs of the widows in the early church. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. Here are the 40 most uplifting bible scriptures on encouragement. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. That sign states an important truth: If you know Christ as Savior, youre His servant. Not flirtatious. 3. on 08/23/2019. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Most of the time they do not refer to the office of deacon. Do include a Scripture verse The Bible has been taking care of itself for thousands of years - surely it can help you out in this situation. You shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him; and you shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband. Publication date: Apr 30, 2023. After listing the qualifications for those who serve in an official capacity, Paul lists the rewards (1 Tim. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. They will eventually need godly men and women who can come alongside and share the load with them. 5:3-16). Z. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. Not a chatter-box. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women. The key question concerns 1 Timothy 3:11. Who are the women Paul is describing? Men worthy of respectMan of high principle. U On the last evening, he had dinner with the director and his wife. Since wine was commonly served as a gesture of hospitality, it was important for a deacon, making his rounds from house to house, to exercise control or else he could become a drunkard. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Three Key Scriptures. Before presenting this lesson: Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:38-60; 107:1-100. Incidentally, a brief survey of church history shows that the deacons in the early church did function as described above. Pastors and deacons work hand in hand to accomplish the work of the gospel. 2. This created many material needs and led to the temporary arrangement of pooling resources to meet the needs (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). From among the congregation, some men and women will be especially recognized for their outstanding servant-spirit. Not a tale-bearer. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. KJV grave.. A woman needs to be able to discern truth from error if she is to serve effectively. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. Its not optional; its mandatory. Get up and help her! The missionary wife was angry and bitter. He is a man who wants to serve; he wants to help when the people of God are hurting; and he wants to aid them. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. So a main function of deacons is to take care of administrative or other tasks to free up the elders for prayer, teaching, and shepherding the flock. They also deserve our highest respect because they represent the Lord Jesus Christ in our midst. Someone who keeps her word. Loving others includes encouraging one another. Find out more about these various studies by clicking here. E 3:2; I dont know why the NASB translators added only here). But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. What's helpful when questions arise about purpose, is to be reminded about our calling to these roles, and how better to remember than to each meeting take a few moments and collect ourselves to remind each other what we were elected to do. Joshua 1:9. Geocoding Chooses not to speak evil of others. Is Paul thinking of a group of godly deaconesses? When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. It can be so vast and open ended that it's difficult to know what to focus on. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Great assurance in their faithGrowing sense of personal confidence that comes from serving the church of God. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. P Women deacons could have been married to men deacons, or to elders or to any men, assuming that they had time to serve. Grab a paper towel and wipe it clean. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Is it not the one who reclines at table? 6. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. This is to be determined by testing, which does not refer to a period of probation after he becomes a deacon. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. But as they came toward the end of the translation project, the tribal people had become more and more involved in selling their crops for the drug trade and less and less interested in the Scriptures. 1. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Also, you are allowed to use (an ellipsis) in order to connect two nearby verses or to omit an off-topic phrase. 2. In some cases, they dropped out of church altogether. When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. But a problem arose when the Greek-speaking Jews felt that their widows were being neglected in favor of the native Hebrews. Deacons can encourage, strengthen, and help the pastor as he does his daily work in the church. And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. Does God Really Work All Things Together for Good? Four passages are usually mentioned in connection with deaconesses. 1 Timothy 2:12 - But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Q Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. What do deacons do? Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. Note the words in verse 44 of those who neglected those duties: Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? The word translated help is diakoneo. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. 1 Timothy 3:11 Verse Concepts Not malicious talkersNot given to gossip or spreading rumors. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He wants to make the Christian claims of love tangible. 1 Timothy 3:8-10 (the qualifications of deacons) Doctrine and Covenants 84:30-32 (office of deacon as an appendage to the lesser priesthood) Teacher Preparation. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. M Even if the church doesnt notice, God does. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. What deacons do. If a woman is swayed by her emotions, she will not be able to point needy women to Gods truth, which is the only source of true healing for their problems. Looking back from a distance of nearly 30 years, it strikes me that I remember nothing about Hilliard Felton as a person. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. Three interpretations are popular: A. As we saw in the case of elders, the term refers to a man of moral purity. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. First images stay in the mind forever. They would serve alongside the deacons in various crucial areas of leadership under the general oversight of the elders of the church. Fifth, a deacon must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Many widows in the church without sufficient income were served daily meals. She had given twenty years of her life so that these people could have the Scriptures, but they didnt even care! I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. Proud member Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. 4. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? In my 23 years serving both as a staff and a senior pastor, I have been blessed to work with some amazing, godly deacons. How so. Only a few refer to the office of deacon in the church (J. Stam, Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible [Zondervan], ed. Not a flighty person. Church Membership of officers in Deacons. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Salem Media Group. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul also mentions the offices of elders and deacons. Ive shared this story with you before, but its one Ive never forgotten. At that point, deacons can be officially recognized. Hold deep truths of the faithHas a sound grasp of essential Bible doctrine. They probably assisted the deacons in their duties, especially in ministering to women in the church (Titus 2:2-5). 3:8). Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. When your deacon ministry is built on a relentlessly optimistic, forward-leaning hope, you will see the congregation pull together and move forward like never before. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. The mystery of the faith is Pauls term for Christian truth, especially the gospel. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Psalm 146:5, 9. During the process, they were teaching the Scriptures and a new church emerged among the tribe. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water! Serving Christ is not volunteering, where you give a few hours now and then to help out. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, But Martha was distracted with much serving. Just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul lists six character qualifications: First, a deacon must be a man of dignity. Gain an excellent standingWin the respect of the entire congregation by virtue of his humble, selfless, Christlike service. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 3:8, pointing to a third group after elders and deacons). 1:1). The question is, does this refer to deacons wives (NIV, ESV, HCSB) or to women deacons (or deaconesses)? You could literally translate it, Lord, when did we see you and did not deacon unto you?, 2. N If they went from house to house with juicy tidbits of private information, they could quickly ruin a church. They appear in the eastern churches, but not in the western ones. 4. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. Currently at FCF, we have deacons of womens ministries, youth, missions, outreach, technology, and facilities. Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. To deacon.. 2. Not an embezzler. Deacons are an example to people. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. They also hint at some kind of formal recognition. But whether service is your gift or not, all Christians are the Lords servants. Pitch in and help. 3:12): Deacons must be husbands of only one wife . This is the same as the requirement for elders, literally, a one-woman man (1 Tim. The Network is a collection of content posted by members of our online community. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Perhaps they decided that seven men could take care of the job. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. We can find the office of a deacon established in Acts 6:1-7 . The concept of women serving as deaconesses appears very early in church. They are deployed to assist the pastors or elders by protecting church unity, organizing practical service, and meeting tangible needs. Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. But beyond the service that we all are to render . What is Paul? Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Then Paul lists two ways male deacons must be above reproach in their home life. An exceptionally good piece of news is that these devotions are available for free on the DMC website! For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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