b. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Philip and Stephen were ordained to care for widows, but later on we see that Philip and Stephen both became powerful preachers and miracle workers (Acts 6-8). 1 Timothy (pp. Deacons often traveled house to house caring for members, and if they were addicted to wine, they would be tempted to become drunk and shame God and his church. Are you cultivating the faith of family? One day he noticed that Jake wasn’t around, so he asked the proprietor, “Where’s Jake?” “Oh, Jake retired,” the proprietor answered. Jesus spoke about money more than heaven or hell, which means it is of great importance to him. The word for “women” is gunaikas. How can we apply these qualities to our lives and the church? In actuality, we can hurt people by doing this. How can we grow in sincerity? Save time by scheduling online now. How have you experienced greater boldness in the faith, as a result of faithful service? The word translated “standing” can be translated “rank, degree, or base.”9 It seems to refer to respect and honor from God and man. Application Question: What are some ways church members can get involved with serving in the church? If not, they must be pure in their conduct with the opposite sex. But even though the moderate use of wine is permitted, the Christian must also consider his testimony in regard to this matter. Dignity. Not to be given to pleasures of the table, but showing a seemly abstemiousness. A deaconess shall be dignified, not a malicious gossip, temperate, and faithful in all things. Certainly, we see these rewards with Christ as well—the prototypical servant. Those are the servants that God approves. 2, p. 222). 2 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. 7 MacDonald, W. (1995). 3:8). He has served over fifteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as chaplain and professor at Handong Glob... More, 4. He cared for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, and ultimately died for all. They conduct themselves in such a manner that others respect and desire to imitate them. Chicago: Moody Press. Overseers/elders appear to look after and provide oversight for more of the spiritual affairs of the Church while deacons appear to care for more of the temporal needs. They always follow through. Deacons excel in serving and therefore the church simply recognizes what God is doing through them. First Timothy 3:16 (NIV) says. Did we study them? Are you a student of God’s Word? Application Question: What Christians impacted you in such a way that their lives drew a sense of awe and respect from you? David was tending his father’s sheep when Samuel anointed him king of Israel. The following qualifications are unique to deacons/deaconesses. 4. Application Question: What faithful women have strongly inspired or challenged your faith and how? They don’t live in a manner worthy of respect. Not being double-tongued also means that deacons cannot share with everyone the dire situations to which they are privy lest they embarrass those brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing difficult times. How can we avoid this sin? Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households. This is also true for faithful servants of God. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Big Question: What are the essential qualities of deacons and deaconesses, and therefore faithful servants? He could become prideful and therefore be judged by God or succumb to other temptations, as spiritual warfare increases with the position. There are no possessive pronouns connecting the women to the deacons. \"Likewise\" means the foregoing description regarding elders applies in principle. There is some controversy over this text. The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. Application Question: What are some wise boundaries for ministering to and with the opposite sex? Qualifications of a Deacon. Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful. In versions that translate it as wives, “their” is supplied by the interpreter. However, there is strong evidence that 3:11, in fact, refers to female deacons. Sincere people are effective in ministry because people trust them. 3:11). Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. 2, p. 222). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. They should only care about the applause of heaven and not of men. We can be sure that Judas was not the last treasurer to betray Christ for money. ‘Everything is permissible for me’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (NIV 1984). In Philippians 2:4, Paul said: “Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.” Our questions should not be, “What do I want or need?” and “How can the church fulfill my needs?” but “What does the church need?” and “How can I help fulfill those needs?” Sadly, most people join churches primarily based on how the church can serve them and not how they can serve the church. For this reason, deacons must be people with tremendous financial integrity so they will not fall into Satan’s trap in this area. Deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1, as Paul writes to the elders and deacons of that church. Section 3. 1) If you are a Christian, a. Do you really care about their well-being? “Retired, huh?” the man replied. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. 1 Accessed 4/16/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-10-servants-official-and-otherwise-1-timothy-38-13. A deaconess ministry in a Christian church is a group of women who serve the congregation and community. 2, p. 222). They use their tongues to build up and not break down. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”. They are not gossips. The funds entrusted to the diaconate is a temptation to many people, and the person who cannot be trusted with money must never be ordained a deacon. Dignity speaks of a respectable reputation especially in spiritual matters. Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households. The way they seek to obey and honor Christ creates a sense of awe or reverence in those watching. However, it must be heard that this is not only true for deacons but for faithful servants in general. Are you sincere in your communication with others? It is very common to meet officers in church ministry who are almost like politicians. deaconesses), as in the NIV 2011? Deacons must faithfully hold the mystery of the gospel. Application Question: Why is financial faithfulness so important for ministry? (2000). They are sincere in their communication and others sense that. Scripture does not forbid drinking alcohol, but it does caution against it and forbid drunkenness. the scriptural qualifications, deacons serve in areas like finances (1 Tim. Wives of the deacons. Consider what Christ said in Luke 16:9-11 about our use of finances: And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the eternal homes. b. Steven Cole shared this challenging illustration and exhortation in his sermon on deacons: A man used to visit a tiny country general store that had a clerk named Jake who seemed to be the laziest man on earth. Though the word deacon is never used in that context, the verb form of the word is. One day, he will return and to those who have been faithful, he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” and to others, he will call them a “wicked and lazy servant” (Matt 25:23, 26 NIV). This gospel has been preached and believed throughout the world. The apostle next proceeds to direct Timothy respecting the character and appointment of another … What are the qualifications for a deaconess? Those who are faithful shall be blessed by God here on earth and in heaven. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Also, we recognize that this is our particular interpretation, applicable to Xenos Fellowship. Second Corinthians 8:7 says, “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you—make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.” Instead of being greedy for money, we must be zealous in our giving. 3:12), visitation (1 Tim. 9 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). However, Psalm 24:1 says, “The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it.” God does not just own 10% of our money, he owns it all. It refers to all New Testament doctrine but especially to the gospel. 3:9). 1. Deacons must not just be stewards of doctrine; they must be practitioners of it, as they keep a clear conscience (v. 9b). Matt 6:19-21)? A deaconess is simply a worker,a servant,a minister,like the deacon.Its not a title like we see today.It is a service or duty.Everyone looking to be used of God should be surrendered to His will and Word.That's the service that God appreciates and rewards now and in eternity. William MacDonald’s comment are helpful: The NT does not forbid the use of wine for medicinal purposes, or as a beverage in those countries where the water supply is polluted. All of these qualifications (except for the family and being a … Not double tongued 1 Timothy 3:8 2. In 1 Timothy 3:12, he says, “Deacons must be husbands of one wife...” As mentioned before with elders, this does not refer to one’s marital status. 2. Whether single or married, they must wisely set boundaries with the opposite sex so that their conduct will not open doors to temptation or sin or be questioned by others. No doubt, we see both of these rewards in the narrative of the first deacons in Acts 6. There is no such thing as a deaconess because they cannot meet the previously mentioned qualifications. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, ith his description of the elder’s qualifications complete, Paul moves in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 to outline the requirements for the second ministerial office in the church — the deacon. Joshua was Moses’ servant before he became Moses’ successor. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONESSES. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. This is a characteristic of all faithful servants. Acts 6:2 says, “So the twelve called the whole group of the disciples together and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to wait on tables.” “Wait on tables” is literally “deacon.”3 These men partnered with the apostles, allowing them to focus on specific ministry tasks. 1 Cor 12:7). 1. Are you walking in holiness with the opposite sex in word, mind, and deed? And he calls each of us to serve God and others. Paul adds, “And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless” (v. 10). For one to serve as a deacon in the Lord's church, he must first meet qualifications that are set forth in First Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3. This qualification reveals that although deacons/deaconesses are not called to teach, they must still understand the Gospel and its significant power to transform a sinner’s heart. In talking about elders, Paul said if we put someone unprepared in the position he could fall into the judgment and trap of Satan (3:6-7). If I have dual qualifications such as a Medical Imaging Technologist and a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, do I need to pay two registration fees? They demonstrate self-mastery which allows them to think clearly and help others more effectively. Not given to much wine 1 Timothy 3:8 3. 125–126). Moses cared for sheep for forty years before God called him. It literally can be translated a “one-woman man.” If they are married, they must be faithful to their wife. In the midst of talking about deacons, Paul says, “Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect” (v. 11). Matt 25:14-30)? This is a wisdom principle that must be discerned and applied in various contexts. This exposed them to special temptations to be dishonest. Therefore, deacons had to practice moderation with alcohol, if not full abstinence. Faithfulness with little leads to faithfulness with much. 2) Actively involved in the discipleship process (discipling or being discipled) Did they train their children in the Lord? With that said, deacons are called to hold onto the deep truths of the faith (v. 9), which implies that they at times teach as well. Before selecting deacons, they must be observed and found blameless in their previous service. He died and rose from the dead (vindicated by the Spirit). In his ascension, he was seen by angels. In those days, this was especially true with the widows and single women (cf. As a Deaconess employee, you are our greatest resource. He must be noble or dignified. A. How can we be faithful in both? There seems to be other evidences for deaconesses in the New Testament. Why is it important to consider our culture or weak Christians when it comes to our practice of alcohol consumption (Rom 14:21)? (p. 2088). Certainly, this doesn’t just apply to alcohol but also to tobacco use and anything else of an addictive nature that might cause others to stumble in certain contexts. God will abundantly reward them for their faithful service here on earth and one day in heaven. Christ said where our treasure is there our hearts will be also (Matt 6:21). Are you humbling yourself to faithfully serve God and others? Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. Qualifications unique to deacons/deaconesses. We must realize that our money is not ours but the Lord’s. Application Question: How can we grow in financial faithfulness? a. B. Elders and deacons often counsel and minister to women. MEANING OF DEACONESS . Servants put the needs of others before their own. Similarly, deacons perform the same ministry with elders. 6 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). When our Master, Christ, returns, he will consider our stewardship of his mysteries. Application Question: Why is orthodoxy (what one believes) just as important as orthopraxy (what one practices)? Are you serving God and others in a manner worthy of respect? We must use our money to win souls to Christ and to disciple saints. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless … Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households. This essay is a position paper arguing that deacons should be a part of the leadership of a mature or large church. Reverent - a deacon must be an honorable man, noted and respected for his good character. Schedule Now. Unfaithful servants live in discord, waste time and the Master’s resources. Romans 16:1 refers to Phoebe with the same word Paul uses in … The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Thus, although the use of wine might be lawful, it might not be expedient.7. “The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 8 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The implication of this is that potential deacons have served the church for some time in an unofficial capacity and proved themselves faithful. It has three parts: inductive biblical study, conclusions from the biblical investigation, and practical suggestions for today’s church. Why would there be qualifications for the deacons’ wives and not the elders’? Hold to the myster of the 1 Timothy 3:9 faith in a pure conscience 3. Related Topics: Christian Life, Ecclesiology (The Church), Leadership, Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. Certainly, at times God will call us to serve outside of our gifts, and when he does, he provides grace. (p. 2088). First Corinthians 6:12 says, “‘Everything is permissible for me’—but not everything is beneficial. T. Croskery. 1. But we must know our specific gifts so that we can faithfully employ them to build up the church (cf. 10 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Paul’s says deacons must not be “given to excessive drinking” (v.8). It has been said that people don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care. Observation Question: What rewards do faithful deacons receive and what do they represent? The “Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. There are those that say this refers to female deacons. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (I TIMOTHY 3: 8-10, 12-13) a) Worthy of respect 8. The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 3. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Is your family first? For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He commands us to use our money to gain friends in heaven. Both men and women were appointed as deacons in the early church. As we close, let’s consider a few more characteristics of faithful servants. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Some people always seek to do great things but are never willing to do little things. But even those of us who are not ordained as deacons must always be looking for ways we can serve the people of God and our neighbors if we are to imitate Jesus. The qualifications for the first seven deacons weren’t based on their skills or work-history, but on their reputations and their faith in God. It refers to secrets in the Old Testament that were more fully disclosed in the New. Did we share them with others? Sexual impurity is a tremendous stronghold that destroys the witness and ministry of many Christians. It can also be translated “sincere” or “not double-tongued.”6 They are people of their word. As we consider the office of a deacon and a deaconess, we must be reminded that Christ, our Lord, did not come as a king, but as a servant. Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. This includes their eating and drinking, their entertainment, and how they handle their emotions. Warren Wiersbe’s comments on how many biblical leaders first began as servants are helpful: It is worth noting that quite a few leaders mentioned in the Bible were first tested as servants. DEACON; DEACONESS. The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. But since an aptitude for teaching is the only qualification for eldership that does not overlap with the things to look for in deacons, we know that deacons do not direct their attention to the formal instruction of God’s people. Some have surmised that the office of deacon, unlike the office of an elder, is not mandatory for the organization of the church. 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13. While the qualifications are similar for both overseer/elders and deacons, except that elders are also to be able to teach, their roles in the Body seem to be distinct. He humbled himself and took the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). Those who believe Paul is talking about the wives of deacons make the argument that it is awkward for Paul to place the requirements for deaconesses in the middle of talking about deacons. This can also be translated “not malicious talkers,” “not false accusers,” or “not devils.”10 They must not be gossips—spreading rumors or lies around the church. When there was no one to wash his disciples’ feet, he got down on his knees and performed the chore of a slave as he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13). Dr. Drew Mehta is accepting new patients at the Medical Office Building 3 on the Deaconess Gateway Campus. Must hold the mystery of the faith. The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. The Deaconess Community of the ELCA | 773-380-1705 | deaconess.community@elca.org "Grave." The word “deacon” really just means “servant” or “attendant.” It was used of somebody who waited on tables or did menial tasks.2 The office of deacon seems to originate from Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles were confronted with the needs of the widows in the community. Therefore, we must be challenged to grow in them so that we may be found faithful when our Lord returns. The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. As we consider the qualities of a deacon, we can be sure these are qualities of faithful servants—those approved by our Lord. We believe there are also specific qualifications for deacons, which we see in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Also, deacons cannot be “greedy for dishonest gain” (v. 8). "Not slanderers." These are qualities of faithful servants, whether official or unofficial. According to Paul,... A deacon is sound in the faith (1 Tim. This means they practice self-control and restraint. Doing these things properly requires a special kind of person, one who is “not double-tongued” (1 Tim. There would be two possibilities: 1. Where faithful servants are serious about the faith, unfaithful ones are not. Faithful servants always seek the interests of others before their own. First Timothy 5:4 says our first ministry is our family. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. The ministry of a deaconess is, in modern times, a non-ordained ministry for women in some Protestant churches to provide pastoral care, especially for other women.The term is also applied to some women deacons in the early church. In any case, it is clear from Acts that the deacons are to focus mainly on mercy ministries, such as the assistance of widows, while elders are tasked primarily with “prayer” and “the ministry of the word” (vv. How is God calling you to live in a more reverent manner? Paul commonly uses this term throughout his writings (cf. Paul’s use of “likewise” argues for a third distinct group. Are There Basic Qualifications to becoming a Foster Parent? The Specific Qualifications of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-12) By way of a quick review, this list of qualifications makes it clear God requires that all deacons must be: “reverent” – they must be serious in purpose, thinking, and conduct so as to be worthy of respect; dignified due to personal integrity. Application Question: In what ways should the prospect of reward encourage us to be more faithful in serving others? How we use our money is really a litmus test for our spirituality—it reveals our heart. Deaconesses. Are you faithfully using your gifts to serve others? Even our Lord Jesus came as a servant and labored as a carpenter; and the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Faithful servants care for their families first. The fact that deacons must hold to the mysteries of the faith implies that they must be students of the Word of God. They partner in serving the church by allowing elders to focus on specific aspects of ministry, like teaching. Luke teaches that a prospective deacon must be full of wisdom, emphasizing an ability to make skillful, prudent choices. It may even imply a promotion. 2–4). By doing this, we make friends in eternal dwellings who will one day welcome us when we get to heaven. “What are you going to do to fill the vacancy?” The owner replied, “Jake didn’t leave no vacancy!”, I’m concerned that the same thing could be said of so many Christians with regard to their service for Christ: “They didn’t leave no vacancy!” Every Christian should leave a vacancy when he or she moves on, because we’re all called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.1, As we consider the qualities of deacons, it challenges us to be faithful servants. When our Lord returns and evaluates his servants, he will consider their faithfulness with money. 1 Timothy 3:8, 9. In a sense, we can discern our spiritual maturity by our checking accounts. He used the same phrase to distinguish the deacons from the elders in 1 Timothy 3:8 and the women from the men in 1 Timothy 2:9. Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. 3) The qualifications of the office. QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON The Biblical qualifications for a deacon are found in Acts 6 and in I Timothy 3:8-13. For them, both the elder and the deacon offices are reserved for men. One day, Christ will approve the faithful. Interpretation Question: In verse 11, is Paul referring to the deacons’ wives as translated by the NET or to women (i.e. “Not greedy for gain” can also be translated “not greedy for money” (v. 8). In addition, Christ said that if we’re faithful with little (our money), we will be faithful with much, but if we’re unfaithful with little (our money), God will not give us true riches (Lk 16:11). Those who hold this position typically would not accept female deacons. Wherever we put our money reveals our heart and true passion. Why not wait until he finished teaching about deacons? 5 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). Therefore, one who is unfaithful with shepherding their children, caring for their wife, and other aspects of household management, will be unfaithful serving the church. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”. Matt 25:28-29). Application Question: How would you describe your use of alcohol? He washed the feet of his disciples—the task of a servant. Whereas in some countries it might be perfectly all right for a Christian to drink wine without having any adverse effect on his testimony, in other countries it might cause an unbeliever to stumble, should he see a Christian indulging in wine. 3:11), and ministering to the needs of the church family (Acts 6:1-4). 2. They are not called deacons (diakonoi), and the qualifications required are not the same as those prescribed by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-12; furthermore, Stephen appears in Ac preeminently as a preacher, and Philip as an evangelist. If we primarily invest into the temporary things of this world, that also reveals our hearts. “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Referring to female deacons resources deaconess offers to employees and their families took the form of a deaconess qualifications... 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