July 14

The Office of Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8-12

  1. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
  2. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
  3. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
  4. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
  5. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.


A Deacon is one who serves in the church.  He gives some of the same qualifications as for a Bishop.  He says in verse 10 to let these first be proved, then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless.

A person can appear to be qualified for a certain position but they must be proven.  Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10).  He specifically mentions money and ‘that which is another mans.’

If a person can’t be faithful in smaller things they should not be promoted to a position of more responsibility or authority.  A Deacon needs to have the attitude of serving people—helping people (we all should).  If a person is not proven in this area there is a danger of him becoming prideful, thinking he has done something to attain to this position instead of realizing he was placed there by the gift and grace of God.

He also mentions the candidates spouse so this is something to consider as well.

 

Confession:

I realize the God-given qualifications of those serving in the church.  I will do my part to see that those placed in these positions are done in accordance with the Word of God.  I realize my part may be to pray for those in authority in the church to make the right decision.

 

 

Obedience is a tree of life!