1 Timothy 3:8 –13 - Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Wed PM March 18, 2015

“Servants in the Church” (1 Timothy 3:8–13)

Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/March 18, 2015 

1 Timothy 3:1–13 (NIV)

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Main Idea: The needs of the church of Jesus Christ must be met by faithful servants who are mature examples of the Christian faith.

 

The deacon’s responsibility (v.8). A deacon is a servant.

                                                              i.      Diakanos means servant.

                                                           ii.      In one sense all Christians are servants.

                                                         iii.      Deacons in the technical sense are a specifically called out group of people who are given responsibility in the church to serve various needs within the congregation.

                                                          iv.      The area of service is determined by the needs of the congregation.

 

A deacon is not necessarily a teacher. A deacon is not an overseer. The deacon’s qualifications (vv. 8-12). Personal Character Spiritual Life Christian Service Moral Purity Home Life Qualifications for “women.” The deacon’s reward (v. 13).