A Gift To the Church and the World

629 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:8 Likewise deacons, Some of the qualifications for deacons will be the same as those for bishops or pastors, but before we look at these qualifications, just a little bit more about deacons. First of all, one of the qualifications that is missing for the deacon is the ability to teach. It is not necessary to be able to pontificate on the treasures of the Word of God, rather, the deacon must be willing to roll up their shirtsleeves and help wherever that help is needed. 1Co 12:28 mentions this gift of “helps” along with others as gifts given to the church by our Lord Himself! “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Deacons are given to the church to free up the pastor for his duties of praying and ministering the Word to the flock. They also minister to the sick, take care of the physical plant, and in general serve by watching over the day to day operations of the church. This office is given special mention by Paul in his letter to the Phillipians: Php 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:” This tells us that the appointment of deacons was a regular procedure in the planting of churches. And in Ro 16:1, we read of a woman named Phoebe who served in this capacity. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, Healthy congregations need deacons, (servants) of this sort, or their pastors will either burn out or pay too much attention to things other than the Word of God! No wonder the early church in Acts 6, set the tone for the church forevermore in the appointing of deacons. This office has not only been invaluable to the church through the years, but to the world as well. Just think about it. How many hospitals carry the name of “deaconess.” and how many orphanages have been established through the church and people who serve in this capacity! Thank You Jesus for the gift of deacons and deaconesses to Your church!