A Great Promise For Deacons!

637 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. ( 1 Ti 3:12,13) Wrapping up this little mini-series on the qualifications of spiritual leaders in local congregations today. I hope it has been helpful. Today we see that the same qualifications of monogamy and well ruled households that were applied to bishops or pastors also applies to those who would serve as deacons. We have already heard that those who are called to serve as bishops or pastors of local congregations “desire a good work.” (1 Tim 3:1) Now we read of a special promise for those who serve well as deacons or deaconesses. To serve well is to serve honestly and one can see how important that would be in the matter of the distribution of church funds. But let's really pay attention to God's promise to those who serve as deacons in this manner. He says deacons obtain (the word means purchase) and to purchase something is to own it. What do they purchase? Two things. First, a good standing, (that is a good grip or solid footing) If you've ever done any rock climbing, you know how important sure footing is. It gives you the confidence you need to proceed. Secondly, the deacon who serves well gains boldness, which is closely related to solid footing. Solid footing quite naturally brings forth boldness. Lest you think God is blowing smoke in this awesome promise I suggest you read the stories of Phillip and Stephen in the Book of Acts. They were two of the original deacons chosen by the church. Their lives went on to smack of spiritual boldness! Phillip was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to Samaria and it was he who led the Ethiopian eunich to faith. And who can forget the martyrdom of Stephen as he boldly proclaimed the gospel! Maybe, just maybe, the church needs to revisit the office of deacons and deaconesses. It certainly couldn't hurt to have a few more people emboldened and on fire for the Lord, and this is the promise for those who serve well as deacons!