A Great Promise For Those Who Serve Well As Deacons!

105 - 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 here, means 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!

A Word About Deaconesses

103 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. It gets a little tricky here and there is dispute among biblical commentators about the word “wives.” Some take it to be the literal wife of a deacon, and others take it to be women in general and in context of the passage the specific office of deaconess. The Revised Standard version of the Bible states this passage as follows: “The women (rather than “their wives,) likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.” In other words the women who “likewise” hold this office must meet the same qualifications listed in verses 8 thru 10. This makes more sense as, it would seem strange to have deaconesses mentioned in Scripture and no qualifications listed for them to hold the office. You can be sure that the Phoebe spoken of in Romans 16:1 met these qualifications! Ro 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, Some of these qualifications are the same as for the deacons, but are repeated here for emphasis. Others are a little bit different and worth noting especially the one regarding slander. Slander is any kind of talk that can divide or separate. This is the heart of gossip and why it is so wrong. As a deacon and deaconess one becomes privy to information that others in the congregation don't need to know, and it is imperative that these details not be passed around to others, lest tongues begin to wag and a separation occur between brothers and sisters. Love of others is always diminished in the presence of slander (gossip) and this should not be so. Why are women singled out here and warned against gossip, whereas the men aren't? I mean isn't that a little bit of stereotyping? To be sure, men and women are both capable of gossiping, but if you listen carefully within their respective circles, there is a subtle difference in the way things are talked about. It's just the way we are wired. Deal with it, and the best way for women AND MEN to deal with it, is to put a sock in it. Stereotyping aside, let us all look for the good, not the bad in others and seek to bring that up in all conversations around the water cooler. Because the good unites in the love of Christ, and the bad tends to separate to the glee of the devil. Deacons are to distribute help....not hurt.

Must Leave A Trail of Evidence

103 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. The next qualification for the person serving as deacon is they must be tested and found blameless. The idea of testing here is taking something to the assayers office to determine if it is the real deal. You wouldn't want to lay claim to a mine that had nothing but “fools gold,” and you certainly don't want a fool (a hypocrite) serving in the office of deacon. There is no testing procedure listed here for the deacon, only that he be blameless. In other words his outward life is such that no one could charge him with not being a follower of Christ. The deacon then is one who believes and is baptized and leaves a trail of evidence that his faith is genuine. Given the responsibilities of the office of deacon, (ministering to the needy) one can see where this evidence is vital. How did the Holy Spirit put it speaking in the Book of James? Jas 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Obviously this passage is meant for all Christians, but it is especially relevant as a test for those who would serve as deacons in the Body of Christ. Father help us all to pass the true test of faith. Let us leave a trail of evidence of love and service to others in the name of Jesus, who lives and breathes in us by Thy Holy Spirit.

Deacons Must Mark 16:16

102 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. The next qualification for the person serving as deacon is they are not to be given to much wine. It's interesting to note that the qualification for a bishop says “not given to wine,” and for the deacon, it is “not given to MUCH wine.” Let's not read too much into this difference except to say a deacon must handle alcohol responsibly and a pastor even more responsibly. AND all followers of Christ must beware of the sin of drunkenness. The deacon is also not”greedy for money.” We have already covered that trait as we looked at the qualifications for the pastor. I might add that since the deacon is often in charge of the distribution of alms (the offering) this trait is a no-brainer. But what about this next qualification? A deacon is to be someone who holds the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. Two things here: Mystery of the faith = belief, and pure conscience = someone with guilt removed. Simply put this person must hold to the mystery of Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” When you think about it, it's the same qualification that was put on the original deacons, only worded a little differently. The original deacons were to be believing men “full of the Holy Spirit,” ( Ac 6:3) This filling having been accomplished through baptism as we read in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The link between a pure conscience and baptism is found in 1Pe 3:2, “ There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,,” The only thing that can produce a pure or guiltless conscience is the removal of sins, and this is still another benefit of baptism as we read in Ac 22:16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' So you see this qualification for deacons is just another way of saying they must believe (hold the mystery of the faith, that is, have a firm grip on basic Christian doctrine) and be baptized (have a pure conscience). To be sure, it's a minimal requirement for all Christians, but no one is to serve as a deacon unless they have this business taken care of first.

Deacons Must Mean What They Say

# 101 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, Next on the list for the servants of the church is to not be “double-tongued.” Of course this is true for all followers of Jesus, but it is especially important for those who would hold the office of deacon. Deacons are constantly interacting with other members of the congregation and by the very nature of their responsibilities to minister to the needy they will find themselves necessarily involved in conversation with others. This conversation is to be earmarked by consistency. You can't be saying one thing or promising something and then reneging on your promise or saying something else. The word “double-tongued” in the Greek, literally means “telling a different story.” Think about it, if your responsibility is to distribute aid to others, you need to be a man or woman of your word. Deacons exist to assist pastors and to help others experience good as they reflect the servant heart of Christ to meet their physical needs. They do a disservice to the Body if they are going to bend the truth or break a promise. Jesus said, “Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay.” With the advent of the welfare state and Social Security, the government has supplanted the church as the primary provider of necessities for the poor, and let's face it, they are not beholding to the same standards that we find in the Bible. So how do we turn this around? We do it with one needy member, one needy family, one deacon at a time. The Bible has some important things to say about caring for the poor, and there is nothing “double-tongued” about it! . Things like 1 Tim 5:8, “ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” and, 2Th 3:10b, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” If the church would once again take on the responsibility of caring for their own, there would be no need for their members to rely on the state for their basic needs. I pray all churches would take it upon themselves to once again embrace this responsibility through the work of the single-tongued diaconate. A diaconate that seeks to meet the needs of it's members with truthful compassion.

The Deacon Must Be Tender-hearted

# 100 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, (1 Tim 3:8) The first qualification to serve as a deacon (church helper) is reverence. The word stresses a tenderness of feeling. Given the original work of deacons mentioned in Acts 6, one can see why this quality is first on the list! Ac 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; This duty of distributing the offering would require a tenderness to all in true need. This tenderness would also come into play in the caring of the sick and in-firmed! In the church of today, these kind of deacons are still needed. In many cases churches have become big businesses with multi-million dollar budgets, and huge building programs that often require taking on huge amounts of debt and the cost of operating a church today can come at the expense of helping the poor, and can even curtail the sending out of missionaries. Now I want to be careful here. I do not wish to speak evil of the so-called mega churches. No church is evil that stands on and preaches the Word of God! But I do want to say that in the midst of all these high cost operations, room must still be made for helping the poor and sending out evangelists! And that's where the deacons with the tender hearts come in. They serve on church boards and financial commissions in the congregation, maintaining that tender heart toward the poor and the unreached and see to it that these kind of expenses are not overlooked in the church! They see too, just like the very first deacons, that the widows are not “neglected in the daily distribution.”

Deacons and the Gift of Helps

# 99 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:8 “Likewise deacons...” We're continuing our look at the office of deacon in the church. What started out as an important step in the advancement of God's church has grown to remain an important part of the local congregation to this day. Leave us never forget that the pastor's primary responsibilities include prayer and ministering the Word of God to the flock. Deacons free him up to fulfill his calling. Many of the qualifications for deacons will be the same as those for bishops or pastors, but 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 generally take care of the outward needs of the church, and in general serve by watching over the day to day operations. 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, This office is open to men and women. 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! 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! Holy Spirit people, filled with wisdom and able to meet the criteria which we will cover in the next couple of days are a vital part of the church of God, and whether elected by the congregation or hired by the board, they ought to be prayed over and have hands laid on them by the elders of the congregation, as they embark on their good work.

Another High Calling

# 98 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:8 “Likewise deacons...” Paul now moves on to another calling in the church, those who are called to be deacons. “Deacon” like “bishop” is a word that conjures up many differing ideas, but I think it's safe to say that their major role in the church is to free up the bishop (pastor) in order for him to engage in prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4) I love the fact that the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul sees the need to mention this office as an integral part of spreading the gospel as if to anticipate the same kind of numerical growth that the early church in Jerusalem experienced! This office underlines for all time the necessity of the bishop (pastor) to spend the majority of his time in prayer and ministry of the Word! And this is made possible by having qualified deacons serving in the congregation! The word “likewise” is instructive here because it ties this office in to the office of bishop. So just as the one who desires the office of bishop “desires a good work,” so it is also with those who desire to do the work of a deacon! “Likewise” also affirms the fact that this indeed is an office to which one is called within the local congregation, and since it is a calling there are certain requirements and criteria that need to be met, just as “likewise” there are certain qualifications that need to be met for the one who serves as pastor! The original deacons of the church were appointed soon after the numerical explosion of the church in Jerusalem. If you recall there was a need to justly distribute necessities to the widows. This daily distribution was commanding so much of the Apostles time, that they were not able to spend proper time in praying and ministering of the Word! So the 12 charged the congregation to select seven men “of good repute full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” These were the original qualifications for deacons and still apply today. This portion of Timothy further refines and explains what is meant by “good repute” and “wisdom, “ and we will look at them in the days ahead.

Observably Good

# 97 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. We have arrived at the last requirement for those who would be pastors. The pastors reputation outside the church walls must good. There must be convincing evidence of virtuous character to those who are not yet believers. Again this applies for all believers, it's something we should all shoot for. 1Pe 2:12 says, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Observable goodness to those outside the church has a strong pull toward leading them to faith. Conversely, observable badness if you will, can be a huge turn off when God the Holy Spirit seeks to convert a soul. (The day of visitation.) Hypocrites are lousy evangelists! It's bad enough when a professing follower of Christ stains the reputation of the church with public bad behavior, but how much worse when the pastor is guilty? The devil loves to go after the leaders. If he can get them to fall, many others will likely follow, and certainly, the devil can use those ill behaviors to plant that seed of doubt that sounds something like this, “Well if that's what it means to follow Christ, then I don't want anything to do with it!.” How many times have you and I cringed when a pastor makes the headlines for improper sexual behavior? Or excessive alcohol consumption? Or mishandling of funds? Behaviors that are not even condoned by those outside the church? When the evil speaking of the pastor's conduct by outsiders is just. One of the favorite snares of the devil is sprung. It is the trap set when hypocrisy is revealed. And here is the result of hypocritical leaders according to Jesus in Mt 23:13 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” The hypocritical leader not only shuts the door to heaven for himself, but also runs the great and terrible risk of closing it to others!

By All Means, Tell Somebody, But Wait Before Accepting the Mantel of Leadership.

# 95 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. (1 Tim 3:6) I've seen it in my own life and I've seen it in others. A person gets saved or a celebrity or well known sports figure makes a profession to follow Christ and immediately we place a cloak of some sort of spiritual leadership on them. Their zeal for the Lord is mistaken for spiritual wisdom and maturity. They (and we) fall in love with their press clippings if you will, and pretty soon they start to believe that they know everything there is to know about Jesus and the Bible and therefore are qualified as spokepeople for the faith. Be very careful here. To put that mantel on someone before their time is to put them at great risk of that great enemy of faith.....pride. Zeal for the Lord is a good thing! There's an old Don Francisco song that goes, “Got to tell somebody, got to tell somebody, got to tell somebody, what Jesus did for me!” This is a spiritual truth. When one experiences saving grace and forgiveness of sins he or she can't help but tell others the Good News. I think of all the people that Jesus healed and in spite of Him telling them not to tell anyone, many disregarded what He said and spilled the beans to anyone who would listen. Then there's Apollos, converted under the ministry of John the Baptist and so excited about the washing away of his sins, that he brought the message of forgiveness to the Jews, speaking eloquently in their synagogues, but also apparently speaking in error as Acquila and Priscilla needed to take him aside and explain the way of the Lord more accurately. God bless all new converts! God bless that burning desire you have to tell others what Jesus has done for you! Never lose it! Don't allow others to dampen it, but at the same time, pass on any attempts to take positions of leadership in the Body of Christ until you have had adequate opportunity to be schooled in the doctrines of Christ handed down to the Apostles!