I Timothy 3:8-13 - The Vocation of Deacon

I Timothy 3:8-13 - Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 

Message: The Vocation of Deacon

Time: Paul is writing to a young pastor in Timothy. He is writing to Timothy in about AD 63, who is serving the church in Ephesus. He is writing about church leadership and organizing the church. Paul gives practical and pastoral advice. 

What the Lord is Saying: Deacon is the English translation of the Greek word diakonos, which was given to servants of various kinds in the ancient world. 

Acts 6:1-6 is another passage that seems to describe deacons: Now at this time while the disciples were increasing [in number], a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic (non-Palestinian Jews who normally spoke Greek) [Jews] against the [native] Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily service [of food]. And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. But select among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte (a Gentile convert to Judaism) from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 

These passage speaks of service that needs to occur - widows needing food. The Word of God is needed but we must not neglect those that are in need. It is the elders that care for spiritual needs and deacons care for physical needs. 

There has been debate as to whether these passages permit women to also participate and serve in these roles. The passage in I Timothy calls attention to women. Perhaps here, in acts of service, the focus should be people that are reputable and honest and will not use the office to seek out selfish gains. We are to be focused on serving and meeting people's needs. And so in doing that function the people serving need to have dignity. They are not people that say one thing and do another (double-tongued). They are not be addicted to win or food. They are to watch their speech and not be gossips. 

I served as a deacon early on in the church, as a young Christian. Perhaps I was not ready for this role. And perhaps I took it as being set apart and distinct rather as one that was truly committed to service. I have often had the notion that the deacons need to be about serving the Body and attending to the needs of those in the church. 

Summary: Deacons play a vital role in making sure people's basic needs are met. 

Promise: The People of God need to be supportive of deacons and giving to funds so that they can pass them onto the Body. 

Prayer: O Lord, help me to understand how to serve people and help me Lord to get more involved in service, in taking the time to meet people's needs that are in the church. Lord, help me to be supportive of those that are assisting people and serving people.