Noble Church Leaders: Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13 INTRODUCTION Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis (1818-1865) investigated the cause of “childbed fever” in the maternity hospitals in Vienna and throughout Europe where 20-30% of women died in these maternity hospitals. Semmelweis developed an early “germ” theory. He concluded that the doctors/students who came from the dissecting room were carrying infections into the delivery room. He ordered the doctors (and their students) to wash their hands in a solution of chlorinated lime before each examination. It took 20 years for his work to be vindicated in the medical community. He was right. Hand washing saves lives! In 1 Timothy, we are dealing with a similar problem. Some church leaders were spreading infection in the body! • Paul left Timothy in the church to stop the spread. • Two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, had to be removed. • There are clues in this letter that they were infecting the church with greed, drunkenness, false teaching, legalism and even forbidding marriage. • In 1 Timothy 3, God calls on the church leaders to wash their hands and bring spiritual health to the body. Keep in mind the purpose of 1 Timothy… 1 Timothy 3:15 (NLT), “… you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” • In 1 Timothy 3, we are looking at elders and deacons and how these church leaders should act as pillars of the faith and lead the church in truth. NT Churches are Led by Elders/Deacons Deacon (Gk. diakonos) means “servant”. Deacons serve with elder oversight. Deacons lead in care and benevolence. Deacons must be qualified. Deacons must be accountable. Deacons must lead well at home/church. Deacons first appear in Acts 6 (Stephen). The First Deacons Acts 6:2 (NLT), “… the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.’” • These 7 men are not called deacons here, but they are called to assist the apostles by serving, running errands, and managing the food distribution for the widows in the Jerusalem church. • The apostles had their hands full evangelizing, preaching and teaching the Gospel. • As we read further in Acts, and as the time of the apostles was coming to a close, the NT norm was to put elders and deacons in charge of each local church – deacons serving as assists the elders (just as they had once assisted the apostles). The Character of a Church Deacon 1 Timothy 3:8 (NLT), “In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ...12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.” • Notice: Nothing is said here of the functions of a deacon. There is no job description. • What is important is getting the right person, because the right person will know what to do. • James Collins said in Good to Great, “The moment you feel the need to tightly manage someone, you’ve made a hiring mistake.” • Elders lead in overseeing. Deacons will lead in managing the service. The Character of a Church Deacon Must be well respected with integrity Must not a heavy drinker Must not be dishonest with money Must be committed to the faith (Gospel) Must live with a clear conscience Must be faithful to his wife Must manage children and household well • Deacons, just like elders, must pass these character tests. • Every Christian should grow in these character tests. Women as Church Deacons 1 Timothy 3:11 (NLT), “In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.” • Is it, “wives” or “women”? • Lit. “women in like manner must” • Rom. 16:1, “Phoebe, who is a deacon.” • Chrysostom and other early church faithers affirm, deaconesses. • 4 qualifications are given for these women. • Whether these are deacon wives or deacon women (married or single), we can be very certain that women were serving in the role of deacon in the early church. The Appointment of Deacons 1 Timothy 3:10 (NLT), “Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.” • In NT times, it appears the elders appointed the deacons – only after they had time to prove themselves. • If you have been around any church long enough, it becomes rather obvious who shows up and who gets things done. • The deacons who serve best in the church, are not necessarily those with great talent, but of great character. Unsung heroes, maybe, but those who know how to get things done. The Rewards for Deacons 1 Timothy 3:13 (NLT), “Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.” Two rewards are mentioned here. Respect and boldness. • First, respect. This can mean greater respect in the church, or perhaps greater rewards in heaven. • Second, boldness. Those who enter the ring of service will grow fearless and bold, and more confident in Christ. PHOTO: Think of Stephen, the first Christian deacon and the first Christian martyr. He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God just before he was stoned to death. Stephen is an example of boldness and having standing in heaven – with Jesus giving a standing ovation. The Lord has always and will always applaud our service for Him. CONCLUSION: Servant Leadership Mark 10:42 (NLT), “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” • Every Christian is called to a different kind of greatness – the greatness of service. • God will measure the greatness of our lives by what we give in service to others – especially His church. • There is organic service, that is what you do without anyone asking you – as you come across people with needs. • Then there is organized service, that is when you join a team, or project, when people invite you – to meet needs beyond what can be handled ourselves. Support and volunteer at the Southwest Carver County Food Shelf Tuesdays: 12:30 – 4:45 p.m. Norwood Young America 952-467-1870