The Church Jesus Established
Lesson 14 - Deacons
According to the Pattern
The Meaning Of
"Deacon"
"Deacon" means attendant,
servant, minister. From "diako"
which means to run or hasten. The radical idea of the word is active service. In its
general sense it can include Preachers (Eph.6:21;Col.1:7;1
Tim.4:6) - In these passage it is translated "minister"
or any servant of Christ (John 12:26).
The Special usage of "Deacon". Because
it so closely associated with the office and work of elders, it is evident that the word
is used in a special or official sense.
- Phil. 1:1 -- Here deacons are associated with
elders and distinguished from the saints in general.
- 1 Tim. 3:8-13. Deacons are given special
qualifications following the special qualifications of elders. This indicates a special
office along with that of elders.
The Office of
Deacons
The office of a deacon is one of
special service. This is seen from the meaning of diakonos
and diakonia: "Diakonos"
is one who executes the commands of others, especially
of a master,;a servant,attendant,minister (Matt.22:13,26;23:11;Mk.9:35;
10:43;John 2:5,9). "Diakonia" is
defined: Service, ministering, especially of those who execute the commands of others (Luke10:40;2 Tim.4:11;Heb.1:14;Acts 12:25).
The
Qualifications of Deacons
I Tim.3:8-13
-- Deacons are to be Reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for
money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience, blameless, husband of one
wife, ruling children and homes well.( Acts 6:1-6.)
Of honest report, full of the Spirit, Full of wisdom. I Timothy 3:10
indicates that these should "first be tested, then let them
serve as deacons if they are above reproach."
The Duties Of Deacons.
The meaning of the word `helper', `minister' in contrast to
the word bishop which means 'overseer',
would signify that the deacon is a helper or servant of the Church, working under the
oversight of the elders of the church. From Acts 6:l we
observe:
- These men were selected to relieve the apostles of secular duties and
responsibilities in order that they might give themselves to spiritual matters.
- These men were selected by the congregation and then appointed by the apostles.
- I Timothy 3: 13 states, "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." A hard working deacon
should most certainly be regarded well by the local church. These may very well prove
themselves in such a way that the local congregation will want them in the eldership later
on.
The Duties of The
Church To Deacons
These following are just common sense
things based on general principles that are implied in the Scriptures, but not necessarily
spelled out:
- Like any other worker, they should be esteemed highly for their works sake. They
do a great deal of work on behalf of the church.
- Like any good worker, we should express our appreciation to them when they do a
good job. Don't go about picking at every little thing to find fault with the great
service they are performing for the church.
- Let them do their job, but offer to assist them any way we can.
Questions
1. Since every Christian is to serve
and be a servant, how does the work of a deacon differ from the everyday work of a
Christian?
2. Why would it be necessary for men to meet spiritual qualifications when
their job may be carrying out physical tasks (
See Acts 6:2)?
3. Is the responsibility of being a deacon a "training
ground" for the eldership?
[ Introduction
- The Pattern Concept] [Lesson 1 - Defining The Church] [Lesson 2 - Authority Over The Church]
[Lesson
3 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 1)] [Lesson 4 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 2)] [Lesson 5 - The Universal - The Local Church]
[Lesson 6 - Church Not A Denomination]
[Lesson 7 - Timeline - Church's
Establishment] [Lesson
8 - Worship Christ Designed]
[Lesson 9 -Observing The Lord's Supper]
[Lesson 10 - Worship in Song] [Lesson 11 - Worship In Prayer]
[Lesson 12 - The All Sufficient Church]
[13 - Elders] [Lesson 15 - Evangelists ] [Lesson 16 - The Social Gospel]
[Lesson 17
-Benevolence-According to the Pattern]
[Home] [Back to Bible Studies] Top
This page last updated: October 27, 1999