LESSONS FOR LEADERS

LESSONS FOR LEADERS. Commentary on Timothy & Titus

Mr K Gerner BA

Lesson No.6. SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT. (b) DEACONS

1 Timothy 3: 8-13

1 Timothy 3:88 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.KJV

(a) DEFINITION of Deacons

(i) Deacons were distinct from Elders.

PHI 1:1 NIV Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

(ii) THEIR WORK WAS TO RENDER SERVICE IN MATERIAL THINGS AND TO HANDLE FUNDS FOR THE ASSEMBLY. They were acting in a similar way to the Levites of the O.T. serving the Priests. This left the Elders free to concentrate on the ministry of the Word and Prayer.

ACT 6:4 NIV and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

(iii) Their SELECTION involved the people.

ACT 6:3 NIV Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

ACT 6:5 NIV This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;6 They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them.

(iv) Where funds administered, they worked together

PAUL especially emphasised Group responsibility for handling donations.

2CO 8:18 NIV And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honour the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift

SUCH A BUSINESS-LIKE APPROACH IS VITAL FOR CONFIDENCE IN. THE LEADERSHIP OF THE WORK AND THE HANDLING OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

(b) QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

1TI 3:8 NIV Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

(i) SIMILAR QUALIFICATIONS TO ELDERS in that their lives show a serious purpose and respectable conduct, not saying some things to some men, and giving a different view to others ("touble-tongued" AV) or being addicted to love of the bottle or money. RELIABILITY is the keynote here, but the other qualities include :

(1) SOUND IN DOCTRINE

They must know and hold to the Scriptures as revealed by the Holy Ghost. The revelation of the Spirit on the "mysteries of the faith" is vital to their calling.

1TI 3:9 NIV They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

(2) THEIR CONSCIENCE AND MORAL LIFE MUST BE PURE

Their person life style is vital here

ACT 24:16 NIV So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

HEB 10:22 NIV let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

(3) THEY MUST FIRST BE TESTED, BEFORE PUBLICLY CHOSEN

God first tested Paul before He chose him for the Gospel

1TH 2:4 NIV On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

In the Jerusalem Church, the Assembly put forward men ALREADY KNOWN to be full of the Holy Ghost and WISDOM (WITHOUT OFFICIAL SCRUTINY) BECAUSE OF THEIR WIDELY-KNOWN CHARACTER. In this respect, both Deacons and Elders were the same.

TIT 1:6 NIV An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.7 Since n overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain

(c) DEACONESSES ?

1TI 3:11 NIV In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

(i) WOMEN were recognised as doing their duties (No Greek article before "wives") and we have some cases mentioned in other Epistles.

ROM 16:1 NIV I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.

(Gk"diakonos" here to Church described PHOEBE)

Romans 16:1 Foi/bhn th\n a)delfh\n h(mw=n, ou@san [kai\] dia/konon th=$ e)kklhsi/a$

(from Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 27 th Edition © 1898 and 1993 by Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart. Used by permission.)

Their QUALIFICATIONS were similar in being :

(a) Serious-minded (b) Not gossips (c) Temperate (d) Faithful and not lax in their duties.

(ii) ONLY ONE WIFE was allowed for each Deacon

1TI 3:12 NIV A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

THE DEACON is here obviously well in charge of his own home as an example to the Assembly, who may have met in private houses at this stage, possibly the homes of their leaders.

(d) REWARDS OF A FAITHFUL DIACONATE

1TI 3:13 NIV Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Those who serve well as Deacons, gain :-

(i) EXCELLENT STANDING

Greek Bathmos = esteem by the Assembly and the favour of the Lord

1 Timothy 3:13 oi( ga\r kalw=$ diakonh/sante$ baqmo\n e(autoi=$ kalo\n peripoiou=ntai kai\ pollh\n parrhsi/an e)n pi/stei th=| e)n Xristw=| )Ihsou=.

(from Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 27 th Edition © 1898 and 1993 by Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart. Used by permission.)

bathmosNT:898 bathmos (bath-mos'); from the same as NT:899; a step, i.e. (figuratively) grade (of dignity):KJV - degree.

NT:899 bathos (bath'-os); from the same as NT:901; profundity, i.e. (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery:KJV - deep (-ness, things), depth.

JOH 12:26 NIV Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.

It was within the Diaconate that STEPHEN thus began his miracle ministry.

(ii) CONFIDENCE IN WITNESSING

This would be based on a grasp of the doctrine and development of personal faith in the Holy Ghost gradually to manifest miracles.

cf STEPHEN also grew in this way.

ACT 6:8 NIV Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

ACT 6:10 NIV but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

ACT 6:15 NIV All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

c) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTRY

1 Timothy 3:14-16

1 Timothy 3:14. These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.

NKJV

Paul seems to have written these instructions in the hope that he would soon pay a personal visit, although he had no revelation definitely to this effect, which shows the need to use our minds as well as revelation leading.

1TI 3:14 NIV Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

He is keen to show Timothy that the ASSEMBLY MUST ACT AS A HOUSE WHERE GOD LIVES.

1CO 3:16 NIV Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

(i) THE CHURCH SHOULD HAVE REAL POWER as opposed to idolatry around it

(ii) THE CHURCH SHOULD MAINTAIN PURITY IN DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH in teaching and practice.( "pillar and foundation of the truth" from Greek Heoraioma showing a STABLE FOUNDATION or "stay")

(iii) CHRIST IS SHOWN TO THE WORLD BY THE CORPORATE WITNESS OF THE ASSEMBLY

This is a tremendous truth in that Christ is revealed here in HIS BODY.

Thus somebody formerly not seen, is now seen (Meaning of Greek "mystery")

1TI 3:16 NIV Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

(i) Christ was formerly seen IN THE FLESH of a human man (Greek passive here shows his PRE-EXISTENCE as God)

(ii) "vindicated by the Spirit" seems to imply that His perfect holiness made it impossible for Him to permanently die, so that HIS RESURRECTION shows His holiness justified.

ROM 1:4 NIV and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

THIS VINDICATION MAY ALSO REFER TO HIS BEING CALLED "the Son of God" AT HIS BAPTISM BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OR DURING THE TRANSFIGURATION VISION.

THE ASSEMBLY IS SHOWN TO BE JUSTIFIED OF GOD BY A SIMILAR WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE MIDST.

(iii) "seen by angels" suggests they appeared often with Him during his life, and played a watching and serving part to Him, especially in His wilderness experience.

MAT 4:11 NIV Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

They also partook of his Gethsemane experience and resurrection.

LUK 22:43 NIV An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

MAT 28:5 NIV The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD'S PEOPLE is similarly watched and helped by angels

EPH 3:10 NIV His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

1CO 11:10 NIV For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

HEB 1:14 NIV Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Book of Revelations, suggests that EACH CHURCH HAS ITS OWN GUARDIAN ANGEL

REV 1:20 NIV The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstand is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Different district of the Devil's Kingdom had guardian princes, so that Christian districts may do the same. This can be seen from Daniel's intercessory prayer.

DAN 10:13 NIV But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

( THE WHOLE OF THIS DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST IS A HEXAMETER LINE which may have been an early Christian Chorus and is continued here)

(iv) "preached among nations" CHRIST as PERSON is main theme of the Gospel

Christianity it not a mere philosophy but a really anointed message of deliverance, as Jesus pointed out at Nazareth when He preached from :

ISA 61:1 NIV The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.

LIVING PEOPLE REVEAL HOW THE ANOINTING BREAKS THEIR YOKE TODAY.

(v) "believed on in the world" SHOWS FAITH FOLLOWS CHRIST'S TESTIMONY

1TH 2:13 NIV And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

JOH 12:32 NIV But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

THE HEATHEN RESPOND WHERE THEY SEE CHRIST ALIVE IN HIS BODY, THE CHURCH !

(vI) "received into glory" shows the CLIMAX OF CHRIST'S LIFE IN HIS ASCENSION

MAR 16:19 NIV After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

ACT 1:2 NIV until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

THE CLIMAX OF ASSEMBLY WITNESS will be the SHOWING OF THE SAINTS, when a public glorification will follow

1TH 5:8 NIV But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2TH 1:7 NIV and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

2TH 1:10 NIV on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marvelled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

(d) FAITHFULNESS REWARDED & EXAMPLE GIVEN.

1 Timothy 4:6-16

1 Timothy 4:6-16 IIf you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.

12 Take Heed to Your Ministry

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. NKJV

1. REWARDS OF GODLINESS

1TI 4:6 NIV If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

PAUL EXHORTS TIMOTHY IN HIS OWN PERSONAL LIFE to be a good servant (Gk "diakonos"= minister) of Jesus.

(a) There is no thought of OFFICE HERE, but a FAMILY RELATIONSHIP

Christians are seen as "brothers" in the Lord

ACT 1:16 NIV and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David

ROM 1:13 NIV I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now)

(b) Paul warns him to keep to SOUND DOCTRINE as he had been brought up in the truths of the Faith.(Gk.Passive of "entrefeo" includes his home upbringing)

Timothy was a good Disciple in receiving Bible Truth and diligently obeying it. This is ESSENTIAL TO A LEADER'S PROGRESS and Divinely-owned ministry to others.

A LEADER MUST REJECT SILLY STORIES and myths current in many Jewish teachings, as well as being aware that some doctrines are from demons (Gnostic reference here ?) just as YOGA exercises can lead quickly from physical jerks to doctrines of demons.

(c) CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL TRAINING MEANS CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH GOD

2TI 4:7 NIV I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

paul uses an ATHLETIC PICTURE HERE from Gk.gumnazo (v.6) where bodily exercises PROFIT A LITTLE in that they do cover this life, where Godliness not only brings Divine power into our present life, but fits us for further service and consecration in the life to come, depending on our present reactions.

2PE 1:3 NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING (v.9)

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. NKJV

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. NKJV

2 Timothy 2:11 This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

NKJV

2. REALISING OUR AIMS IN A COMING LIFE

1TI 4:10 NIV (and for this we labour and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

(a) It is hard work down here

Gk."agonizomai= agonising, implies constant opposition and some degree of TEMPTATION

1TI 6:12 NIV Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2TI 4:7 NIV I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

THE PLACE OF BATTLE MAY WELL BE PRAYER.

COL 4:12 NIV Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

(b) There is A DEFINITE FUTURE REWARD

God will fulfil His promises so that we can be sure of our rewards.

1TI 4:10 NIV (and for this we labour and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

"The Saviour of all men" does not REFER TO AUTOMATIC UNIVERSAL SALVATION, since eternal PUNISHMENT IS ALSO A SURE FUTURE REWARD FOR THE WICKED.

2TH 1:9 NIV They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power

REV 21:8 NIV But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death."

GOD HAS PLEDGED HIMSELF TO CARE FOR HIS BELIEVING CHILDREN . TRUTH MUST BE EMPHASISED AGAINST A FALSE ASCETICISM WHEREBY OUR REWARD LATER DEPENDS UPON OUR EARNING IT DOWN HERE WITHOUT GOD'S GRACE, OR BY BRINGING PERSECUTION ON OURSELVES BY WRONG BEHAVIOUR.

1PE 4:12 NIV Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1PE 4:15 NIV If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.17 For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

3.PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF GODLINESS

1TI 4:12 NIV Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Timothy will earn respect by his godliness, although people look down on his youth. His example mainly lies in :-

(a) SPEECH. Private teaching and public preaching in the Spirit's power.

EPH 5:18 NIV Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord

(b) STRONG LOVE TO ALL. AGAPE love DOES good to all, especially Believers. It is not merely just the showing of affection.

GAL 6:10 NIV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

(c) SIMPLE FAITH IN GOD. This is vital

1TI 1:14 NIV The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1TI 2:15 NIV But women will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

1TI 6:11 NIV But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,

2TI 1:13 NIV What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

2TI 2:22 NIV Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

(d) SHINING PURITY. Avoi impurity of spirit, mind or action and avoid dissimulation or hypocrisy.

]4. PRACTICAL MINISTRY OF GODLINESS.

1TI 4:13 NIV Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

This is summarised as :-

(a) READING GOD'S WORD PUBLICLY. This should be done in Church L

Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. NKJV

) in Epistles and prophecies written (

1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

NKJV

) and revelations shared. (

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

NKJV

(b) EXHORTATION. This may take the form of preaching on the Word

Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."

NKJV

) or Body Ministry in the Gifts (

1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. NKJV

(c) TEACHING.Instruction on Scripture and its exposition is a real ministry. John 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Acts 13:1Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. NKJV

1 Corinthians 12:28 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. NKJV

)

(4) Spiritual Gift Ministry.

1TI 4:14 NIV Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

This is also encouraged in

Acts 6:6-8

6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. NKJV

2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

NKJV

ALL THESE REQUIRE DILIGENCE AND SINGLE DEVOTION CONTINUOUSLY to avoid your own and others falling.

1TI 4:16 NIV Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

***

EXERCISE No.6.

From the LIFE OF STEPHEN shown in Acts chapters 6 and 7, GIVE FIVE MAIN MARKS OF A GOOD MINISTRY.

Send.s.a.e. with answers to A.V.M. P.O.Box 1, NEWCASTLE, Co Down.BT33 0EP.NI

LESSONS FOR LEADERS. Keith Gerner

Lesson No 6. SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT

(B) DEACONS. 1 Tim.3: 8- 13

(a) DEFINITION OF DEACONS

(i) Deacons distinct from Elders.v.8. Phi 1:1

(ii) Work to serve in material things & handle funds for Assembly. Acts 6:3-4

(iii) Selection involved the people. Acts 6:3-5

(iv) Worked TOGETHER where funds administered. 2 Cor 8:18

(b) QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS. 1 Tim 3: 8.

(i) Similar to Elders in being serious and respectable, & sincere.v.8

(ii) RELIABLE BY BEING:

(1) Sound in doctrine.v8

(2) Conscience and moral life pure.v.9.Acts 24:16

(3) First tested before publicly chosen. Tit 1:6

(c) DEACONESSES ? 1 Tim 3:11.

(i) Women recognised in doing these duties. Rom 16:1

Wives of deacons were serious-minded, not gossips, temperate, faithful and not lax in duties.

(ii) Only one wife for each deacon.v.12

(d) REWARDS OF A FAITHFUL DIACONATE 1 Tim 3:13.

(i) Excellent standing, esteemed by fellowship and Lord

(ii)Confidence in witnessing.cf Stephen. Acts 6:8-15

(C) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTRY. 1 Timothy 3: 14 - 16.

(a) THE CHURCH. 1 Cor 3:16

(i) Should have real POWER, as opposed to idolatry round it.

(ii) Should maintain PURITY IN DOCTRINES of faith, teaching & practice.

(b) CHRIST is shown to the world by CORPORATE WITNESS of Church

(1) Christ formerly seen in flesh as human

(2) Vindicated by Spirit in holiness. Rom 1:4

(3) Seen by angels. Matt 4:11

(4) Preached among nations. He is main theme of the Gospel. Isa 61:1-3

(5) Believed on in the world, shows faith follows testimony. 1 Thess 2:13

(6) Received into glory as his life climaxed in Ascension. Matt 16:19

(D) FAITHFULNESS REWARDED AND EXAMPLE GIVEN. 1 Tim 4:6 -16

1. REWARDS OF GODLINESS 1 Tim 4:6

(a) No thought of office here but family relationship. Acts 1:16

(b) Paul warns him to keep to sound doctrine

(c) Continuous spiritual training means communion with God.2 Tim 4:7

2. REALISING OUR AIMS IN A COMING LIFE

(a) It is hard work down here. 1 Tim 6:12. 2 Tim 4:7

(b) There is a definite future reward. 1 Tim 4:10

3. PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF GODLINESS. 1 Tim 4:12

(a) Speech. Eph 5:18

(b) Strong love to all. Gal 6:10

(c) Simple faith in God.1 Tim 1:14

(d) Shining purity.

4. PRACTICAL MINISTRY OF GODLINESS. 1 Tim 4:13.

(a) Reading God's Word publicly. 1 Thess 5:27

(b) Exhortation.1 Cor 14:3

(c) Teaching and Scriptural instruction. 1 Corinth 12:28

(d) Spiritual Gift ministry.1 Tim 4:14. Acts 6:6-8

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