Let Them Serve as Deacons

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Let Them Serve as Deacons

• 1 Timothy 38-13

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Definition of Deacon

• Thayers Greek Definitions d??????? (diakonos)
• one who executes the commands of another,
  especially of a master, a servant, attendant,
  minister
• KJV translations of Diakonos
• Minister 14 Ministers 6
• Servant 4 Servants 3
• Deacons 3
• Context determines if reference to the office

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Acts 61-6

• Term deacon not used here
• That this was a job of import signified by
• The nature of the job (over this business)
• The qualifications of the men
• Of good report (reputation)
• Full of Holy spirit and wisdom
• Laying on of apostles hands
• Office of deacon is the only one that fits here
• Notice the purpose of this in verses 2 and 4

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Philippians 11

• Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
  To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in
  Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
• Paul addresses the bishops and deacons
• These are the only two offices in the church
• That deacons is stated with bishops apart
  from the saints signifies that this is a
  distinct office, not a general term.

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1 Timothy 38-13

• Deacons must be
• Reverent
• Not double tongued
• Not given to much wine
• Not greedy for money
• Holding mystery of faith with pure conscience
• Blameless
• Husband of one wife
• Ruling children and house well

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Hold It!

• Verse 11 states the character a deacons wife must
  have
• Must be reverent
• Not a slanderer (false accuser)
• Temperate (sober, moderate)
• Faithful in all things (one who can be trusted)
• As with elders, deacons need wives who will be
  strong for them, bear with them the burden of
  their duty, and be good examples

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The Duty Has Its Reward!

• 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 Tim 313 (NKJV)

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Some Points to Notice

• The office of deacon holds no authority
• The elders may authorize a deacon to perform a
  task, thus he bears such authority as granted him
  for that purpose.
• Deacons are not Little elders
• The office is authorized by God and is honorable,
  with its rewards
• Number suitable to the task at hand
• Seven men served the thousands in Jerusalem
• Deacon appt. should be weighed seriously

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• The office of deacona noble goal for which all
  qualified men should aspire!
• Remembera deacon is a servantas we all should
  be!
• May God grant us godly, spiritual men to serve
  as deacons in His church to fulfill His purpose
  as we glorify Him.

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