Deacons (Part 3)

October 31, 2021 Preacher: Caleb Bunch Series: 1 Timothy

Topic: Deacons Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8–13

 
 Dignified (v.8) – This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to “respectable,” which is given as a qualification for Elders (1 Tim. 3:2).

 Not double-tongued (v.8) – Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean another. They are two-faced and insincere. Their words cannot be trusted, so they lack credibility.

 Not addicted to much wine (v.8) – A man is disqualified for the office of deacon if he is addicted to wine or other strong drink. Such a person lacks self-control and is undisciplined.

  Not greedy for dishonest gain (v.8) – If a person is a lover of money, he is not qualified to be a deacon, especially since Deacons often handle financial matters for the church.

 Sound in faith and life (v.9) – Paul also indicates that a deacon must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” The phrase “the mystery of the faith” is simply one way Paul speaks of the gospel (1 Tim. 3:16).

 Blameless (v.10) – Paul writes that Deacons must “be tested first; then let them serve as Deacons if they prove themselves blameless.”

 Godly wife (v.11) – According to Paul, Deacons’ wives must “be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” (v.11).

 Husband of one wife (v.12) – The best interpretation of this difficult phrase is to understand it as referring to the faithfulness of a husband toward his wife. He must be a “one-woman man.” That is, there must be no other woman in his life to whom he relates in an intimate way either emotionally or physically.

 Manage his children and household well (v.12) – A deacon must be the spiritual leader of his wife and children.

 

 “Assurance (translated in the ESV as confidence) often occurs in connection with speaking activities, particularly proclamation.” - Philip Towner

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