1 / 11

The Work of Deacons

The Work of Deacons. The New Testament Church 2017. What is a Deacon?. From διάκονος ( diakonos ) A servant, attendant, helper or minister Used about 30 times in NT, mostly translated ministers or servants (27x)

Antony
Download Presentation

The Work of Deacons

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The Work of Deacons The New Testament Church 2017

  2. What is a Deacon? • From διάκονος (diakonos) • A servant, attendant, helper or minister • Used about 30 times in NT, mostly translated ministers or servants (27x) • Distinguished from δοῦλος (doulos) referring to one’s relationship to his master; διάκονος is relationship to his work

  3. What is a Deacon? • A deacon is a qualified and appointed servant entrusted with certain works in a congregation, so that the elders can give their time to shepherding the flock.

  4. What is a Deacon? • It is an office! • While servant is a general term, this is an office distinguished from simple service(All Christians are servants – Colossians 3:24, Romans 12:11, Galatians 5:13, etc.) • Philippians 1:1 • 1 Timothy 3:8-13, qualifications imply a distinction. • NOTE: Like elders, always plural

  5. What is a Deacon? • Deacons serve under elders (if an office with authority, this is a must) • Acts 6:1-7, 7 men appointed to help the apostles relieve needy widows. While not called deacons, they serve as examples entrusted with work under spiritual leaders.

  6. Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Reverent– fitting behavior, with dignity and respect. One who is serious and mature. • A deacon must be dependable and take his tasks seriously

  7. Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Not double-tongued – not a hypocrite. Consistent in their lives. He keeps his word and is honest. (cf. Matthew 5:37, James 5:12) • A deacon must have the confidence of the elders and congregation to do his tasks. He must also be able to keep quiet when needed.

  8. Qualifications for Deacons Isaiah 28:7, But they also have erred through wine, And through intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they stumble in judgment. • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Not given to much wine – a need for sobriety at all times. Demonstrates self-control.1 Peter 1:13, 5:8 • A deacon must be able to do his tasks well and with good judgment.

  9. Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Not greedy for money – content, one who is not corrupt and cannot be bribed. Not a craver of money. Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:8, 10 • A deacon will very likely be dealing with resources of the congregation. He must be trustworthy and unselfish in this.

  10. Qualifications for Deacons • 1 Timothy 3:8-13 • Holding the mystery of the faith with a good conscience – he needs firm convictions. Genuine faith that is demonstrated in his life • A deacon must genuinely believe in what he is doing and love the Lord’s church he is serving.NOTE: This does NOT say he has to be a skilled teacher!

  11. As with the work of elders, the work of deacons is important. May we never take this (or any) work lightly!

More Related