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Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 1 Timothy 3:8-16 02/03/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles. Deacons: What Kind of People Are They?. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
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Deacons: What Kind of People Are They?1 Timothy 3:8-1602/03/2008Dr. Dane Boyles
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Timothy 3:8-9, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. (1 Timothy 3:10, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. (1 Timothy 3:11, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. (1 Timothy 3:12, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, (1 Timothy 3:13-14, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 15if 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. (1 Timothy 3:15, NIV)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? 16Beyond 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. (1 Timothy 3:16)
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? Introduction • 1 Timothy chapter 3 establishes the theological basis for how people are to behave themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • Since we are living in God’s household, since we’re God’s children and He’s our Father, we must behave the right way. • The church is God’s household. • God wants to protect us from the lies and deception of the devil.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • If anything even resembling the denial of God or ignoring God occurs, sinful practices begin and go unchecked.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • How’s God going to protect the frontiers of the church? • God gives the church instructions as in 1 Timothy. • Through these instructions, God provides faithful men who are obedient to the Word.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • The elders are the first line of defense against anything that sets itself against the knowledge of God.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Tim 3:9, NIV) • So then Deacons serve a second line of defense both against the lies of Satan and as examples of servanthood.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • Elders and deacons are the backbone of the local church.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • And only as the people of the church strive to be like Christ can they comprehend that “beyond all question” the “mystery of godliness is great” (v. 16).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • Servanthood is only understood in Jesus. • So what is this all about? • It’s about what kind of people serve as elders and deacons.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • It’s about godliness and character. • 8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, (v. 8).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • We respect people because of who they are and what they represent. • 12“A deacon must be the husband of one wife” (v. 12).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • 8 sincere (v. 8). • 8 not indulging in much wine, (v. 8). • 8not pursuing dishonest gain (v. 8).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (v. 9). • 12 must manage his children and his household well (v. 12).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • Deacon’s Wives: • 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, (v. 11) • 11not malicious talkers (v. 11).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • 11 but temperate (v. 11). • 11 and trustworthy in everything (v. 11).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • A Deacon’s Examination. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons (v. 10).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 3:13).
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? Conclusion • Deacons: What Kind of People Are They? • Choose carefully and prayerfully. • As they go, so goes the church.
Deacons: What Kind of People Are They?1 Timothy 3:8-1602/03/2008Dr. Dane Boyles