The Role Of A Deacon

In Christ’s church, deacons can also be set apart much like elders, pastors, bishops, evangelists, and other key members. In 1 Timothy 3, we learn about bishops and deacons, more specifically, and the characteristics of each. However, for this message, we will focus on deacons. It is important that we know the will of God in everything that is orchestrated for Him in His church and in all places. That is why what is said in this chapter should also be looked at in people that are called to this ministry. Paul said, ¹“likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:8-10) This is the first part of what is spoken. Up until now, we do not know if they are men or women, but in the upcoming verses will help spell this all out to us. That we may know who they are. As for now, we know that these are people who do not drink much wine, are not greedy, nor are deceitful in their dealings with others. Instead, their faith is lifted up in Christ Jesus and their conscience is pure before Him. Therefore, because of their willingness to learn and follow God’s commands, they remain blameless in His sight. You may think this is impossible, but it isn’t. Doing God’s will becomes the person we are when are born again and God changes us from the inside out. We now hate sin and love what comes from above. These people also love to pray and be led by Him at all times.

As we just learned, a deacon is a person whom God can trust because of their faith in Him. And to answer the question if they are male or female or even married, we will read the next verses. It reads, ¹“even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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.” (1 Timothy 3:11-13) So now we learn the exact type of person who should be called to this role of a deacon. And along with their great faith, they are also male and are married. This is interesting since I know of one specific church that has 12-year-old kids being called to the role of a deacon. This is the Mormon faith. But does this sound like they are following what Paul spoke of in this chapter to Timothy? Of course, they are not. Now why they do this, I do not know. You be the judge. As for me, I would rather follow what the Bible teaches than what a so-called church is now doing and calls right in the sight of God. Anyhow, what this knowledge does is find a flaw in that religion, and if a church goes against God’s Word, run far from it. Now, as for this role of a deacon, we also learn that they are sober-minded, faithful in all things, and is not one to slander another person. They are also very bold in the faith of Jesus Christ and are not afraid to lead people to Him. Even in their family, they are a wonderful father, who leads by example, to their children.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that more people would search the scriptures, in order to discover Your wisdom from on high. So many people have a Bible, but it has soon gotten very dusty over the years. How often it is that people have to be reminded to read the Bible that they finally pull it out and begin reading? Even for our ease, the Bible is easily accessible on smartphones and tablets today, but still, people are less likely to use that app compared to others on their devices. How often does it even become forgotten just like their real Bible at home? This is very sad. I know the gems that can be found for those that read Your Words. Therefore, people are missing out. Lord, it is because of the fact that so many people cannot find time to read, or even do Your will anymore, that false doctrines creep into certain churches. They may appear so good on the outside, but so far away from the truth on the inside. And so we have people being called as a deacon at the ripe old age of 12 years old in a certain church, where the Bible says they are to be married. The characteristics of a deacon, including bishops, and other key members of Your church would all stay in their purest form if people stood for You and not what their church wants. Sure, it sounds fair on the outside to allow young men to hold the calling of a deacon and even women to hold the calling of a pastor, but where is this found in the Bible? Lord, people have made the church to be their own, and not what is said in scripture. Therefore, many different churches have become so far from You and they don’t even realize it. It is my prayer that they will wake up to their sins and repent before it is too late. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.

1 Timothy 3

¹1 Timothy 3 (KJV)
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 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.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself 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 manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.