“Deacon * Diakonos: Called To Serve”

I. Introduction A. Opening Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  B. Setting the tone: Understanding the servant-leadership model. 1.) Making Disciples 2.) Baptizing Believers 3.) Growing formationally (Being Spiritually Formed.) διάκονος or diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os) ·      one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister[1] ·      a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.[2] ·      1249 /diákonos ("ministry") in the NT usually refers to the Lord inspiring His servants to carry out His plan for His people – i.e. as His "minister" (like a deacon serving Him in a local church).[3] II. The Ministry of Compassion A. Scripture: Matthew 25:35-40 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 1. Cross-reference: Luke 10:30-37 B. Emphasizing the importance of showing compassion and care to those in need III. The Ministry of Unity A. Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13 11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 1. Cross-reference: Colossians 3:14-15 B. Exploring the role of deacons in fostering unity within the church body IV. The Ministry of Service A. Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14 13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 1. Cross-reference: 1 Peter 4:10-11 B. Discussing the various ways deacons can serve both inside and outside the church V. The Ministry of Prayer A. Scripture: James 5:13-16 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. 1. Cross-reference: Philippians 4:6-7 B. Highlighting the importance of prayer in the life of a deacon and the church VI. The Ministry of Discipleship A. Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-2 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 1. Cross-reference: Matthew 28:19-20 B. Encouraging deacons to mentor and disciple others in their faith journey VII. Conclusion A. Final Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-4 2 Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. B. Inspiring the newly ordained deacon(s) to faithfully serve God and His people with humility and dedication. [1] Outline of Biblical Usage, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1249/kjv/tr/0-1/ [2] Strong’s Concordance, https://biblehub.com/greek/1249.htm [3] HELPS Word-studies, https://biblehub.com/greek/1249.htm