The Household of God - Part 2

Healthy churches must have humble servants. “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose seven men…These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:1-7 Deacons are servants. You can be a servant and not a deacon, but you can’t be a deacon and not a servant. Deacons are leaders in the church who serve. “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons…” — Philippians 1:1 Elders serve by leading, deacons lead by serving. Deacons humbly serve the elders and congregation by meeting practical needs. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’” — Acts 6:2-4 Deacons preserve the unity of the church. “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.” — Acts 6:1 Deacons are problem solvers, not problem starters. 1. Deacons must have a healthy personal life. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” — 1 Timothy 3:8–10 2. Deacons must have a healthy home life. “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.” — 1 Timothy 3:11-12 Being a deacon is richly rewarding. “For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves.” — 1 Timothy 3:13 When deacons fulfill their responsibility, great things happen. “So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:7