The Office of Deacon – Part 2 – 1 Timothy 3:9-13

Fifteenth lesson in a verse by verse exposition of the Epistle of 1 Timothy. This lesson finishes the Epistle’s teaching on the Office of Deacon. Also answers the questions concerning Deaconesses.

The Deacon’s Qualifications (Vs. 8-12)

Spiritual qualifications (Vs. 9)

1. ‘holding’ = having, possessing
2. ‘mystery’ = not something mysterious but a truth revealed that was previously hidden. Refers to N.T. Revelation such as the incarnation of Christ (3:16), Christ indwelling the believers (Col. 1:26-27, unity of Jews & Gentiles in one body, the rapture etc…
3. “the faith” = the body of revealed truth (e.g. Jude 1:3)
4. “pure conscience” = a man who lives in a way consistent with what he says he believes. Speaks of a man who has some inner assurance that he is living according to Scriptural principles. Refer Rom. 2:14-15 on the function of the conscience.
5. Application: Deacons need to be men who are devoted to the Word of God and willing to take a stand for it.

Maturity Qualifications (Vs. 10)

1. ‘be’ = proved primarily by others (i.e. the local church)
2. ‘proved’ = tested, tried. Word was used to describe the process of testing metals for genuineness and quality.
3. Note: Maturity is a key qualification for both the pastor and deacon (See Vs. 6).

Domestic Qualifications (Vs. 11-12)

1. His Wife (Vs. 11)
   1. The 3 views:
      1. Deaconesses: Incorrect for a number of reasons:
         1. This verse comes right in the middle of the list of the Deacons qualifications. If Paul intended a separate group, it would make sense for him to discuss it separately as with the office of pastor and deacon.
         2. This view would be inconsistent with what has already been taught concerning the role of women in the assembly (2:11-13).
         3. This view would require us to deviate from the KJV translators which is unwise!
      2. Wives of both pastors & deacons: Bro Cloud’s view. Plausible. Sometimes pastor’s wives first serve as deacons wives. Still requires an unnatural interpretation. “If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense!”
      3. Deacons Wives: The most natural interpretation and therefore the safest. Why? The distinctions between the qualifications of the pastor and deacon are best understood in light of the role of deacon. A deacon and his wife can be either the greatest blessing or greatest hindrance to a pastor’s ministry.
   2. Her Qualifications
      1. Grave = dignified, honourable, stately. Same as Vs. 4 and 8
      2. Not slanderers = ‘slanderer’ is the Greek word diaboloV which is the exact word translated ‘devil’ 35 times in the N.T. For example, “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:” (Rev. 12:9). So Satan is literally “the slanderer” or “the accuser”. A lot of the problems in our churches are because of “the devil’s tongue in the Christian’s mouth!” “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:6)
      3. Sober = serious minded, circumspect, spiritually alert and discerning
      4. Faithful in all things = dependable and trustworthy
   3. His Marriage (Vs. 12)
      1. One living wife
      2. No divorce or record of marital unfaithfulness
      3. Not a reference to polygamy (Refer. 5:9). If this verse is speaking about polygamy, then 5:9 must be a reference to polyandry which is highly unlikely!
   4. His Household
      1. Children
      2. Household = all aspects of the home

The Deacon’s Reward (Vs. 13)

1. The Condition
   1. ‘well’ = excellent, good
   2. Question: How do they use the office well? Answer: By striving to fulfil their role in accordance with their qualifications as outlined in the previous verses.
2. The Reward
   1. A Good Degree
      1. ‘degree’ = a step, rung or threshold.
      2. Refers to high/good standing. It is unlikely that this has to do with promotion in respect to position as much as attaining legitimate honour, respect and reputation as a godly individual in the assembly. Some deacons will go on to further ministry callings so this thought could be included.
      3. Note: They do not enter this office with a motive to attain recognition. These rewards follow as a consequence of humble, faithful service. The principle of God’s exalting of those who are humble applies (1 Peter 5:6)
   2. Boldness in the faith
      1. ‘boldness’ = confidence and assurance.
      2. “the faith” = refer verse Vs. 9. Deacons grow in this area as they take a stand for the Word of God and support the Pastor as he proclaims the whole counsel of God.

Conclusion

Pray for our Deacons!

Sermon 15 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 7171661533