In First Timothy 3:8-13, we have recorded the qualifications that must be met for one to serve as a deacon in the Lord's church. In this article, we want to discuss the "work" of a deacon. Notice four things that are involved in the deacon's work.
First, the deacon's work involves diligent service to the church. This work is incorporated in the title of his office. The Greek word for deacon is "diakoneo." Strong defines this word as a servant (Strong's, #1249). It involves one who waits upon another. It is translated elsewhere in the New Testament as "minister" (Matt. 20:26). With this definition we begin to see that a deacon is one who serves. After a man is appointed to the office of a deacon, he is usually assigned an area of work. This work has certain responsibilities that are to be performed. Once he has been assigned to a work, he should be given the freedom to perform his duties.
The other tasks required of a deacon revolve around his qualifications. In First Timothy 3:9, one of the qualifications is for the deacon to hold "the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." The "mystery of the faith" involves all that is found in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. A deacon is one who knows the gospel, is committed to its truths, and is willing to faithfully live out these truths in his life. This man studies his Bible. He prays to God always. He is faithful in his attendance of the worship services. In other words, he seeks first the kingdom of God and the Lord's righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
A third responsibility of a deacon is the constant development of his character as a Christian. "Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money" (1 Tim. 3:8). A deacon should be a person who is deeply concerned about his character and conduct as a Christian. He rejects the world and transforms his mind by the will of God (Rom. 12:1-2). He constantly seeks to conform himself into the image of his Savior, Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). Again, he is an example to the believers (1 Tim. 4:12).
A fourth obligation has to do with the family. A deacon is the husband of one wife and the father of precious children (1 Tim. 3:12). His family unit is to be one of his primary concerns. He needs to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). He also must make certain that his children are reared in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). His wife must maintain a high level of spirituality. Within the qualifications of a deacon, it is said of his wife, "Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11). A deacon must keep in mind that the quality of his family helped qualify him for his work. In like manner, it could disqualify him if he is not diligent to maintain it.
The position of a deacon is a valuable part of the work of the local congregation. Their efforts both coordinate the activities of the members and accomplish the works of the local church. The deacon who performs his role well also benefits. "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 3:13). Our prayer is that qualified men will arise to accept the office and work of a deacon.
- The Old Paths, 7/12/15