Character Qualifications for Deacons

Introduction

Godly leadership makes the true, spiritual difference w/in the church. It is not accidental that almost all instruction on deacons relates to their qualifications. Not just anyone who wants to be a deacon can be a deacon. Placing unqualified men into church leadership is a key tool of Satan for thwarting church growth & killing a church. A properly ordered church must have morally & spiritually qualified overseers & deacons. (1 Tim. 3:1-13.)

I.  There is a need for qualified leadership.

A.     Shepherds/deacons hold positions of sacred trust.

B.     1 Tim. 3 reveals God’s concept of a deacon.

II. Deacons must be men of dignity.

A.     Meaning here comes along with the idea of being: Respectable/honorable.

B.     When thinking of a candidate for this office:

1.      Is he someone who is known & respected by the congregation?

2.      Is he someone you can trust?

III. Deacons must exhibit purity in speech.

A.     A man is no better than his word. Nothing destroys influence like deceit.

B.     Wording here – double tongued.

1.      Literally saying 1 thing to 1 man and a different thing to the next.

C.    In short, a deacon must be a man of his word.  He must mean what he says.

IV. Deacons must not be given too much wine.

A.    Not addicted... not given…

1.      To hold the mind towards, pay attention to, be cautious about…

2.      Much: “abundant, plenty.”

B.     A deacon is not to pay attention to much wine, not to attend to much wine, not to regard much wine.

1.      Saying they are not to be addicted to much wine, does not mean that a little is permissible.

C.     Much of the work done by deacons requires an alert and sober mind.

1.      Prov. 23:29-35 - does this describe the behavior of a deacon?

V.  Deacons are not to be fond of sordid gain.

A.     One’s religious office must not be used to achieve financial gain at the expense of others.

1.      Lk. 11:39b; 20:47a – Jesus dealings w/the scribes & Pharisees.

2.      Mt. 21:12a-13 – cleaned out the temple – nothing more than a retail store.

3.      Heb. 13:5a – an admonition to Christians.

B.     A man must have financial integrity if he is to serve as a deacon. 1 Sam. 12:3.

VI. Deacons must hold the mystery of faith.

A.     This qualification demands that a deacon’s life be consistent w/Christian doctrine.

B.     NT never allows people to separate life & doctrine.

C.    What is the mystery of faith?

1.      Mystery of faith – is the revealed secrets of the Christian faith.

D.    Titus 2:10 - Deacons must hold steadfastly to Christian faith & live consistently w/their beliefs.