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 ____________________ leadership.

A.     Shepherds/deacons hold positions of sacred trust.

B.     1 Tim. 3 reveals ________________ concept of a deacon.

II. Deacons must be men of __________________.

A.     Meaning here comes along with the idea of being: ____________/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 ________________?

III. Deacons must exhibit __________ in _______________.

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

B.     Wording here – ____________-______________.

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 ___________.

A.    Not addicted... not given…

1.      To hold the mind towards, ____ _________ ____, be cautious about…

2.      Much: “abundant, ______________.”

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 _________ wine, does not mean that a _______________ is permissible.

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

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

V.  Deacons are not to be fond of __________ __________.

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 _______ _____ if he is to serve as a deacon. 1 Sam. 12:3.

VI. Deacons must hold the _____________ ________ ______________.

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

B.     NT never allows people to separate _______ & _________________.

C.    What is the mystery of faith?

1.      Mystery of faith – is the _________ ________ of the Christian faith.

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