A Place of Influence & Honor

A Place of Influence & Honor

Introduction:

For far too long the Diaconate has been demeaned and treated as unimportant. For far too long, some deacons have treated their office as just a glorified title & nothing else. In 1 Tim. 3:13, Paul concludes his thoughts on the Diaconate. Through service, deacons can gain significant influence/honor in the church. Deacons have the potential to be a spiritual powerhouse for God.

I. Deacons gain a place of _____________ & _________________.

A. 3:13 – note that these things apply to deacons who have _______ ________.

B. Those who serve well gain a ___________ ____________.

1. The context suggests this wording means that the deacon can find an honorable standing for excellent service.

C. This high standing is achieved through ________________ service.

1. The Diaconate is not a ____________ … it is a _______________!

2. Measure of any man is his __________. Mt. 25:21 – faithful servant.

II. Deacons gain great ____________________ in the _____________.

A. Confidence (boldness) in the faith indicates…

1. Openness; __________ _______________; boldness.

2. Opposite of reserve, fear, concealment, _______________.

B. Boldness is in ___________ faith.

1. A fixed set of doctrines? Not really.

2. But the deacon’s _________ __________ centered in Jesus Christ.

C. Take a personal inventory.

1. Look for ways to do mighty deeds for God & his people.

2. It is done through your __________ ___________ of Christ likeness.

D. Faith is a dynamic quality.

1. 2 Thess. 1:3 – Paul compliments Thessalonians for __________ faith.

2. 2 Cor. 10:15 – Paul wanted Corinthian’s faith to ___________.

3. But...it can be weak – because it always under attack.

4. Faith is the _______ to resisting Him & winning spiritual battles.

a) Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4

b) Unbelief ___________ men. Halts action. Destroys vision. Creates disobedience/discouragement. Deut. 9:23

E. 3:13 – as deacons faithfully serve – they develop their spiritual lives.

F. Men of faith are men of _____ & ____. Faith constantly trains or grows slack.

III. 3:13 – where is this faith rooted?

A. Faith is rooted in _________________ – the rock of our salvation.

B. We’re talking about a Christ centered faith.

C. John 15:5 – ______________ is the supreme object of our faith.

D. Faith determines our ________________ for God’s service.

1. Mt. 17:20 – failure? Lack of faith.

2. All that we truly do is done according to our faith. Heb. 11:33-34

Conclusion:

A. The real treasures of the church are its _________ – not the pews or building.

B. We’ve talked about faith today. How strong is yours? Can we help you get started building your faith?



A Place of Influence & Honor Introduction: For far too long the Diaconate has been demeaned and treated as unimportant. For far too long, some deacons have treated their office as just a glorified title & nothing else. In 1 Tim. 3:13, Paul concludes his thoughts on the Diaconate. Through service, deacons can gain significant influence/honor in the church. Deacons have the potential to be a spiritual powerhouse for God. I. Deacons gain a place of _____________ & _________________. A. 3:13 – note that these things apply to deacons who have _______ ________. B. Those who serve well gain a ___________ ____________. 1. The context suggests this wording means that the deacon can find an honorable standing for excellent service. C. This high standing is achieved through ________________ service. 1. The Diaconate is not a ____________ … it is a _______________! 2. Measure of any man is his __________. Mt. 25:21 – faithful servant. II. Deacons gain great ____________________ in the _____________. A. Confidence (boldness) in the faith indicates… 1. Openness; __________ _______________; boldness. 2. Opposite of reserve, fear, concealment, _______________. B. Boldness is in ___________ faith. 1. A fixed set of doctrines? Not really. 2. But the deacon’s _________ __________ centered in Jesus Christ. C. Take a personal inventory. 1. Look for ways to do mighty deeds for God & his people. 2. It is done through your __________ ___________ of Christ likeness. D. Faith is a dynamic quality. 1. 2 Thess. 1:3 – Paul compliments Thessalonians for __________ faith. 2. 2 Cor. 10:15 – Paul wanted Corinthian’s faith to ___________. 3. But...it can be weak – because it always under attack. 4. Faith is the _______ to resisting Him & winning spiritual battles. a) Eph. 6:16; 1 John 5:4 b) Unbelief ___________ men. Halts action. Destroys vision. Creates disobedience/discouragement. Deut. 9:23 E. 3:13 – as deacons faithfully serve – they develop their spiritual lives. F. Men of faith are men of _____ & ____. Faith constantly trains or grows slack. III. 3:13 – where is this faith rooted? A. Faith is rooted in _________________ – the rock of our salvation. B. We’re talking about a Christ centered faith. C. John 15:5 – ______________ is the supreme object of our faith. D. Faith determines our ________________ for God’s service. 1. Mt. 17:20 – failure? Lack of faith. 2. All that we truly do is done according to our faith. Heb. 11:33-34 Conclusion: A. The real treasures of the church are its _________ – not the pews or building. B. We’ve talked about faith today. How strong is yours? Can we help you get started building your faith?