What Is A Deacon? (Sample)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction I

• I. What Is A Deacon? 2
• II. What Are The Biblical Qualifications For The Deacon? 4
• III. What Are The Biblical Responsibilities Of The Deacon? 12
• IV. What Is The Biblical Authority For The Deacon? 14
• V. How Does A Man Become A Deacon? 18
• VI. What Are The Biblical Beliefs Of The Deacon? 21
• VII. What Are The Relationships Of The Deacon? 24
• VIII. What Is The Reward Of The Deacon? 26
• Appendix 1 28
• Appendix 2 32
• Appendix 3 36

WHAT ARE THE BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE DEACON?

• The two main reasons for having so many problems in churches concerning Deacons is first, there is not a solid, biblical understanding of what a Deacon is. Secondly, churches have ignored the biblical qualifications for a man to properly fill the office of Deacon and do the job God wants him to do.
• The church must realize that no Deacon has brought to perfection all of the necessary qualities of being a good Deacon. Honest and good men who have these qualities in some measure will grow in grace as they serve. This, of course, does not imply a man should be put into the office of Deacon so that he will be a good Deacon. No, he must first be proven that he has these qualities to some degree and desires to grow therein. He must not be chosen because he is a good businessman or even because he has great wealth or social standing. He must be chosen because of his spiritual qualifications only.
• Since the Scriptures are the sole authority of the Christian's faith and practice, he must go to Them to find God's qualifications for men who will hold the office of Deacon.

1. A Deacon must be of honest report (Acts 6:3)1

• The word comes from the greek word "martureo" which is the word for "witness" or "testimony" in the New Testament. We get our word "martyr" from it. In the passive voice it means to be "well-testified of" or "one who has a good reputation." Cornelius had such a reputation (Acts 10:22), as did Timothy (Acts 16:2), Ananias (Acts 22:12) and Demetrius (3 John 12). This reputation we are told comes through faith (Hebrews 11:2,39).2 It refers to one who has an honorable reputation and can command confidence of the people.

2. A Deacon must be full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3)

• The Holy Spirit should be evident in the life of the Deacon. He is to be "full" of the Holy Spirit. This word "pleres" means to be "covered in every part, thoroughly permeated with, complete in every part, lacking nothing."3 The word represents complete dedication to the Lord.
• The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) should be evident in the Deacon's life. This does not refer to anything supernatural, but to a normal Christian life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit. Holiness, that is, practical Christian living, should be obvious in the Deacon's life. This becomes the motive for him to "keep on keeping on" and faithfully fulfilling his job year after year. The earthly honors wear off and there is certainly no monetary rewards to being a Deacon. His staying power is the fullness of the Holy Spirit and his daily walk with Him.

3. A Deacon must be full of wisdom (Acts 6:3)

• This is the word "sophia" which usually refers in the New Testament to the wisdom of God. The Deacon is to have the kind of wisdom God has, and James tells the Deacon if he needs wisdom he is to ask of the Lord who will give it freely (James 1:5).4 The word has the idea of the practical use of knowledge and means having godly common sense. Since he is a leader in the church he should have the kind of wisdom that makes him competent in administration.
• _____________________
• 1. Acts 6:3 - "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
• 2. Hebrews 11:2, 39 - "For by it [that is faith] the elders obtained a good report. . . And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise."
• 3. Thayer, P. 517.
• 4. James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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