Pastor Jerry Rockwell / THE OFFICE OF THE DEACON

Pastor Jerry Rockwell

WHY WE ARE BAPTISTS

1 Timothy 3:13 (KJV), “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

THE OFFICE OF THE DEACON.

Introduction: This verse gives the church an example of what godliness and service can do, leaving a good example built on a great reputation. To begin this study section, we should read Philippians 1:1 (KJV), “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” This verse emphasizes the major function of a deacon and a bishop. They are to be “servants of Jesus Christ.” Note the word “deacons” here, found five times in the New Testament. Four of these are found in 1 Timothy 3, and one here in Philippians 1:1. The word “deacon” has been defined in several ways. Here, we want to use the definition that states the office function is “one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister.” To understand this office, exploring some of the passages to apply this definition is best.

The word “deacon” is found five times in the New Testament. Three of the five are plural, “deacons” (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12). The other two (singular) are attached to the phrase “the office of” (1 Tim. 3:10, 13). The word “deacon” is also translated as “servant” in Romans 16:1. This refers to a woman named Phebe. She is noted as “a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.” One translation uses the word “servant” but their notes suggest it should be translated “deaconess.” The word translated “deacon (s)” (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 10, 12, 13) is only found in the verses noted. It is also translated as “servant” and refers to “a person who renders helpful service, servant.” (Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon). Some want to take the word “servant” in Romans 16:1 and make Phebe a “deacon.” That is not the meaning of the word in the context of Romans 16:1. This change of translation brings about what the New International Version (NIV) says in Romans 16:1 (NIV) “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.” Note that they changed this to make Phebe a “deacon,” but that is not the case. It would be difficult for her to meet the qualification stated in 1 Timothy 3:2, “the husband of one wife. .  .” It is easy to see how the cultural changes we see with homosexual marriage, man with man, and woman with woman, can be supported by a translation (?) that states that Phebe was a deacon. She was a “servant” (KJV), and the definition that applies here and in other places is “a servant who executes the commands of another.” It is important to note that a “deacon,” according to the statement in the New Testament, is always a man. This will be discussed when looking at the qualifications Paul gave to Timothy. It is worth noting that Paul gives Timothy the qualifications for a “deacon” but does not do so for Titus. We can “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel” (Matt. 23:24).

  1. Qualifications of an Elder, Bishop, or Pastor. For various reasons, we did not discuss this last week, but we can briefly discuss it now. They are found in two places: Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
  1. 1 Timothy 3:1–7 (KJV), “1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
  2. Titus 1:5–9 (KJV), 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker [fighter or trouble maker], not given to filthy lucre [dishonest gain]; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
  1. The Office of a Deacon. This is only the second position called an “office.” The Bible has some interesting things to say about the position of “office.” The lengthy passage in Luke 1:5-23 describes the event where Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, had an encounter with the angel about the future birth of his son, John. The point to be made here is that Zacharias was of the tribe of Levi and had the responsibility of serving certain duties in the Temple. The passage says he “executed the priest’s office” (Luke 1:8-9). This was a position held because they were of a certain tribe of Israel, the tribe of Levi or sometimes considered the Aaronic tribe. That is so because the men who served in the Tabernacle and Temple had to be of the tribe of Levi and Aaron was the first High Priest. This was a position of certain duties attached. The same is true with a deacon who had certain responsibilities mainly in the area of serving.
  2. Acts 6:1–7 (KJV), “1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 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. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” You will note this verse does not contain the word “deacon.” There is debate about the application of this passage and some will say adamantly that this is not talking about “deacons.” I would concur to some degree. The point of using this passage is to demonstrate the “need” the early church had in the growing ministry. Thus, they chose seven men whose qualifications are found in vs. 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.” Three things are noted, “men of honest report.” Men “full of the Holy Ghost.” And Men full of “wisdom.” Notice the reason for selecting these men in vs. 2, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” The “twelve” made the decision to select men to do this work while they gave themselves to the “word of God.” What the phrase “serve tables” is not fully explained but it does suggest that there was to be people who “served.” Thus, the word “deacon” has the meaning of “service” or “servant.” Let’s go to a source we have used before to gain some insight into this office of “deacon.” This writer asks the question “How are we doing in the church today?” in following this statement of qualifications and work of these men. He says, “Is this Acts 6 model the model we see in our churches? In most cases, I would say no. The model practiced today is this:
  1. The Pastor is the CEO (and is too busy for actual study and prayer)
  2. Deacons are the Board of Directors
  3. Assistant pastors do the work of the ministry.
  4. Church members give money and are entertained. What does this formula produce? Slick, cultured, powerless social organizations that have little effect in their homes and less in the world.”

I am happy to report that this statement above does not match Eastland Baptist Church.

  1. Qualifications of a Deacon, 1 Timothy 3:8–13 (KJV), “8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” These qualifications are serious to say the least. God is interested in godly men fill these positions of the church with high qualifications and sincere commitment to the work of the church.
  1. “Grave,”
  2. “not doubletongued,” vs. 8.
  3. “not given to much wine,” vs. 8.
  4. “not greedy of filthy lucre,” vs. 8.
  5. “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience,” vs. 9.
  6. “being found blameless,” vs. 10.
  7. “husbands of one wife,” vs. 12.
  8. “ruling their children and their own houses well,” vs. 12.
  9. Great rewards, vs. 13.
  1. The Deacon’s Wife and children, 1 Timothy 3:11-12. When it says the “must their wives be grave” the character of the wife is the subject and the adjectives suggest a life of honor. It says in vs. 12, “. . .ruling their children and their own houses well.” Note the pronoun “their” (used twice) which indicates both parents are to be involved in the training of the children. These are very high standards for both the pastor, deacon and both of their wives. Leadership in the church is not to be taken lightly. In the many years I have been in the ministry, there are lots of men and women that I could tell you about that have