DEACONS Part 3
Qualifications (continued)
Paul, by inspiration, outlined the qualifications for the deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Keep in mind, that as listed in these articles, it is not an exhaustive study of these but a brief resume’ of what God requires of a man to serve in this capacity. In the previous article we listed the first three out of nine. Continuing are:
“Not greedy of filthy lucre” simply means that he is not a lover of money. Since often times a deacon will handle the financial matters of the church then he should be above reproach.
He is to hold “the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” means that he is sound in faith and life. He is faithful to the Holy Word of God. He lives an exemplary life. He will be faithful in his study of the Bible. He will attend faithfully all the services of the church and participate in the activities of the congregation.
“Blameless” means that after having been proved or tested that accusations cannot be brought against them. “Moreover, the congregation should not only examine a potential deacon’s moral, spiritual, and doctrinal maturity, but should also consider the person’s track record of service in the church.”
“Even so must their wives….” To be a deacon he must have a godly wife. She is vital in his work and is not to bring reproach upon him or the church. Some debate whether this is a qualification; but how could it be otherwise. If he does not have a godly wife he cannot be a deacon. Later we will cover those requirements for her.
“Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife.” This disqualifies any woman from serving in the capacity of a deacon. Bro. Burton Coffman said this, “The notion that Paul laid down hard and fast regulations regarding the marital status of both elders and (male) deacons, and he then authorized a whole new echelon of (female) deacons without specifying any marital qualifications whatsoever, is too unreasonable to believe. No! The people who are determined to appoint female deacons will have to find their authority and their guidelines somewhere else than in the New Testament.”
The deacon is one who is “ruling their children and their own houses well.” He is the leader of his house both spiritual and otherwise.
Being a deacon brings great rewards.
Larry