“LIKEWISE MUST THE DEACONS”
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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” ( 1 Tim. 3:8-13).
The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos” which means servant. Not every servant is a deacon, however, because Paul, to Timothy, in the above passage specifically set it apart as a work based on certain qualifications. A deacon is a servant.
Deacons are vital to the work of the church. A Congregation is not going to accomplish its full potential unless there are an adequate number of deacons. The organization of the church was designed by God and He placed elders as the overseers of the congregation (1 Tim. 3:1-8; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 5:1-4). God set in the church certain works for a particular reason (Eph. 4:11-12). The Apostles saw the need, in the early church, to select certain men to do a certain work in order that the Apostles may do their work (Acts 6:1-7). Deacons are vital and important. Here are some reasons why:
Deacons allow the elders to do their work of overseeing the flock. The writer of Hebrews say that elders watch for souls (Heb. 13:17). Elders cannot watch for souls if they have the responsibility of taking care of the physical needs of the church. Deacons need to care for the benevolent works of the church (Acts 6:1-7). Elders need to spend time in prayer, teaching, guiding and helping members solve their spiritual needs. Deacons allow the process God ordained to take place.
Deacons are another set of eyes and ears for the elders. In their work as a deacon these men will sometimes observe things that have been missed by the elders and therefore bring it to their attention. Elders are not gods. They cannot be everywhere and in every place at all times. Deacons perform a great service to the elders in this capacity.
Deacons make it possible for things to run smoothly in the congregation. Congregations are happy and can save more souls when everything goes as it is desired by God. It is God’s plan to have elders, deacons, preachers and others to function in a congregation.
God bless good deacons.
Larry