First Timothy 3:8-16:

[8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [14] I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. [16] Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Introduction :

Good morning church. This morning we come to the word of God in First Timothy 3 to continue observing the magnificent design of God for His church with regards to the station of deacon. We are going to start with verses 14-16 today because I think it is important to see how the purpose statement of Paul relates to the offices of the church. Notice what Paul says, verse 14, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you…” What things is Paul writing? The first answer is everything before and after.  But I also think he places this statement here, rather than at the end or the beginning, to connect it to the immediate context. He is referring to what he just taught about leaders. Continue with me in verse 14 again, “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” Notice, first the aim of writing these things is that one will know how to behave.  The desire of Paul is not for people to simply know how to think but also to know how to behave or remain or live. The idea is a present and future, ongoing action that the subject is doing. Notice, secondly, that it is how we are to “behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God.” Paul wants Timothy to know how people should act because they are in the family dwelling of God, which is the church, people called by God and assembled together for His glory and His fame. And finally notice what the church is, it is “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” Both words used here carry the idea of support. And the root of buttress means “immovable.” The church is the immovable support of the truth and our behavior effects this support. And what is the truth? The word “denotes the manifested reality clearly lying before our eyes as opposed to a mere appearance without reality.” Luke has Paul use this word before Festus in Acts 26:25 where he says, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.” This is the clearly manifested truth about who Christ is and what He has accomplished. We further see this as we examine verse 16, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by Angeles, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the word, taken up in glory.”  This is the great confession of the church, possibly a common creed or song in Paul’s day. Observe with me the confession, “He was manifested in the flesh.” (some manuscripts have just “Who” and others include “Theos/God” showing this as understood to be God by the early church) He who was from the beginning, as John 1:1 tells us, the eternal, majestic, Word of Life was manifested or revealed in the flesh. God took on flesh. He was “vindicated by the Spirit.” The Spirit attests to His glory and reveals that He was God and is justified in receiving honor and praise. He was “seen by angels.” John Calvin writes, that “the sight was such as drew the attention of angels, both by its novelty and by its excellence.”  The manifestation of God the Son draws in the attention of the majestic beings in the heavenly places. Next, according to our confession, Christ is “proclaimed among the nations and believed on in the world.” His glory has now been proclaimed to the nations, the Gentiles, those formerly not the people of God and they have believed in His name, receiving righteousness, godliness and justification. And finally, He was “taken up in glory.” Christ Jesus, our King, is in glory, seated at the right hand of God, the seat of power, exercising His perfect rule over all creation. “Great indeed, we confess is the mystery of Godliness.” Now, notice that this is the mystery of godliness.  The manifestation of Christ, His death and resurrection, and belief in Him is the mystery of godliness. Godliness exists only because of Christ and only in Christ. If you are here and trying to obtain godliness apart from Christ, I urge you to repent. Repent of your self-will, recognize that you need His righteousness, and believe/trust in His work on the cross, “vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, and now proclaimed to you.” Come to Him this morning.  And then recognize that this is the truth which the church becomes the immovable support of. John Calvin comments on just how lofty a call this is for the church, “Could it have been described in loftier language? Is anything more venerable, or more holy, that that everlasting truth which embraces both the glory of God and the salvation of men? We’re all the praises of heathen philosophy, with which it has been adorned by its followers, collected into one heap, what is this is comparison of the dignity of this wisdom, which alone deserves to be called light and truth, and the instruction of life, and the way, and the kingdom of God? Now it is preserved on earth by the ministry of the Church alone.” What a lofty calling we have beloved! Our behavior in the church supports and upholds this truth. Why? Because Christ did not die for us to leave us in our sin.  He died and rose to make us victorious.  He died and rose to show His power over sin and death. He died for us to display His perfect patience and mercy. He died to give us faith so that we may live. Paul’s purpose in writing then helps us to better understand the station of deacon in the church because I think Paul is addressing the leaders of the church in verses 1-13, who are the models of this behavior. If you remember from last week, he shifted in chapter 3, verse 1, from exhortations to all men and women, to requirements for the overseers and deacons because they are the examples to all men and women.  You see, we all should seek to have qualities of elders and deacons.  We shouldn’t say, “whew, I am glad I am not call to that standard.” No! Most of these are for everyone.  The elders and deacons are required to have them because they are the examples for the rest of the church to follow. One of the primary responsibilities of leaders is to exemplify “how one ought to behave in the household of God.” The elders and deacons are not called to manage a business or to come up with methods to keep the church engaged. Elders are called to teach the great confession and be examples of the effect of the truth on our lives. And deacons are called to serve and be examples of the truth.  E.M. Bounds sums this up well, “God is not looking for better methods. God is looking for better people. Because people are God’s methods.” This again shows us that these offices are not ones of status or prestige, but ones of faithful, humble service to the church for the glory of God. Last week we looked at the station of deacons and observed what the station is, why there is a station of deacons, and began looking at who can serve in the station of deacons.  Let me quickly summarize our observations prior to diving in.  We noticed that Paul is signifying a specific station in the church by his use of the word “likewise” which reveals that something is separated yet similar. And because of this, deacons are a separate station, a noble task to aspire to, for those qualified. This is why we have the word deacon in our text, which is a transliteration of the Greek word “diakonos” which means “servant or minister” (you can hear deacon in there). Then, we looked at the rest of the New Testaments usage of the word to see that a “diakonos” serves, carries out plans, cares for people’s physical needs, gives their life for others, to ministers to the saints. Next, we spent time in Acts 6 to see the pattern for why we have deacons which is to care for the physical and tangible needs of the church so the elders are able to devote themselves to “prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Finally, we observed from our text that the station of deacon is open to spiritual qualified men and women in the church.  I won’t go over the reasons again this morning. I encourage you to listen to last week’s message if you are wondering why.  For today’s observations though, it is important to state that it is open to men and women so we can see how the qualifications listed in verse 8-13 work themselves out. This morning we are going to observe 4 types of qualities that must be in deacons in order for them to serve and then end with the reward for those that serve well. We will observe: The Sobriety of Deacons The Self-Restraint of Deacons The Surety of Deacons The Steadiness of Deacons The Security of Deacons First, observe

The Sobriety of Deacons

Verses 8 & 11:

[8] Deacons likewise must be dignified…[11] Women likewise must be dignified.

If you remember from last week, verse 8 and 11 parallel each other in their qualities. This is one of the reasons we believe this station is open to women. Notice the first quality for men and women, the sobriety of deacons. We often think of sobriety only in terms of alcohol. Sobriety also means a state of being serious or grave. And that is the idea of the word we see in the text here. There is a dignity, a seriousness or sobriety that deacons have of life have which is worthy of respect. Those that serve as deacons should take their life, faith, and service to the church seriously.  They are not characterized by frivolous pursuits. They are not captivated by the latest fad or entertainment. This does not mean they are never funny or jovial, it means there is a gravity in which they approach all of life and it is one that invites people to follow them.  Because the task of deacon is one who serves, carries out plans, cares for people’s physical needs, gives their life for others, and ministers consistently to the saints, they must not be people who take service to the church lightly. If someone aspires to the station of deacons, they must have a certain Sobriety of life. Second, observe

The Self-Restraint of Deacons

Verses 8 & 11:

[8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain… [11] Women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things

Men and women deacons should first be marked by a level of sobriety in life and second, along similar lines, by self-restraint. I think Paul points out 3 ways they should exemplify self-restraint. Self-restraint of their tongues, self-restraint of pleasures, and self-restraint in pursuits. Notice the self-restraint of their tongues. Deacons are called “not to be double-tongued.” This means they do not to speak out of both sides of their mouths, saying one thing and meaning another. They don’t tell two different stories. They speak honestly in all things. “Women likewise must…not be slanderers.” Literally, little devils. The devil is the father of slander, speaking falsehood constantly and they should not follow him as they use their tongues. Women deacons refuse to spread gossip and slander another person. All deacons must have a self-restraint of the tongue and should be models Ephesians 4:29, speaking “only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion” for they find themselves often in the dirty parts of people’s lives as they care for their physical tangible needs. Next, notice the self-restraint of their pleasure, particularly of the consumption of wine.  Deacons are called to “not be addicted to much wine” and women deacons are called to be “sober-minded” which literally means to abstain from wine, either entirely or from its immoderate use. There is a level of self-restraint in how they approach their drink.  The word for word translation of verse 8 would be “not wine much attention to.” This is not necessarily total abstinence.  Paul will actually encourage Timothy to “no longer drive water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” in 1 Timothy 5:3. Wine was used often in the New Testament times to make the heart merry at social gatherings, particularly weddings. What Paul is drawing attention to is the self-restraint in which they approach their drink. In other words, deacons should not be known by their drink.  When you think of a deacon, you should not be able to say “oh that is a corona guy or girl” or “They really like to drink and have a good time.” There is a level of self-restraint that deacons should be known by.  This is a good word of caution in our churches today which like to broadcast our freedom in this way. Yes, we have freedom, but we must not be known by that kind of freedom. A good question to ask yourself is “would you be willing to give it up completely if you found out it was causing your brother to stumble?” If not, why not? Finally, notice the deacons self-restraint in their pursuits. Verse 8 says that deacons must not be “greedy for selfish gain” and verse 11 “women likewise” should be “faithful in all things.”  I mentioned, last week, that these are parallels as well.  Let’s look first at verse 8, “deacons must dignified…not greedy for dishonest gain.” Remember the idea is that these qualities characterize their lives.  The deacon is not one that is known for being out for number one and boosting their own pockets.  They aren’t greedy for money and willing to do anything in order to get it.  In other words, they are trustworthy in their dealings. Now, look at verse 11, “Women likewise must be dignified…faithful in all things.” This means absolutely trustworthy in all matters or life. These both carry the same idea of self-restraint in their pursuits.  Personal, selfish gain is not the deacons goal, the glory to God is.  Deacons are called to be characterized by the self-restraint of their tongues, self-restraint of their pleasures, and self-restraint of their pursuits. Our next observation is,

The Surety of Deacons

Verses 9 & 11:

[9] They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience…[11] Women likewise must be…faithful in all things.

We saw last week that the station of deacons, while caring for the physical and tangible needs of the church, is still a spiritual station.  It is not just for the grunt work of the church.  That is why the character qualifications are so high.  Deacons are called to be spiritual leaders in the way they serve. In verse 9 we see that deacons are to be sure and confident of the mystery of the faith. “They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” Notice how this relates to verse 16 which we covered at the beginning of this sermon. Paul says, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness..” and then goes on to show that this is Christ’s manifestation, death, resurrection, and exaltation; the preaching of the gospel of Jesus and the nations believing in Him and being changed from one degree of glory to another. Deacons are to not waiver in this confession. They are to be sure of this mystery. Why? Because they interact consistently with those in need within the church.  Those whose needs and situation in life may cause them to question the goodness of God.  Those who need reassurance.  Deacons must have a deep level of surety.  And this surety involves in “a clear conscience.” This carries the idea of godliness, morality, and wise living. Deacons know that they are in Christ and they know the power of the gospel because of they have seen its effects. Their lives are a testimony to it. I think Paul is linking back to this in verse 11 with women as well when he says “faithful in all things.” All things would include the mystery of the faith and godliness. Beloved, this station in the church is not for the faint at heart.  And it is clearly not a marginalized station in the eyes of Paul. It is important and vital.  Deacons must be marked by Surety of Faith. Fourth, observe,

The Steadiness of Deacons

Verses 10 & 12-13a:

[10] And let them also be tested first, they let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless…[12] Let deacons each be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons…

Timothy is called by Paul to examine the deacons, to test them in order to approve.  Deacons must be steady in their service. Paul uses the word for test as well in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The concept is like a gold miner who sifts for gold, weighing out each piece to determine its true quality, and approving of that which is good. All the qualifications that Paul has listed in verse 8-9 and will list for women in verse 11 must be examined and the deacons who serve must prove themselves to be blameless.  This does not mean they are perfect, but that they must be steady in their faithfulness to these things. “Blameless” is a synonym for “above reproach” in 3:2. The idea again is that a charge cannot be brought up and stick to them.  Their life is characterized by these qualities in such a way that any charge of negligence to them is quickly dismissed. And notice in verse 12 that this includes, for the men who are deacons, being a “one-woman man” and “managing their household well.” Finally, notice that it is the deacons who “serve well” that “gain a good standing…and great confidence” (we will break this down in a moment). The steadiness of deacons does not stop once they become deacons any more than the faithfulness of elders ceases once they become elders.  They are continually tested because they are put forward as models.  And over and over they show their Sobriety, Self-Restraint, and Surety to be Steady and consistent. Our final observation is the reward of deacons in verses 13:

The Security of Deacons

[13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

There is a reward for the sober, self-restrained, sure, and steady service of a deacon and it is one of security.  Notice the flow of verse 8-13, let’s read those again, “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul is saying, people should desire the office of a deacon, similar to the aspiration of elders, and should be qualified and tested, “for (because) those that serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” What is the reward then? Security.  Security that comes from knowing that you have served Christ well.  I think the good standing is to be thought of in light of before The Lord and not before men, as though it means an exalted position in the church.  This is because of the phrasing at the end.  The “good standing for themselves and also great confidence” are both “in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” Paul is talking about a good standing and great confidence in Christian faith. I see this to mean that there is a confidence for deacons that they are in Christ Jesus and will stand before The Lord one day to hear Him say, “well done my good and faithful servant.”  Oh, what security this is for the believer! Who would not aspire to serve as deacons to receive this reward?! May we all desire to serve well and have those things said of us. The sober, self-restrained, sure, and steady deacon has great security.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our time in First Timothy 3:1-16, I encourage you first again to examine your life.  As we look at the qualifications, the goal is not to eliminate ourselves from the diaconate because we cannot live under these qualifications.  The goal is not to separate the “spiritually mature” from the rest of the church and put them in an exalted position.  The first goal must be for all of us to strive after these qualities.  Because elders and deacons are those that lead the church, they must have these qualifications.  They are model the behavior and lives we should all have. These things are “written so that one may know how to behave in the household of God” so that we will be an immovable support of the truth of the mystery of godliness. How are you doing as a support of the great confession? How are we as a church doing as a support? How is our service within this body? What are we not accomplishing that we should accomplish? There are always ways we can grow. Think on these things, let the word challenge you.  It has challenged me in very significant ways. As I mentioned last week, one thing that has become painfully evident to me as I have studied this station is that the station of deacon is needed in order for the church to function properly and be “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” We need men and women who servants in this church, dedicated to meeting the physical, tangible needs of the body. This is the magnificent design of God for His household. And it is our job as elders to lead the body well and recommend this station to you.  It is our job to encourage some of you to move forward in this. Let me ask again then, Are you called to serve in this way? I really want to urge you to think about your role within this church and whether The Lord is calling you to be a deacon. Maybe you see ways in which our church could grow in caring for the physical and tangible needs of the body, but your response is to simply sit back and wait for the elders to set something up.  Come to us and tells us what you would like to do.  Let us equip you to minister to the saints. We want to equip you.  We may approach specifically about this station. Church, look around, do you see men and women in this body who should be put forward in this way to serve the body?  That was the pattern in Acts 6 if you remember. The apostles called for the disciples to “put forward” men to serve. Help us identify men and women to serve in this way. The elders at Sovereign Hope Church are committed to being an immovable support of the truth and we believe that implementing the station of deacons, existing of men and women who are characterized by sobriety, self-restraint, surety of the faith, and steadiness in their service is one way to continue our pursuit of this.  We are praying through how and when to faithfully implement this station and we will be relaying more information to you in the coming months.  Our encouragement is for you to pray about your role and whether God is calling you to step forward in this way. Also, pray for us to have wisdom in moving forward. I look forward to how The Lord will grow our church as we move forward.  Let’s pray.