I Tim 3:8-16

1. nature of the office - 3:8
1. the exact nature and duties of the office are not set forth in a systematic way
2. from this passage it is clear that there is such an office
3. from the title given to the office we can gain an understanding of what the duty & nature is
1. "deacon": one who executes the commands of another, a servant
2. because the qualifications are listed along with the pastors, there must be a close association
3. they have the role of a servant, they do not run the church
2. personal qualifications 3:8-10
1. grave
1. this word means worthy of respect, stately, dignified
2. to be of a serious mind and character
3. their service will be done in the name of the whole congregation
2. not double-tongued
1. cannot say one thing and mean another, nor spread conflicting tales
2. do not want someone that says one thing to the pastor and something else to the people
3. do not want someone who give two groups two different ideas about the same thing
4. they need to be trustworthy
3. not given to much wine
1. wine then & wine now are very much different
2. there are two types of wine spoken of in the Bible; only the context reveals the difference
3. the acceptable wine was not to be used much, so that a good testimony could be maintained
4. not greedy of filthy lucre
5. biblically sound in both belief and behavior - 9
1. sound doctrinal belief - "holding the mystery of faith"
1. "holding" stresses a constant & active steadfastness
2. not moved by false doctrines
2. sound moral behavior - "a pure conscience"
1. the great truths of the faith are not just for filling the head
2. sound Bible doctrine should reveal itself in our life
3. we are to live in the light of Bible truth
4. a pure conscience indicates a pure life
6. proved - 10
1. a deacon must be a tested individual
2. he must be approved by others, he does not approve himself
3. approval by the church precedes service - "then"
7. blameless
1. no proven charge of moral or doctrinal error
2. this will be found out during the time of testing
3. family qualifications - 3:11-12
1. godly wives - 11
1. grave
1. to be worthy of respect
2. manifest a serious attitude in religion & family
2. not slanderers
1. not a person who hurts others with gossip
2. does not lie or bear false witness
3. sober
1. spiritually alert
2. does not apply to the subject of drinking alcohol
4. faithful in all things
1. this covers a multitude of areas in the church
2. to be dependable & trustworthy
2. must have only one living wife - 12
3. leader of his family - 12
4. rewards for faithful service - 13
1. they obtain a good degree
1. this speaks of a good standing before God and His people
2. obtaining a place of importance
2. great boldness in the faith
1. boldness stresses a freedom of speech
1. believers will respect & heed the counsel of a dedicated deacon
2. faithful service will open up opportunities for teaching & giving direction
2. boldness also contains the idea of confidence & assurance
1. they can approach God boldly in prayer
2. they have boldness because their live is right with God
5. the purpose of these commands - 3:14-16
1. so that proper conduct in the church will be maintained - 14-15
1. Paul wanted to be there himself, but he realized the possibility of being delayed
2. in case of delay, he wanted them to have these instructions
2. nature of the church - 15
1. house of God
1. this title emphasizes the place where God dwells
2. in the OT God dwelt in the temple, but He was not limited to these places
3. in the NT God dwells within His redeemed people (we are the temple of God)
4. the believing members of a local church make up the house of God
1. a spiritual house
2. the foundation is Jesus Christ
2. the church of the living God
1. "church" means a called out group
2. we are the only ones who serve a living God
3. the pillar and ground of the truth
1. the church did not originate the truth, but it must support it (uphold it)
2. the church is both the protector and propagator of the truth
3. the apostate church has forsaken the truth
4. the apostates are blind leaders of the blind which lead their gullible followers into the ditch of eternal hell
3. nature of the truth - 16
1. "mystery" means something that was previously unknown
2. "mystery of godliness" has to do with our relationship to Christ (means of salvation)
3. six doctrinal truths are stated
1. God was manifest in the flesh (human nature)
2. justified in the Spirit (divine nature)
3. seen of angels (witnessed the plan of salvation being fulfilled)
4. preached unto the Gentiles (recipients of the great salvation)
5. believed on in the world ( means of salvation)
6. received up into glory (assurance of salvation)