1 Timothy 3:8-13
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.
Again, I find it fascinating at how well Scripture always seems to flow from one thought to the next. Continuing off of Paul's warning against false teachers and false doctrines, he now explains how a deacon should act and live. Earlier in this chapter he spoke on the qualifications of pastors. Now he moves on to the deacons of a church, laying out a similar list for them to follow.
First, it is important to understand that although we use this same word "deacon," our meaning could be slightly or drastically different from their meaning. For instance, some scholars do not believe that the men listed in Acts 6 were necessarily what Paul would have referred to as a deacon. And now, 2000 years later, our view of a deacon has possibly changed as well. But despite the inconsistencies that may have arisen over the last 2000 years, we all do share one important view about deacons. Deacons are servants who help lead a congregation. They are primarily in their position to serve.
Now deacons are not the pastors, and most of us would agree with today. Paul has already outlined how a pastor or overseer should act. Now he moves on to the deacons, who help lead alongside the pastor in different ways. Before a deacon can serve, he must be sure that his heart is in line with the teachings of God. If he does not follow God, having a personal relationship with the Lord, then how can he serve God's people?
Paul gives a series of qualifications for a deacon, many similar to what we have already seen for pastors. They must take matters seriously and not take lightly a concern that a church member may have about a certain situation. They are there to serve the church, and they must first be concerned about problems that may arise. They cannot be double-tongued, a gossiper. They must not be addicted to wine, for what kind of example would that set for others? They should never use their office as a deacon to promote financial gain.
Spiritually, deacons must hold to the faith, the Incarnation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Resurrection, etc. He must live a life that shows he believes these things. If he does not preserve the truth about the faith, then again what example is he giving to others? Through testing, others will see how he reacts to life's challenges. Will he hold fast to God to get him through those times or will he falter and crumble through the tests?
Like pastors, a deacon must also live above reproach. He is not the main teacher of the church, for that role is reserved for the pastor. But along with the help of other deacons, he can continue to serve the church and be involved in some form of teaching. Also, deacons should be the husband of one wife, and they should raise their families to live for God. If they cannot direct their family to God and live a Godly life in front of them, then how can they help lead God's church?
There is controversy over who the women are in this passage. I will give you the two views that I saw in the reading, but I feel the important thing about verse 11 is to see how women should act in the church. Some feel that these women are the wives of deacons and suggest that they help alongside their husbands to a certain degree. Others say that these are women deacons, believing that since there was no Greek word for a "deaconess," that Paul intended his use of speaking about women to refer to women deacons. Either way, Paul is clear on how a woman should act in the church. They must be worthy of respect (dignified), not slanderers (double-tongued and gossip), sober-minded (not addicted to wine), and faithful in all things (whatever they may be involved in with their family or church).
It is easy to see chapter 3 and think that this passage does not apply to someone who is neither a pastor nor a deacon. But I feel that is a wrong perspective. All Christians can gain some insight on how to live in 1 Timothy 3. True, these aspects are important for pastors and deacons to follow. These men are leaders of their church, and their example to others is crucial for the growth of the church. They are watched more carefully. However, all Christians are being watched each day. People like to see how we will react to certain situations in life. If we choose to live a life according to 1 Timothy 3, we will be great examples for all that are seeking the truth. They will see Jesus living in us.
Matt
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