S) "8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach."
1 Timothy 3:8-10 (NASB)
O) This is, in many ways, a follow-up to the entry about vv.1-3, on 12/08/2015. The first thing that we notice, is that deacons are described as definitely plural, while the term "overseer" in v.2 was singular, literally being "the overseer" of the church. That does give some indication of church structure, at least where Timothy was, suggesting one overseer and multiple deacons. The second thing, is that this list of qualifications or qualities is shorter and a little different. Paul does start with the word "likewise," though, and that could mean that the overseer must also meet the requirements of the deacons. Either way, the comment about wine is almost verbatim, and the fondness of sordid gain certainly corresponds to the love of money (see v.3). The family structure and stature is the same, although it's repeated after a comment about women in v.11. This fact might also be an indication that this "lower level" of leadership was allowed to have women in it. We might see this particularly, because with deacons there is an absence of a teaching requirement (see v.2 and 1 Timothy 2:12). Verse 9 could be a little difficult to track, but we get a great clue later in this chapter (v.16), when Paul uses the term, "mystery of godliness," and then outlines the gospel. Holding it with a clear conscience should probably be done by the overseer as well, but that seems like it would be engulfed in the requirement to be able to teach. So, a deacon must certainly hold good doctrine, but isn't necessarily required to be able to teach. The last difference to note, and possibly most interesting, is in v.8. Deacons must not be double-tongued, or given to double-talk. This is noteworthy, because if there are more than one deacon, and they have the same roles or authority, but someone among them is deceitful or hypocritical, saying one thing to one deacon, but another thing to a different deacon, this will cause a great deal of dissension. Obviously, the overseer should also not have this trait, but if he did, the honest and forthright deacons with him would be able to easily identify it.
A) Given the depth of vv.9-10, it's kind of curious that I was most drawn to v.10. What really struck me, is that Paul is encouraging the evaluation, the judging, the testing of these men. Just as the best teachers are they themselves the most teachable, the best leaders are the most humble. Jesus made it clear that leaders in His kingdom are there to serve. With that in mind, anyone in a service position should welcome criticism, to identify how they might serve even better. That must be my attitude. Three years ago today, on my 10th wedding anniversary, I took my wife out for coffee for several hours. I went through a questionnaire from our church's counseling office, of about fifty questions. Some of them were kind of fun, but some of them were really hard. It was one of the most fruitful conversations, and it strengthened our marriage. It set a precedent, that I wanted to know the things I was doing poorly, just as much as I wanted to know the things I was doing well. The same must be true in every form of ministry I ever undertake. If anyone ever tests me about my character, that is not a reason for alarm. If I am in any kind of leadership role, I should volunteer to be tested in every way. I don't want to lead if I am unfit. I must always be humble enough to understand that I may not see sin in my life as clearly as a trusted and mature brother will see it. I must always be humble enough to understand that others may certainly be more qualified than I am. I must always be humble enough to understand that failing a test still honors God, if I am repentant of my failings and submissive to authority.
P) Father, I do want to be used, but only for Your glory. Let Your servant always be found humble and teachable. I pray that You surround me with trustworthy men who can test me honestly and lovingly. I pray that I pass the test, not that I might become someone great, but that I might show others how great You are. In the most basic way, I pray that I continue to be faithful, leading my wife and children well. Let me always see them as my first priority in ministry and love. Let Your will be done, above all else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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