Bible Studies
The Service of Leadership - Part 2 (1 Tim. 3:8-13)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. As you know we are in the process of selecting and appointing new deacons. 2. In the January, February, March quarter of our auditorium Bible class we focused attention on the subject under the title “The Leadership of Service.” 3. It was suggested in that class that we do a brief overview in Sunday morning sermons for those unable to participate in those classes. 4. Last Sunday morning we gave consideration to Acts 5:42-6:7. This morning we will address 1 Tim. 3:8-13 and the qualifications given there. 5. In hand you should have a sheet enumerating the qualifications given in these two texts of Scripture. You will notice that this sheet is designed so that it can be used for you to make recommendations of those you believe to be qualified to serve in this capacity. Multiple sheets are available. It is assumed that you will want to make more than one recommendation. 6. It has been suggested that a two week period be given during which you can meditate on the qualifications, pray and make your recommendations. The elders will collect the recommendations, talk with those recommended and make an announcement regarding the appointment of those willing to serve. 7. Reading of 1 Tim. 3:8-13.Discussion:
I. These qualifications are given to create the orderliness necessary for the furtherance of the administration of God (1 Tim. 3:14-15; 1:3-5; cf. Titus 1:5).A. The appointment of deacons is not an end in itself. We have not accomplished the objective just by appointing people. There is work to be done. People need to be cared for.
B. The appointment is the means to an end, namely that the church can carry out its work in an orderly and efficient way so that the work of God can go forward, that work of caring for those in need and reaching the lost with the message of Christ.
C. The special qualifications therefore have to do with the work that is to be done. You don’t want to put someone in charge of financially helping widows who is a liar and a thief.
II. There are three major divisions of this text.A. Verses 8-10 describes the general character traits of those qualified to serve in this capacity.
B. Verse 11 describes the qualities that wives are to have.
C. Verses 12-13 describe family traits that the man must possess. (Verse 11 could be included under the heading of “Family Traits.”).
D. Often we list the character traits enumerating each one on a separate line with little emphasis on the relationship between them. Yet this is not the way Paul addresses their qualifications.
1. Nothing wrong with making a list.
2. But the list does not show the relationship between the qualifications and to miss the relationship is to miss a critical part of what Paul is communicating.
III. Deacons must be men of dignity, that is, they must be beyond reproach (blameless) (8-10).A. Really there is only one qualification in verses 8-10.
1. What are usually considered as added qualifications are actually elaborations on what it means to be dignified.
2. Being dignified in this text is equivalent to being beyond reproach or blameless.
B. Might be diagrammed like this.
DIGNIFIED (GRAVE)
NOT THIS, BUT THIS
double-tongued holding to the mystery of the
addicted to much wine faith with a clear conscience
fond of sordid gain (not greedy for dishonest gain)
BEYOND REPROACH (BLAMELESS)
C. The qualifications listed here are not meant to be exhaustive, but to identify the character and direction of a man’s life. Ex. “Not a wife-beater” is not mentioned, but surely we would not think that one who beats his wife is qualified.
D. “Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” is key to determining one’s blameless status.
1. “The faith” is the standard.
2. One’s genuineness is critical—holds the faith with a clear conscience.
3. He is not sinlessly perfect, but in faith he is repentant and forgiven. His life is not given to worldly behavior, but is governed by the Spirit of God.
E. These must first be tested.
1. We must evaluate them.
2. Is he “dignified?” Double-tongued, addicted to much wine, greedy for dishonest gain? Does he hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience?
3. If he passes the test he is blameless.
IV. Additional family qualifications (verses 11-12).A. Wives also must be dignified: not malicious gossips, but temperate (sober-minded), faithful in all things.
1. Note here the word “dignified” is the same as in verse 8.
2. A comparison between qualifications of deacons and wives.
DEACONS WIVES
dignified dignified
not double-tongued not malicious gossips
not addicted to much wine temperate (sober-minded)
holding faith with clear conscience faithful in all things
B. Deacons must be husbands only one wife, i.e. a one woman man.
C. Good managers of their children and their own households. Being able to manage ones own household reflects the possibility of managing in the church. If one cannot manage ones own household how can he manage in the church?
Conclusion:
1. Qualified individuals duly selected and appointed can serve well the people that need to be cared for. 2. Unqualified individuals tasked with caring for the people are like foxes in the hen house or wolves caring for the flock. 3. Qualified individuals care for those who need cared for. They help to maintain unity and peace. They bring orderliness and contribute to the word of God spreading.
