Reading: Qualification for Deacons (Slides)

Reading: Qualification for Deacons (Slides)

Qualification for Deacons

By Henry Reyenga

1 Timothy 3:8-13 

⁸ Ministrants (Deacons) -- in like manner grave (meriting serious consideration), not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy lucre, ⁹ having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience, ¹⁰ and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable. ¹¹ Women -- in like manner grave (meriting serious consideration), not false accusers, vigilant, faithful in all things. ¹² Ministrants (Deacons) -- let them be of one wife husbands; the children leading well, even in their own houses, ¹³ for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire, and much boldness in faith that [is] in Christ Jesus. (Young's Literal Translation [YLT])

Slide 1

Ministrants (Deacons)

• Διακόνους – Diakonous 
• Minister, Ministry Servant, Servant Leader, a Christian Teacher and Pastor (technically a Deacon or Deaconess)
• 1 Thessalonians 3:2  and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

Slide 2

in like manner grave (meriting serious consideration), not double-tongued. (1 Timothy 3:8)

• Σεμνούς - reverent, honorable, proven or honest
• Διλόγους - telling two stories, saying different things to different people

Slide 3

not given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8)

• μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας - not given to much wine, moderate, not addicted
• Same qualification for an elder

Slide 4

not given to filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:8)

• μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς - not for greedy gain, does not monetize some situation
• Same qualification for an elder

Slide 5

having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)

• ἔχοντας τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως ἐν καθαρᾷ Συνειδήσει - deeply spiritual with undivided person

Slide 6

and let these also first be proved, then let them minister (1 Timothy 3:10)

• καὶ οὗτοι δὲ δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον, εἶτα διακονείτωσαν ἀνέγκλητοι ὄντες – and let these also first be tested (by life and Satan), then let them minister (DEACONIZE)

Slide 7

Women -- in like manner grave (meriting serious consideration) (1 Timothy 3:11)

• γυναῖκας ὡσαύτως σεμνάς - in like manner, women (not necessarily wives here) who are reverent, honorable, proven or honest

Slide 8

not false accusers (1 Timothy 3:11)

• μὴ διαβόλους – not false accusers, not diabolical, not slanderers, not gossips

Slide 9

Vigilant (1 Timothy 3:11)

• Νηφαλίους - sober-minded, clear thinking, circumspect and self-aware

Slide 10

faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11)

• πιστὰς ἐν πᾶσιν - faithful, dependable, and responsible

Slide 11

let them be of one wife husbands (1 Timothy 3:12)

• διάκονοι ἔστωσαν μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες - men and women should not be in polygamous relationships

Slide 12

the children leading well, even in their own houses (1 Timothy 3:12)

• έκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων - when the children are at home, they are leading them well (if they have children)

Slide 13

for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire (1 Timothy 3:13)

• οἱ γὰρ καλῶς διακονήσαντες βαθμὸν ἑαυτοῖς καλὸν περιποιοῦνται - for those who minister well, they receive a good standing,
• For more ministry opportunities and beyond

Slide 14

and much boldness in faith that [is] in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:13)

• καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ - and they receive much confidence, boldness, frankness, reality in the faith in Christ Jesus.