What Qualities Does the Bible Expect of a Deacon? - Sermon

Kowloon International Baptist Church - Dr. James "Butch" Tanner's sermon titled "What Qualities Does the Bible Expect of a Deacon?" 1 Timothy 3:8-13 delivered on 6 October 2024. Please visit us at: www.hkkibc.org
Sermon Notes:
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul shared strong biblical guidelines for those who are selected as deacons. Proper selection would not be based on their position in the community, popularity, or wealth. Like the pastor, deacons are to be held to a higher standard. They represent godly leadership to the congregation as a whole.
As we see these qualifications, we can recognize that they are excellent things for each one of us to strive towards.
God expects a deacon to have
1. Personal character qualities. v. 8, 10b, 12a
Matthew 5:37, Proverbs 6:16-17, Romans 14:21, Luke 16:13
2. Spiritual life qualities. v. 9
Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 1:26-27, 1 Timothy 3:16
3. Christian service qualities. v. 10a
1 Timothy 5:22a, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1
4. Home life qualities. v. 12
Mark 10:7-9, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17