ONE WHO SERVES. 1Timothy 3:8-13 Some words often carry more than one meaning, and there are subtle differences in how the same word applies to various situations. "Diakonos" is one such word. It is used as "minister" 20 times and as "servant" seven times. The word "deacon" appears in Philippians and 1st Timothy. A deacon performs any kind of service for a master. "Diakonos" is used for a household, a king, and even the Lord—describing those who serve in the Gospel [Col.1:23] and among the saints. Paul was a deacon [Eph.3:7]; Timothy [1Thes.3:21; 1Tim.4:6]; Tychicus [Eph.6:21; Col.4:7]; Phoebe [Rom.16:1]; the ruler of the land [Rom.13:4]; and even the Lord Jesus Christ [Rom.15:8]—all identified as "diakonos." The qualifications listed for those who lead and serve the Lord's people mostly reflect the common principles guiding a godly, moral life. These exhortations are relevant to every child of God in their Christian walk. Respect is given to those who honor God by living honorable and righteous lives.
Deacons were initially selected by the apostles in Jerusalem to serve the church by practically addressing the needs of the Lord’s people. Distributing funds and food impartially requires wisdom, grace, and a lot of time. There are specific requirements these men had to meet. They needed to have a good reputation among the people, show evidence of being spiritually motivated in their lives of faith, and possess common sense and God-given wisdom to accurately discern what was truly needed by the people they served.
The deacons of the early church were responsible for meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the congregation in Jerusalem. There was no doubt about their ability to proclaim God's truth. Stephen certainly kept the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. He was a man who was “full of faith and power.” This man stood firm under the pressures of a very demanding work and was used by the Holy Spirit in extraordinary ways. He was articulate in speech and knew the word of God well. God trusted him with “great wonders and miracles among the people.”
He maintained a dignified, humble, and gracious attitude despite being under the greatest possible test. As he was dying from the pain and suffering of being stoned to death, God granted him a glimpse into heaven before he arrived, and he testified to seeing “Jesus standing on the right hand of God.” His final words were recorded and have been repeated many times by those who have been faithful to the Lord in the role they have been given.
The qualifications required of deacons also show they were trusted, capable individuals who could make dependable decisions and be accountable for them. Everyone representing the assembly in public has been proven by time and experience. Men and women trusted as representatives of an assembly are aware of whom they serve and the importance and effect of their service.
How a person perceives God within the inward man will be reflected in their outward conduct in life. We communicate through words, personal demeanor, and facial expressions; others often form opinions based on non-verbal cues as much as spoken words. Deacons should be serious, respectable, and have character worth emulating. They are to serve in the office, not just occupy it. Their personal integrity adds weight to their work and the decisions made in fellowship with those with whom they share responsibility. Deacons must not be insincere or gossipers. People should be able to rely on what they say.
The role of deacons has not diminished today, but varies depending on the location as the needs of local churches worldwide dictate. Some impoverished areas require wise men to distribute food, while others need physical acts of service to keep an assembly running effectively, tailored to the area's circumstances. Rural needs differ from those in large cities, and new assemblies have different requirements than well-established ones. The Holy Spirit understands the needs in every location and can identify those whose qualifications match the service work required in each place.
The responsibilities of deacons are broad, ranging from maintaining the physical property and managing the financial distribution of funds for the assembly to public teaching and preaching of God's word. "One who serves” (deacon) has responsibilities, whether male or female, because public testimony requires careful consideration of the fact that they serve as examples to both the saved and unsaved attendees of the assembly meetings. They are representatives of our Lord, demonstrating what it means to be a servant of the Lord through their actions.
The contrast to those who are respectful are those who are inconsistent and deceitful in their speech, with no serious or good intent in what they say. The deacon will not be given too much wine, nor will he allow anything to impair his judgment or diminish his dignity. The attraction of money and wealth turns people away from the moral judgments and decision-making expected of a leader, so a deacon must not be greedy for "filthy lucre." In handling offerings and distributing money, he must maintain a spiritual attitude. Money can divert our common and spiritual sense into a path leading to suspicion and disgrace.
Deacons deserve our respect. They have special responsibilities assigned to them. Respect is earned when a deacon is honest and straightforward. He speaks consistently to everyone, without changing stories or taking sides to please others. The deacon is not a gossiper.
To many people, “one who serves” is a designation for all Christians. However, it is clear that there is something special about those who answer the call to be deacons, servants of the church. Qualities of life, conduct, and faith are necessary to help others effectively, because there are many matters to attend to that require someone with inner sensitivity guided by the Holy Spirit.
Serving God’s people means serving God and addressing the needs of others through a person whom people can respect. Often, people overlook or neglect some matters a deacon must handle. When a problem is left unresolved, “The hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.” Deacons must address issues early and act fairly and without favoritism. Temperance and self-control are clear and consistent qualities in someone who serves the Lord by serving His people. Money is not their motivation for working hard. Their focus and effort are on the things that please the Lord Jesus Christ.
Being called upon to decide how and where assembly money is spent requires a person of integrity, whose character is not inclined toward dishonest gain. He understands that some of the Lord’s people have very little of this world’s goods, while others have much, but both give to the Lord according to what they can and are able to give. Deacons determine how it should be used to promote the best interests of the assembly. They recognize that it is not their privilege to hoard, invest, or use it in ways that are inconsistent with the purpose of God's people’s assembly.
Deacons are dedicated to God's word and the practice of preaching the Gospel about the coming of Christ into the world as a human to serve humanity, serving as the ultimate example of a servant. He was God’s Perfect Servant. His service addressed the physical, emotional, temporal, and spiritual needs of those around Him. That service culminated in Him giving His life so salvation could be available to all mankind. Anyone who believes in Him and wholeheartedly trusts in Him for living, dying, and eternal life is saved by His grace. He is our model for holy service.
A deacon, whether man or woman, is a person of self-control, someone we respect and trust. They can calmly assess problems and, under the Spirit’s guidance, handle them in a way that reflects the entire congregation of believers. Their concern isn’t based on skill but on the knowledge of God's word, understanding that they are responsible for the souls and well-being of brothers and sisters in Christ. Some are called to feed those things that pertain to the body; others are called to feed the souls.
In every situation, the deacon’s task is to discern what is best for the whole congregation and to act accordingly with tenderness and care for the benefit of the flock. They are entrusted with meeting the needs of others and supporting them in their spiritual walk. We can trust a man who is wise, even if he doesn’t speak much. His life is openly observable; we recognize him as someone who prays and diligently carries out the responsibilities given to him with a willing heart. His role is often unthankful, and he might face some complaints, but when it comes to guidance and wisdom, his words are supported by his life.