The Bible speaks on the deacons' character.
NOT PRIVATE AND NOT OPTIONAL
1 Timothy is personal but not private. It's for the Ephesus church, not just for Timothy. Paul's instructions are for "every place" (1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Timothy 3:14-15). Paul's instructions are: (1). for everyone, (2). not suggestions, but divine commands, (3). the entire letter which is meant to govern the church. Qualification for the overseer are listed first, then the qualifications of deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
THE MEASURE OF A DEACON'S LIFE
The list is not about what deacons must DO but about who they ARE. Ther are 3 positives that deacons must be and 3 negatives listed that deacons must not be.
1. Not Double-Tongued - countless interactions with people provide temptation to gossip or even become frustrated. Don't disclose things that don't or shouldn't be known to others. Don't gossip. Don't listen to gossip. Avoid false-flattery and gossip.
2. Not Addicted To Much Wine - Appetites should be controlled. No drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Cravings should not inhibit your work..
3. Not Greedy For Dishonest Gain - Deacons often come into contact with church money. A materialistic person will struggle with greed. They must earn an honest living and not be greedy.
4. Holds The Mystery Of The Faith With A Clear Conscience - Deacons are not exempt from knowing Scripture. They'll be in situations that often require the sharing of Biblical truth. Deacons must know the mystery. In other words, what was hidden by now revealed: the gospel and Christian doctrine. Deacons must know the faith and hold to the faith. They must also live in the faith. Know, cling and practice.
5. Tested And Proven - A church can be hurt by men who are commissioned as deacons when they should not have been. What is the process of testing and how long? Churches must use discernment to decide this.
6. Faithful Family Life - A deacon's character should begin with family life. A lousy family man or woman is a prerequisite for the diaconate.
THE PROMISE
1 Timothy 3:13 reminds us that faithful deacons will receive two gifts: (1). respect and boldness. Do deacons in your church feel respected?
HAVEN'T WE HEARD THIS BEFORE?
These six qualifications are mentioned in Ephesians 4:29, 5:18, 4:28, 5:5,3:1-10, 5:22-23, 6:1-4, 6:19. The extraordinary qualifications of a deacon are fairly ordinary. They exemplify the faithful Christian which is modeled in this office.
NO BETTER METRIC
God's Word alone is the metric for who is qualified to be a deacon.
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