Deacons
are a part of the church and the need for deacons was born out of the condition
of the church. Although the word deacon is not mentioned in Acts 6, it is
understood that the men selected were doing the works of deacons. As the early
church began to grow, she experienced some growing pains. Growth is good and
every church must desire to grow in numbers. But with growth also comes
problems. It didn’t take long for murmurings to surface in the church. The word
“murmur”” has the idea of “secret debate; displeasure not openly shared;
whispering.” It means the members were talking in private and showing their
displeasure.
The
church was made up of Jews from Jerusalem as well as those who had returned to
Jerusalem from other areas who had been influenced by the Greek culture. The
Grecians were Jews who could not speak Hebrew. It is like overseas Chinese who
can’t speak the Chinese language. Naturally, the pure Jews looked down on their
Grecian counterparts and this was shown by their distribution of welfare among
the widows. They took special care of the needs of the Hebrew widows but not
the Grecians. This caused unhappiness among the Grecian widows and the matter
reached the ears of the apostles.
How
did the apostles settle the issue? They were busy with preaching the word. This
administrative work is important but preaching the word is more important. So
they decided this work should be done by other faithful men.
As
we look at the church in Jerusalem, some 2,000 years ago, we will find
similarities that remain in today’s church. There are many things to do in the
church. The elders cannot do all the work. God knows it and He puts in place
the office of deacons.
The
word for deacon generally means a servant. The apostles were not hard-hearted
or unconcerned. Their priority was centred on the ministry of the Word, but
they knew that these were legitimate needs that must be taken care of. This is
where the deacons are so vital to the welfare of the church.
Deacon
is an office ordained of God and He established the requirements (1 Timothy
3:8-13). The church at Jerusalem was given a set of criteria when selecting the
first deacons. They are:
1.
HONEST REPORT. This means they are men who are well reported of and having a
good reputation. Deacons must be men of integrity who are faithful,
trustworthy, morally upright, and trusted by all. “Deacons likewise must be
dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for
dishonest gain” (1 Timothy 3:8, ESV)
2.
FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. It means men who are spiritual. They are not men who
are worldly. They are spiritual minded and are concerned with spiritual things.
“They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1
Timothy 3:9, ESV).
3.
WISDOM. Deacons are to be men full of wisdom; this means they must be mature
men. Paul warns of ordaining a novice, one who is not settled and mature in his
faith (1 Timothy 3:6). The work requires them to make decisions, some of which
are not easy.
4.
WORKING MEN. They are men who have proven themselves because they are already
serving faithfully in the church: “And let them also be tested first; then
let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless” (1 Timothy
3:10, ESV).
When
seeking out deacons, we need to seek men who are already found faithful and
serving the Lord. If a man doesn’t have a desire and
willingness to serve, he isn’t qualified biblically to hold the office of a
deacon.
Are
you a deacon? In a general sense we all are. Still, the church needs men to
lead in specific areas of work. For example, the elders would prefer to have a
deacon to take charge of building maintenance, one who will take care of all
the repairs and sourcing materials and contractor, and supervising the
contractor.
I
call on all our men to “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (John 5:8). You
have been too comfortable lying down all these while; you need to start walking
the faith. You cannot give excuses like Moses; it didn’t work. You can’t run
away like Jonah; it didn’t work for him too. You just need to obey the Lord’s
command: “Follow Me” (Mark 2:14).
Yes,
follow Christ and be His servant.
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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