Paul
the apostle had much to write to Timothy concerning deacons. They
were to “be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine,
not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a
pure conscience”, and they were to be “proved” and
“found blameless” before they held their office. Their
wives were to “be grave, not slanderers,
sober, faithful in all things”, and they were to only have “one
wife” as well as “ruling their children and their own
houses well.” In chapter three and verse thirteen of his
letter, Paul told Timothy why these requirements of deacons were so
important where we read:
For they that have used
the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree,
and great boldness in
the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The verse begins, “For
they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to
themselves a good degree,” Paul
began with the word, “For”
which means “because, since or concluding” and then wrote“they
that have used the office of a deacon”
which is only one Greek word “diakoneo” which means “be
a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon and minister”.
Paul added, “well” or “beautifully, finely, excellently,
rightly, honorably and commendably” “purchase to themselves”
which means “to make, to remain over, to reserve, to leave or keep
safe, to lay by, to make to remain, preserve and get for one's self”
“a good” or “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent,
choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable and
admirable” “degree” which literally means “a threshold
or step” and refers to “a grade of dignity and wholesome
influence in the church”. In other words, those who obtain the
office of a deacon make and keep for themselves an honorable,
excellent and precious grade of dignity and alimentary influence in
the church.
The verse goes on to say, “...and
great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” In
addition to obtaining a position of great honor and influence, the
deacons also purchase to themselves “great boldness”
which means “much and large freedom in speaking
unreservedly, openly, frankly, without concealment, ambiguity,
circumlocution or the use of figures and comparisons. They share
freely, fearlessly and confidently with cheerful courage and
assurance” “in the faith” or “conviction of the truth
of the gospel of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ” “which
is in” or “that is found in” “Christ” which
means “the anointed one” “Jesus” whose name means
“Jehovah is salvation”. Deacons not only obtain a great position
in the church and for themselves, they also have a great boldness to
share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
As we ponder Paul's words,
we can sense the importance and significance of the office of a
deacon. Those who abide by the requirements given by Paul not only
bless the church, but also bless themselves as well. Deacons also
obtain an ability to boldly share the gospel wherever they are. When
we refer to Acts chapter seven, we can see that Steven who was a
deacon spoke very boldly when he gave testimony before those who
would eventually put him to death. There were other deacons who
obtained their office and became great evangelists afterwards.
Perhaps we should allow ourselves to desire these traits found in
honorable deacons, and may the Lord add boldness to us to share His
gospel throughout the world.
Next
time Paul tells Timothy about his desire to see him, so read ahead,
and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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