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DEACONS: CALLED TO SERVE

ACTS 6:1-6; I TIM 3:8-13 / 8-11-19 / AM

I. THE CHURCH EXISTS TO MEET NEEDS.

A. The early church existed to meet needs—Acts 2:44-45.

B. Deacons were called to meet the needs of the church—(Acts 6:1-7).

1. Some in the church felt their needs were not being met.

2. Deacons were called by the church to meet those and other needs.

3. Men were selected who possessed the kind of characteristics

servants needed.

a. They were to be “spiritually qualified:” “full of the

Spirit”.

b. They were to be “personally qualified:” “full of

wisdom”. They needed common sense, in other words.

II. DEACONS QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO CONTINUE TO

MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH.

A. These servant qualities are found in I Timothy.

1. Deacons need to possess several “personal qualities” if they are

to serve the church—(V.8).

a. First, deacons are to be “worthy of respect”.

b. Second, deacons are to be “sincere”.

c. Third, deacons to “not indulge in much wine .

d. Fourth, deacons are “not to pursue dishonest gain.

2. Deacons also need to possess certain “spiritual qualities” to serve

the church—(vv.9-10.)

a. First, deacons are to “keep hold of the deep truths of the

faith”

b. Second, deacons are to be “tested.”

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3. Finally, deacons also need to possess certain “family qualities” to

serve in the church—(vv.11-13.)

a. First, deacons are to have wives who help them in their

service.

b. Second, deacons should be the “husband of one wife”

c. Third, deacons are to “manage their children well”

B. Paul concludes his list of deacon qualities by pointing out those who
follow this calling will discover that it is rewarding—v.13.